News
Seeing your ring for the first time
When I first began making custom mokume gane wedding rings back in 2008, my clients were all based here in San Diego. They would visit the studio first to see ring samples, find out their size, try on different styles and widths etc. After a good design session, I'd give them a price, take their 50% deposit and get started on their rings. When the rings were finished, the clients would come back to pick up their rings and pay.
But of course, this was also the first time they would see the rings that had been custom made for them. I came to realize what a special moment this was. I enjoyed stepping back and watching it unfold as the customer cautiously approached the box, lifting the lid, peeking inside. What a joy it always is, to hear the gasp or squeal as they extract it and slip it on their finger, admiring and smiling excitedly, showing it to their partner, eyes shining.
That was then, this is now! Read more ...
When I first began making custom mokume gane wedding rings back in 2008, my clients were all based here in San Diego. They would visit the studio first to see ring samples, find out their size, try on different styles and widths etc. After a good design session, I'd give them a price, take their 50% deposit and get started on their rings. When the rings were finished, the clients would come back to pick up their rings and pay.
But of course, this was also the first time they would see the rings that had been custom made for them. I came to realize what a special moment this was. I enjoyed stepping back and watching it unfold as the customer cautiously approached the box, lifting the lid, peeking inside. What a joy it always is, to hear the gasp or squeal as they extract it and slip it on their finger, admiring and smiling excitedly, showing it to their partner, eyes shining.
That was then, this is now! Read more ...
Mendocino Mokume Workshop Recap
I recently returned from 6 days of teaching at Mendocino Arts Center - what a joy to be in a real classroom again, with live 3D students! It was a huge amount of work getting ready, from tailoring the fusing process to the specific school equipment, to packing up everything from Simple Green to a bandsaw into my car and driving 650 miles each way. But it was all worth it. Couldn't have asked for nicer students, and we had great weather too.
In the Fuse, Forge, Roll workshop we had 8 students, coming from all over the US (Boston, Texas, Arizona, etc.). I loved the mix of backgrounds - about half were blacksmiths, half were jewelers/silversmiths. Some were both.
I was proud that we had no billet failures at all - working with manual press and hand forging went perfectly. Read more and see all the pics.
I recently returned from 6 days of teaching at Mendocino Arts Center - what a joy to be in a real classroom again, with live 3D students! It was a huge amount of work getting ready, from tailoring the fusing process to the specific school equipment, to packing up everything from Simple Green to a bandsaw into my car and driving 650 miles each way. But it was all worth it. Couldn't have asked for nicer students, and we had great weather too.
In the Fuse, Forge, Roll workshop we had 8 students, coming from all over the US (Boston, Texas, Arizona, etc.). I loved the mix of backgrounds - about half were blacksmiths, half were jewelers/silversmiths. Some were both.
I was proud that we had no billet failures at all - working with manual press and hand forging went perfectly. Read more and see all the pics.
June Live Mokume Q & A - view on youtube.
My fourth live Mokume Q & A is up on youtube - I did about a 35 minute recorded presentation on the history of mokume, and showed the work of many different mokume gane makers and their contributions to the field. The resulting video will appeal to both seasoned mokume artists, and those that know nothing about the technical aspects but love looking at beautiful mokume gane work. See my blog for more details and the video.
My fourth live Mokume Q & A is up on youtube - I did about a 35 minute recorded presentation on the history of mokume, and showed the work of many different mokume gane makers and their contributions to the field. The resulting video will appeal to both seasoned mokume artists, and those that know nothing about the technical aspects but love looking at beautiful mokume gane work. See my blog for more details and the video.
Featured Class
Twisting Mokume - Online
September 24-25, 2022, 10am - 4pm Pacific time
Tuition $295 + $75-$195 kit fee (+tax & shipping)
Learn to do the twist! Twist patterning is the basis for most of the precious-metal mokume rings made in the US – mine included. In this class you’ll learn exactly how I create such detailed organic patterns in my rings, all while you create an intricately patterned copper/brass cuff bracelet. (You’ll also learn why we are making bracelets rather than rings.) On the second day I’ll show two more variations on the twist – the star pattern and a more advanced pattern I call ‘mizu’ or the water pattern. According to your interest and experience level you can focus on finishing the bracelet or try one or both of these other techniques. The basic kit comes with enough copper/brass mokume rod for two or possibly all three of the techniques. For the more advanced or ambitious students you can purchase the deluxe kit, with enough additional mokume to make a silver/copper/brass bracelet. For the best experience, this class is limited to 15 students. Prior experience with annealing and forging is recommended.
This online class is designed to work just like an in-person workshop, with demos, interactive presentations, and time to practice skills. We’ll be teaching via Zoom and you’re encouraged to work and ask questions along the way. We’ll finish each day with a group wrap up session. On the last day we’ll have our traditional raffle too! For the best experience, this class is limited to 15 students.
Register for the class first, then return to Buy the Kit.
September 24-25, 2022, 10am - 4pm Pacific time
Tuition $295 + $75-$195 kit fee (+tax & shipping)
Learn to do the twist! Twist patterning is the basis for most of the precious-metal mokume rings made in the US – mine included. In this class you’ll learn exactly how I create such detailed organic patterns in my rings, all while you create an intricately patterned copper/brass cuff bracelet. (You’ll also learn why we are making bracelets rather than rings.) On the second day I’ll show two more variations on the twist – the star pattern and a more advanced pattern I call ‘mizu’ or the water pattern. According to your interest and experience level you can focus on finishing the bracelet or try one or both of these other techniques. The basic kit comes with enough copper/brass mokume rod for two or possibly all three of the techniques. For the more advanced or ambitious students you can purchase the deluxe kit, with enough additional mokume to make a silver/copper/brass bracelet. For the best experience, this class is limited to 15 students. Prior experience with annealing and forging is recommended.
This online class is designed to work just like an in-person workshop, with demos, interactive presentations, and time to practice skills. We’ll be teaching via Zoom and you’re encouraged to work and ask questions along the way. We’ll finish each day with a group wrap up session. On the last day we’ll have our traditional raffle too! For the best experience, this class is limited to 15 students.
Register for the class first, then return to Buy the Kit.
Free Metal Arts Events
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Looking for Sawing Circle? You can join from here!
Online Sawing Circle When: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 5:30-7pm Pacific. Where: Online via Zoom - Cost: FREE July 19 special topic - "Getting Edgy!" - We're going to talk all about edge treatments, from back-hammering to file-scalloping and anything else. Bring your knowledge, photos, finished examples, research, or just your curiousity. Our Sawing Circle is like a book club but instead of reading, we work on cool stuff, help each other with problems, share ideas and provide accountability for ongoing work. If you've been looking for support for moving forward on your projects then this is the online gathering for you. Join us from your studio to work in the good conversation and company of like-minded friends. Totally free, no need to RSVP, simply make yourself a snack, settle at your bench and click the button to join in. |
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"Anne was so wonderful to work with for my fiancé's wedding ring! She answered all of our questions during the process and above all, the ring is gorgeous, beautiful, unique and perfect! Thank you, Anne. You have created an heirloom we will treasure for a long time." ~ Emily & Greg |
"Mokume gane patterning with chisels was one of the most enjoyable courses I've ever done." ~ Helen M, Sydney, Australia |