On 19 December 2020, I was a vendor/exhibitor at The Steel Yard's "Holiday Art Market", and it was really a great event held in very challenging times. All the pandemic precautions were in place: social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitizer, and staggered entry of patrons to prevent crowding. Also, it was held outdoors, which in December in Rhode Island is a bit of a gamble. With the … [Read more...]
Bottle Openers before the Storm!
These were forged before tonight's winter storm. Productive night. … [Read more...]
I almost threw this bottle opener away…
As far as I'm concerned, half of getting good at anything is learning how to make mistakes look like features. So, the round hole in the cap-lifting tab on this bottle opener was last night's mistake (at the time a crack/ fissure). A little work with a Dremel tonight and I'm unusually pleased with it now. Yes, my maker's mark is on upside down. I could also fix that, but I've decided to quit … [Read more...]
Cthulhu-Inspired Pipe Stand
Here is a Cthulhu-inspired pipe stand that now lives with a friend in England. If the term "Cthulhu" is new to you, it refers to a body of fantastical horror stories written by H.P. Lovecraft in the early 20th century (mostly in Providence, RI). If you're still not familiar, then Google will fill in the gaps ... there's a lot out there.This piece combines traditional forging, MIG welding, filing, … [Read more...]
Top-Twist Chopsticks
Here's tonight's hand-forged steel chopsticks (along with an in-process hot shot). Experimenting with the twists at the top is fun. So far, all the tops have been finished with bees wax. But I just spent a bit of money with Sculpt Nouveau (@sculptnouveau), so I'm looking forward to some patina experiments in the near future. … [Read more...]
Reverse-Twist Chopsticks
Another set of #chopsticks completed tonight at JDH Metalcraft. Different pattern from the last. Oh by the way, these belong to @theartistinresidence. … [Read more...]
Hand-Forged Chopsticks
This week I participated in a @fwtpodcast maker challenge to create chopsticks in the medium of our choice (for me, hand-forged metal obviously). Mild steel; nothing fancy. They're perhaps a half-inch longer than the disposable wooden chopsticks you get in takeout. … [Read more...]
Forging a Leaf Pendant
I had fun watching @ijessup and @max_randolph_studios make leaves together on Instagram, and realized it's been months since I made leaves. So, this is last night's work. Think I'll do a bunch of these pendants in the coming weeks. … [Read more...]
Teaching Toolmaking
My 17-year-old solo student, John, learned the basics of tool making last night at @thesteelyard. He produced a round punch/drift and chisel that he'll heat treat at home and via The Steel Yard's open studios program. This was our last class. He's a bright, focused young man. He'll make a fine blacksmith.Also pictured are a round punch/drift and chisel that I produced earlier in the week to demo … [Read more...]
Large Travel Trunk … It Was Free!
It's amazing what you might find abandoned on the side of the road. This had a big "FREE" sign taped to it. It will be restored at a later date. … [Read more...]