Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.
Last weeks winner is Marie Cramp! Congratulations! You have won a set of Branch Disk Beads from Humblebeads. Email Heather your mailing address and we will get those right out to you.
This week we're peeking into the studio of Lynn Davis, where metal has taken over the studio in a big new way.
This post first published on June 5, 2009.
Hi! Welcome to my studio, where I'm embarking on a long-held so dear wish to work with metal, my dream is finally coming true! I've always wanted to work in cast pewter, but didn't have the experience, supplies or equipment. Slowly I gathered them! Now the research and development phase is going on and the results are being tested, but I'm so excited about working with hand cast pewter! I want to show you some of the newest pieces.
Several years ago I traveled to Ireland and saw such beautiful celtic crosses and other iconic designs that I loved. I went in serious search of antique metal jewelry, medallions and medals, but had no luck finding the genuine old ones. I found some Italian style religious medals that I brought back as keepsakes, but I was sad that I didn't find the ones I truly wanted. I had the images in my mind, but I couldn't lay my hands on them then.
I've been studying, researching, testing and playing with casting the pewter, and now finally I'm able to create my own faux replica antiques in beautiful, soft metal with that old, worn look. To my eye some look french or possibly german, but they all have that sweet, old-fashioned feeling and a rustic patina that makes them feel very ancient.
I'm so very, very happy! I can also combine the metal designs with the other faux-tiques I make and get closer to that antique, worn and well-loved look I've been wanting. It's great, and I'm enjoying it so very much. I want to make hair gems, and belt buckles, clasps, ornaments and many more things right away!
Answer this question by posting a comment here, you may be the one chosen to win one a special goodie from Lynn!
Do you have a technique or material you've been longing to try, something you want to learn in 2010?
Post your comments here, do tell, I'm so anxious to hear all your stories!
Posted by dainty metalcaster Lynn Davis who looks oh-so-quaint in her closed-toe shoes, heavy leather apron, long insulated gloves, respirator, safety goggles and headscarf! SCARY CUTE!
22 comments:
What was THE question?I would like to become adapt with polymer clay,but so far,everything I make is just so much blah.But I will keep trying,because every now and then,I see something that opens my eyes and gives me hope.
Yes, I very much want to learn more about PMC. I've taken one class and got a kiln from Santa.
I really want to learn silversmithing to set stones in rings. Our local art college offers classes but only during the day when I am at work. I have been gathering materials and watching videos for some time but haven't felt confident enough to try it yet.
I want to learn more about wire wrapping. Lucky me, I have a good friend who is a whiz at it.
I want to start setting stones in a very rough, natural setting......just don't have the confidence yet!
Happy 2010!
I'm dying to try raku. I would love to make some raku cabochons and then set them in sterling silver.
copper clay
I really want to try working in Bronze Clay soon. I've got almost everything I need, I think... Now to figure out what else I need and place an order. (When I get a bit of extra cash...)
I am interested in learning a lot more about wire working with my polymer beads. I received a book for Christmas and will be experimenting as soon as I receive the wire that I ordered.
I think it would be great fun to cast pewter beads and charms, but that is way over my head! I would like to experiment with PMC, but I haven't taken the plunge and ordered supplies yet. I just got some resin though, so I am excited to play around with that! Maybe make my own bezels too...
I love the pieces you made. So antique looking, but fresh.
I have always wanted to be a metalsmith. Working with stone, which I love, it just seems natural for it to be joined with metal.
I work with some wire now and hopefully I will graduate to sheet metal and cold connections. From there I expect to learn fusing and other torch work and even casting.
I promised myself that I would learn at least one new technigue each 2-3 months this year. As with any New Years resolution it will be sticking to it and not letting other things get in the way.
Paula Lee
I really am interested in trying resin. I am also thinking about a PMC class & a fused glass class. I did try a little glass fusing when I was in college, but it was all self~led w/ a book as my guide. I would love to have an actual teacher right there to answer questions. Altered books & small shrines are on my 'to~do' list as well. So many new things to try.....
i think silver clay would be fun to try-right now i am trying to lean Cubic Right Angle Weave-
even tho i found a bead site with a video on how to do it-i'm stuck but i will keep trying not going to let those itty bitty beads beat me :)
enjoy your day
tabby
www.crookedheartart.blogspot.com
I've been a lurker on Lynn's blog for some time now and I'm always amazed at the beautiful pieces she creates.
There are so many techniques I want to try, but because of the set-up cost or lack of time to learn and experiment, I may never get the chance to try them. So I think I've settled on trying my hand at working with wire and sheet metal, and then moving on to resin later in the year. We'll see how that goes.....
I love Lynn's work very natural and organic feeling!!!
There is so much I would like to learn...where do I begin...for one I would like to work on my silversmith skills, that alone is a lifetime of learning...work with PMS/ArtClay, Friendly Plastic, maybe polymer clay...
Cheers
I want to try PMC casting - will be taking a class in Feb. Also would like to do more wire work. Your pieces are wonderful - I enjoy seeing the new ones on your blog. Have a wonderful year.
I am working exclusivly with wire these days and put beads on the shelf for a while. I have learned how to make birthstone rings that run between 20-25 dollars a ring depending on if I wrap all the way around or just the bottom of the shank. As I said I am just learning how to do this and hope to become proficent by the time my first show for the new year in April. Wish me luck.
i've been playing with soldering sheet metal. I can make my own bezels now, and have really increased my tool hoard over last year. This year, i hope to become more adept at torching. Maybe learn a bit about ring-making too?
Just love your metal work.
I make Vintage Jewelery from old and broken necklaces ect, also brass stampings that I embelish with Vintage Swarovski Crystals, some are very rare.
I was given a book called Hot Textiles which came with a heat tool which includes woodburning,leather crafting embossing, personalizing, paper crafting and of course soldering,the latter I can do, but, I just love the thought of creating Jewelery using these technics and others in this book
Guess I'm going to be a busy lady.
I would like to try resin filled bezels, oxidizing with Liver of sulfer & also try some rubber stamping on polymer clay.
With the last trip to the States I picked up a really great rust patina kit I have been experimenting with. I love that I can "grow" rust on just about anything. I also picked up a propane torch so I will be experimenting and switching from butane to propane. Propane is readily avilable here but I can't find butane anywhere. :(
Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.
I'd love to try working with sheet metals.
Post a Comment