Sterling silver is a wonderful metal for jewelry. Silver’s bright luster will enhance any outfit beautifully. Patinas can be added for striking contrast. It is also a much more affordable option than gold making it quite collectable and perfect for gifts. However, keeping silver at its very brightest can take a little extra care. In previous posts I have given […]
The late Stephen Hawking dedicated much of his life to the potential discovery of a unifying theory of everything, attempting to find consistency in the universal laws that define existence on both micro and macro levels. As an artist when much of your world is measured in millimeters and fractions thereof, a project spanning several […]
Someone recently asked me how carving wax starts out. First of all, there are a number of varieties to choose from. Your specific application and personal preferences will naturally influence which type you choose. Some artists prefer to add material to their model as they create it. I, however, almost always work subtractively. Carving wax is primarily purchased in thick […]
Since his retirement my father has plunged into a long dormant pastime. When I was young I can remember spending time in the basement with him, building bird houses and partaking in other simple wood working projects. On his own he made some lovely furniture, a few pieces of which grace my home today. Within […]
My previous article began to explain the rather broad topic of how I got started. This is a question I hear often while at trade shows. My involvement in three dimensional and metal arts seemed a logical place to begin. Artistic talent alone however is far from enough to turn a skill into a business. […]
“How did you get started?” This is one of the questions that I hear the most while attending my various trade shows. So naturally it struck me as a great topic for a blog, or two as the case may be. My typical response to this inquiry starts with the fact that I have always […]
Some of the most intriguing expressions of art can often be perceived in a number of ways. Is the true meaning of a piece that which was intended by the artist or what is recognized by the observer? It can certainly be argued that many subconscious messages present themselves with a piece of artwork, perhaps […]
My unexpected woodchuck guest who happened by the workshop last week unwittingly became the star of his own blog article. In turn, his comical presence motivated me to tell the tales of a few more of my Appalachian animal acquaintances. Living in a remote area does distance me from any excess of human population, but […]
Having a weekend without a tradeshow, I strolled over to my workshop on Saturday morning ready for a day of wax carving. I sat down to check my email before embarking on the new custom project when I heard a loud rustling! I often leave my door open during nice weather. On occasion a stray […]
As a bench jeweler I have spent countless hours with a torch in hand soldering and occasionally fusing silver and other non-ferrous metals. A few years back I was struck with the inclination to work larger. Therefore I enrolled in a welding class to explore the various processes of welding steel. There are three methods […]
In my last two articles I discussed tool making for wax work and machining. This article will focus on methods of modifying the tools we already own in order to enhance our precision. Sometimes the proper tool demanded by a project is one that you need to craft yourself! For meticulous sculpting in metal, rubber […]
Of the many facets involved in jewelry making, artistry is the most important element. A wide variety of technical skills must also be honed and developed as well. In my previous post I wrote about tool making in regard to wax carving. Today I will discuss the cutting tools used for machining on a lathe. […]