What Do I Want To Learn Next?

Okay, so what do I want to learn?  Hmm....that is a toughy.  I am already learning so much in my metal smithing class at East Tennessee State University.  This semester we had to do 3 samples - a perfect cube, a river rock, and a 4-sided pyramid. 

The pyramid had to scored and folded into its shape.  I learned that it is not easy to score brass if you have the wrong tools!  It is not quite finished yet - that is this weekend's project as it is due on Tuesday morning.  The rock shape needs more sanding to remove the excess solder.  These exercises were all about soldering and shaping.

So, now, I would like to learn the art of coloring metals!  Whether by colored pencils, paint, or patinas.  I love colors.  So now we need tutorials on different methods of coloring metal!

Asapdesigns has a beautiful example of colors done on etched metal at:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/58605727/.  Go take a look!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63891695/unisex-copper-foldformed-cuff-free.  This one is colored by the use of flame by WabiBrookStudio.

I also really really really need to learn cold connections better.  I am not very good at it and need more work and instructions.

But the biggest technique I need to learn is designing!!  I look at this:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/9023267/doppler-effect
by Joyfulcrow, and realize that I don't know a thing about designing stuff.  So I will be taking a 2-D class next semester in addition to another metal smithing class.

All in all, I want to learn everything there is to learn about playing with metals. Maybe even welding!

My Very Messy Work Spaces!!!

Here is my workbench inside the house.  It is part desk, part workshop. Sawing, and hand stuff go on here.

And here is the outdoor workshop.  Here I do my soldering, repoussee, and kiln firing.   It is a small place as you can see, but keeps the explosive stuff outside.  No heat or air conditioning!  

And now you see the outside of my workshop!  Cute, eh?  Sometimes I wonder how I get stuff done!

The small desk (an old very vintage manicurists table!) is my metal clay work space.  Also in this room is my computer and Stev's computer, along with the wood stove. Very cozy in the winter! 

Where Have I Been?

I have certainly neglected my blog for almost a year now.  I am bad.  or lazy. or whatever. But here I am again!.  Since then I have taken a class at ETSU on beginning metalsmithing - this has started an obsession! For metalwork and stones! 

This fall I have enrolled in the intermediate class on metalsmithing.  Yay!! More metal hammering, I can use the rolling mill and the press at school! I should be able to make some textured metal.  Hee hee! What fun I can have.

It has been miserably hot and dry here in our holler.  The creek is down very low and the trout are having a hard time.  I have been feeding the ones in the pool below our creek overlook.  We have several good sized fish there!  And one I want to catch for a dinner.  Yup, they need to be caught to allow the rest to grow up.

Okay time for jewelry showing!!

And now one of my favorite pics from this summer!

What kind of person would I be if I didn't include Loki, our dog, in her favorite pose?