hollow branch form in progress, base of a future sculpture, now in rush mode
chasing tool blanks laid out, next to the grinder, waiting for shaping, also in rush mode
I'm teaching a class next weekend... 
I started making the tools a little longer this year. I find that blacksmiths want their tools to be a little thicker and longer than jewelers do, perhaps a matter of the type of tools and work they are used to.
examples of finished chasing tools from last years workshops. This year I will be selling individual chasing tools, as well as sets, during the workshops. 
For the particular style of chasing that I teach, derived from Japanese high relief chasing, the chasing tool tips are primarily shaped like fingertips, from very small to large, but all based off the same rounded rectangular form. We are shaping the metal with our chasing tools as we would shape clay with our fingers. It only makes sense that the chasing tools would need the shape of a fingertip.
I always tells my students that if they are working efficiently and smoothly, their metal surface should look as if it were sculpted by fingers. I shouldn't see stamp marks or hard edge tools marks. It should look all nice and squished.
You make tools as well? That is so amazing. I just didn't pick up on that before.
ReplyDeleteAlso, please accept my apology ... I never got back to you about this weekend (the reptile show). This is my last weekend before I start full-time work (on Monday). The weekend is packed to the brim with visiting grandmas, studying keyboard shortcuts, doing a few prepatory things about the house, and spending some precious time with the husband and child.
But, golly, we will get together one of these days!!!
that is interesting that blacksmiths like them longer. How long are you making them? I usually make mine 4 inches long. I like the tool to be shorter so that I don't have to hold my hammering arm as high. I'm probably working at a much smaller scale though!
ReplyDeleteI love your work!
So glad I found you! Your work is amazing! Thank you for the information. I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteginger
You're so very talented! Thank you again for visiting my blog and giving me the info about Penland, etc. I had actually visited their site as well as both of the ones you have listed here in workshops!! I went to UT-K and know right where Tennessee Tech is. Dated a saxaphone player from there in the late 70s! On the Cumberland Plateau just the other side of Crossville, right? Anyway, I have been wanting to get into metalsmithing for so long and just have not had the money (you know how it is with a 5 year old and I'm a SAHM). I've really got to do it though. It might just turn out to be what I was meant to do or something unbelievably great like that!! :)
ReplyDeleteall this rushing and chasing and squishin' sounds therapeutic.
ReplyDeleteHi there! I'm going to tag you! I hope you'll play and come visit me to learn the rules!
ReplyDeleteginger
Reading through in the past couple of months-- I really wish I could take one of your classes ( i'm in the UK). Loved the handles you did and the railings a few weeks back were breathtaking.
ReplyDelete