torch and tree
newsletter for the emerging silversmith
July, 2011
Greetings!

Summer is sizzling in the studio this month. Have a peek at the new collection in The Fifth Element: Stories in Wearable Art. Learn a few new tricks in chain making, congrats to the winners of "The Purple Hammer", and see a "Bezel, boo boo" in this month's newsletter.

Opening Night 

What fun we had on opening night of "The Fifth Element: Stories In Wearable Art"! Thanks to all of you that turned out for the champagne and goodies. It was great for me to see you meet your fellow smithys and get a peek at the student section of the show. I am so proud of all of you.
2011 Blair Anderson show openingThe show runs until July 31 in the Popcorn Gallery. Hours are: Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, Noon til 6:00 pm. View the online version here .

Teardrop ChainA Simple Teardrop Chain 

This is a project that is as easy as can be but has very impressive results, and for you fusion fans you will have a "ball"! The concept can be modified by making the links larger or smaller, or using different gauge wire.


Learn how here.

This chain was used in the piece titled "Vortex".

Want to expand your skills? what are you waiting for?

Upcoming Classes

Intermediate Silversmithing:
July 28-Aug 25 
Thursday evenings, 6:30-9:30pm.
This course expands on the skills learned in Beginning Silversmithing with creating bezels for faceted stones, learning charcoal casting, applique/piercing, and  fold-forming. If you have completed a Discover 1 & 2, or Beginning Silversmithing, you are eligible for this course

Upcoming Workshops
 
Discover Silversmithing 2 Workshop
July 27 & 28 Wed, Thursday 10:30-1:30
Learn more advanced techniques in silver surface texturing and bezel setting gemstones with more creative freedom in this follow-up workshop. Jewelry composition will be discussed. Must have completed Discover Silversmithing I, or a Silver Saturday. Materials fee approx. $35.
Copper Enameling Workshop
August 13 10:30-4:30
Learn the art of creating a colorful glass finish with copper enameling in this one day workshop. You will create two finished projects. No experience necessary. Materials fee $25

Volunteers Wanted 

Monday, August 1st. 

We need help taking the show down! Although the space allows us four days to put up a show, we only get one day to bring it down. This means taking down the work as well as removing all vinyl text, and priming and repainting the walls back to white.

 

peeling vinyl text

Daniel Anderson peeling vinyl.

Anyone game?

 

If you would like to play along shoot me an

email or just show up on Monday, August 1st after 10:00 am. We will provide the coffee and donuts as well as the paint rollers;-). Meet in the Popcorn Gallery.

 

 



Thanks so much for being a part of SilverWorks Studio & Gallery. I hope that my studio continues to be part of your artistic journey. I'll see you in the studio!  
Blair Anderson
Director & Instructor
In This Issue
Opening Night
Project
Volunteer Opportunity
Press!
Congrats
Studio Spotting
Show Featured in The Patch!

Thanks to Natalia Pelayo for spotlighting the show in The Chevy Chase Patch .

empty nest by blair anderson

 "Empty Nest" , Sterling Silver, Black Opal. 

Congrats!

This year's student section of the show was a great example of the creativity that is coming out of SilverWorks.

To recognize these efforts "The Purple Hammer Award" was given to two great designs. Judy Madden, for "Orbits", and Rona Eisner, for "A River Runs Through It".

purple hammer award

Purple Hammer Award! 

orbits

Congrats to Judy for her first sale! 

 

 

Studio Spotting: Bezel Boo Boo

Ok so normally "studio spotting" is all about what you all accomplish during your open studio time. But sometimes things do go awry;-) In this instance we spotlight what would have been a beautiful execution of a bezel of a non calibrated, asymmetrical stone. The misstep? Simply flipping the bezel onto the base forgetting that it can only go one direction! Thanks so much to Doyle Raines for being willing to share his bezel boo boo.

Here we show the stone lightly set on top of the would-be backward bezel.

backward bezelBackward bezel by Doyle Raines.
blair anderson director and instructor
About the Director
Blair Anderson is an artist in residence at Glen Echo Park, MD.
read more...

 

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