Metals class . . . it starts without me!

The fall semester of my metals class is starting back up again today, but sadly I won't be joining them.  I have another commitment that I need to see through, but will join back up again with the spring semester. I have been very fortunate to learn under an incredible artist and instructor, Diane Falkenhagen. You absolutely must check out her work here. The piece "After Canova's Paolina" that appears on the home page of her website is carved from corian and is one that we got to see in the different stages of its completion. Her work is stunning!!

I remember when I first started this class several semesters ago, it was my very first experience with a jewelers saw, and after first starting with metal clay that you can roll, stamp and sculpt with your hands, it felt quite odd and very frustrating to be tediously sawing out of sheet metal. I thought for sure I would not be returning for another semester. But, hesitantly I did.

It was this next project where I finally started becoming one with the saw, we were at last beginning to become friends. The assignment was to make a layered narrative piece with various metals or materials and it had to include rivets. I chose this design, which is one that I originally meant as a project for metal clay but instead broke it down into 3 layers.

Nature has been an integral part of my soul ever since I can remember, and as a very young girl my favorite quote was, "There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it," by Minnie Aumonier. This quote begged to be included in this piece . . .

• Top layer is copper in a rich dark brown patina and in the shape of a birdhouse
• Second layer, a tree, is brass and represents where the birds are making music
• The third layer is an eggshell finish on copper with blue resin on the front and the above saying etched on the back -it's representative of a birds egg.

The entire piece is then riveted together with sterling silver wire and has a textured brass bail 

that allows for movement.

Last spring I tried enameling for the first time. Can you say LOVE! I drew my flower shapes and cut them out of paper to use as a template to saw them out. Our class is very limited with the enameling colors we have so this project has been put on the back burner until I can purchase some enameling supplies for home . . . soon, I hope very soon! (honey, if you're reading this - hint, hint)

One of my class buddies doing some filing of her project.

And my very best class buddy working on a ring.

 

More class students working . . .

 

At the solder station . . .

This is a picture of silver that has reached its melting temperature and is being used in a process called lost wax casting. 

Well, since I can't be at my metals class today I think I'll just go to the beach!!

Have a great day!

Love, Kim

XO