I was away for a couple of days with no computer access but I’m always in the mode these days for thinking about my art and where I’m headed with it. I have been seriously thinking of developing some metalsmithing skills but was hesitant to invest in all of the equipment before I had gotten a good taste of the medium.

I had a chance to take a most affordable class in Chiang Mai Thailand last year as I was awaiting a new passport. The whole class cost less than $35 including the silver and I was able to produce a passable pendant in that time. For any of you traveling to Thailand I recommend Art Lab for a one to five day class.
The teacher was what I would call rather hands off and that was good. there was no lecture, no handouts,
just jump right in and start learning some basic technique, each of the five of us having our own bench and tools to work with.

I have included a couple of photos of that piece.
I was back east visiting my folks and was able to visit Pauline Warg’s jewelry supply store. I had picked up a book of hers called “Making Metal Beads” that had really inspired me. www.wargetc.com
At Christmas I picked up a copy of “The Complete Metalsmith” by Tim McCreight, also from Maine. ( Extra cool for me since I was born in Maine)

The next chance I’ve had was visiting Bisbee, AZ last month with a former Alaskan, Ali Kauss whose work I much admire. www.alikauss.com

I had just bought a slew of amethyst stalactite slices at the gem show in Tucson and was inspired to make a setting. Not feeling so confident on soldering ,I chose to do cold work it. She helped me with an idea to feature both sides of the slice and she also joined me in creating one for herself.

While I was out relaxing out of town at our other house we met up with the neighbors and I found out that my neighbor is wanting to sell her jewelry tools and I’m thinking this is a sign. I totally coveted the bench that her husband had built for her. How convenient is that?

For my beginning projects I’d like to start fashioning my own findings at least and advance from there.
so I’m really feeling that the time has come for me to make this next step in my development as a jewelry maker to add more originality to my designs.

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