This is the first on-line issue of our newsletter. If you are on this list and don’t want to be, or conversely, if you aren’t on the list, or have a friend who would like to be, just send me a message to that effect. Right now, this is strictly a one-man (woman) operation, but I sincerely hope it doesn’t stay that way. I certainly welcome any articles, questions, tips or book reviews that come my way. I wish we had a snazzy website, but my computer skills (and spare time ) just are not up to it. If anyone wants to set one up, I would be more than delighted.
(See what happens when you ask!!! Instant Website!)
I hope that lots of you have signed up to teach, or at least are planning to go to this great event. I plan to teach Roman Chain making. I hope there are lots of other neat metal related classes. Contact Kingdom A and S to volunteer.
The Kingdom always needs Rose Leaves and Award of Merit tokens (a single Laurel leaf). They don’t all have to be the same, give it a try - I’m sure your efforts will be appreciated.
Send me a message letting me know your major field of interest (metal wise). I am always getting inquiries about who does what and where. Some people just have a question, some are looking for classes or teachers and some even want to commission a piece or armor or jewelry! Also let me know if you are taking commissions or are willing to teach.
Please plan to come to the Guild meeting at June Crown. It should be in the afternoon, about 4 or 5 on Saturday. We can get aquainted and see what you are currently working on. Bring something to show (even if it is a work in progress) and be prepared to ask questions! Beginners are especially welcome.
Great Wire Jewelry, by Irene From Peterson, Lark Books. First, don’t let the title mislead you- this is really a book about chain making. She covers knitted and wove chain, link in link and even Roman and Byzantine with clear drawings and excellent directions. There are also some good tips about soldering, cold joining, and attaching clasps to your finished chains. I feel that this is a great addition to my jewelry library, especially since it only cost $14.95.
I recently took a two-day workshop with Andy Cooperman- it was entirely on bench tricks and shortcuts and I can’t believe how much I learned! One of my favorite tips was using steel cotter pins for heat sinks when soldering- just lay them over the more delicate parts and solder away! They can also be used to prop up or hold down various components while soldering.
Well that’s all for now folks, Let me know how you
like the new format, and please, please send me stuff
to put in it. Next issue I will include a list of
suppliers for metals, tools books etc., so stay tuned!
Editor