At our last meeting, Mikki Verani gave a demo on keum-boo.  I've had all the necessary equipment, but there was one piece that was missing.  That was the copper top for my hot plate.   Mikki mentioned it could be awkward when when doing keum-boo on lentils (as that was the piece she was demo'ing).  So she had a great suggestion for making this copper top lentil friendly.  Here's the result.

Start with a piece of copper (I used 24 gauge) measuring 6 1/2" x 6 1/2".  In the center, mark a 1 1/2" circle and saw it out.

This is the sheet that will sit over the hotplate (once the hole is cut). 

Next, measure and cut a piece of 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" copper.  Again, mark in the center a 1 1/2" circle.  Anneal this sheet.

Using a dap and punch, make a concave dome in this sheet.

Place this smaller sheet inside the hole of the larger sheet.  Now you have a curved area to keum-boo on that should be pretty stable.  

Photographing Your Jewelry

At our last meeting, photographing jewelry was the topic.  This year, the 2012 PMC Conference will include a virtual exhibition slideshow featuring the work of members of local chapters of the PMC Guild.  So this meeting was held with that purpose in mind.  Lori Magno spoke about lighting, set-up and offered her photography services to our group for those wanting to get their work into this slideshow.  Here are some of the photos from the meeting.  This first photo showed Lori's camera and various items she uses in setting up her photo shoot.  Yes, you are seeing sunlight as that's always the best lighting to shoot with (if available).

Someone also brought in their pvc piping setup they use as a form to drape fabric over the sides acting as a lightbox.

Even an old milk jug can act as your lightbox.  Just cut off the bottom, place your work underneath and shoot from the hole in the jug.  

And for those who couldn't make this last meeting, we have a couple photographs of our new location.  The space is full of light, the location is not too far from the highway, and there's even plant life!

Our next meeting will be held this Sunday, March 25th.  Monte Nikkel will be demonstrating the Viking Knit.

Road Trip - Gemstar Gems

Back in August, a number of us from the guild took a road trip up to New Hampshire to Gemstar Gems.  For those of us who had never been there before, it was quite the experience. There were numerous gasps heard as we stepped onto the property . . . the never-never-land of gems.  From the base of the property all the way up to the store entrance, there were gems everywhere. They were loose on the ground, on benches, in sheds, and on shelves.  It was crow heaven I tell you. Here's a few photos from our spectacular day.  Wish you could have joined us!

Meeting Cancelled

Due to the forecast of Hurricane Irene, the guild meeting for this Sunday, August 28th has been cancelled.  The kumihimo demo has been postponed until the September 25th meeting.

Upcoming Guild Events

JULY 24TH - trip to Gemstar Gems in Enfield, New Hampshire.   They are open from noon until 5:00 and their stonecutter will be there! 

AUGUST 28TH - demo by Ruth Levine on Hadar's base metal clays.

SEPTEMBER 25TH -  Lori Magno will talk about photoshopping and using social media for marketing

OCTOBER 23RD - Monte Nikkel will demo Viking Knit and Kumihimo.

It was a Riveting Meeting

The meeting on May 22nd had Karen Karon demonstrating her lovely riveting techniques.  Here's a few up close and personal pictures of the various stages. 

Welcome!

Welcome to the Boston Metal Clay Guild's new blog.  We're a young but very active group.  We have members that are beginners as well as seasoned metal clay artists.  We meet on the 4th Sunday of each month at the Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  At each meeting we have demos scheduled so we all can learn from one another.  Come join us and share with like-minded people for an afternoon of fun and learning!