News
Mokume gane cherry blossom tsuba - done!
This tsuba is inspired by of one of the most well-known mokume gane tsubas in history - the Yoshino River Tsuba made by Takahashi Okitsugu in the mid-late Edo period in Japan. I used different metals (copper, brass and nickel silver), and a silhouette of my own design; five-lobed rather than 8-lobed. It took me about two years to create, and is just a first draft. Next one will be made with silver, shakudo and shibuichi.
From my very first billets, I always wanted to create crisp, unique mokume patterns with great control. This was different from a lot of the fairly random, all-over stuff I was seeing. It was in Masaki Takahashi's "Textbook of Mokume Gane" book that I was first introduced to the historical work of Takahashi Okitsugu - I saw it was possible to create such patterns, so I had a goal.... Read more and see all the process pics.
This tsuba is inspired by of one of the most well-known mokume gane tsubas in history - the Yoshino River Tsuba made by Takahashi Okitsugu in the mid-late Edo period in Japan. I used different metals (copper, brass and nickel silver), and a silhouette of my own design; five-lobed rather than 8-lobed. It took me about two years to create, and is just a first draft. Next one will be made with silver, shakudo and shibuichi.
From my very first billets, I always wanted to create crisp, unique mokume patterns with great control. This was different from a lot of the fairly random, all-over stuff I was seeing. It was in Masaki Takahashi's "Textbook of Mokume Gane" book that I was first introduced to the historical work of Takahashi Okitsugu - I saw it was possible to create such patterns, so I had a goal.... Read more and see all the process pics.
Hey, where'd you get that cool t-shirt?!
If you've seen me online or at a workshop recently, I may have been wearing very stylish jewelry/metals-themed gear created by our very own talented and irrepressible Ame Stanko. That's right - after quite a medical adventure last year, Ame is healthy and working hard to make a long-time dream come true - making a living doing her own custom illustrations. With the help of etsy her detailed and often hilarious designs are available to all of us! Over time she'll be adding more (she has about 1,000 ideas per day, I can personally attest to that), but somehow she decided to start with some fantastic jewelry/metals themes from a tool mandala to the superhero we all need - how did we get so lucky? Her brand-new shop is called is Mondo Bop, and you really should have a look - it is full-on professional, sweet, funny, cheerful and full of fun stuff. Take me to Mondo Bop!
If you've seen me online or at a workshop recently, I may have been wearing very stylish jewelry/metals-themed gear created by our very own talented and irrepressible Ame Stanko. That's right - after quite a medical adventure last year, Ame is healthy and working hard to make a long-time dream come true - making a living doing her own custom illustrations. With the help of etsy her detailed and often hilarious designs are available to all of us! Over time she'll be adding more (she has about 1,000 ideas per day, I can personally attest to that), but somehow she decided to start with some fantastic jewelry/metals themes from a tool mandala to the superhero we all need - how did we get so lucky? Her brand-new shop is called is Mondo Bop, and you really should have a look - it is full-on professional, sweet, funny, cheerful and full of fun stuff. Take me to Mondo Bop!
2023 Classes update
The year is off to a great start; my Anneville in-person classes are sold out, but there is space in Chisel Online, and in two away workshops I'm looking forward to. I will probably add a few more classes in 2023, but here's what we've got so far:
The year is off to a great start; my Anneville in-person classes are sold out, but there is space in Chisel Online, and in two away workshops I'm looking forward to. I will probably add a few more classes in 2023, but here's what we've got so far:
- Chisel Patterning Online, January 28-29
- Mokume Essentials: From Fusing to Patinas in just 5 days, June 19-23 - in-person at Danaca Design, Seattle - just opened for registration!
- Chisel & Stamp: Patterning Mokume Gane - November 4-6, at Metal Arts Guild, Georgia.
Featured Class
Mokume Gane Chisel Patterning - Online - only 1 spot left!
January 28-29, 2023, 10am - 4pm Pacific time
Tuition $295 and $105 to $175 kit fee (+tax & shipping)
Learn the most traditional Japanese method of patterning mokume-gane. Chisel into the surface of blank mokume-gane to create rivers of pattern that follow your chisel marks. After hammering the sheet back to flat, your unique chisel patterns are locked into the metal forever. Traditionally pitch is used to secure the metal while chiseling, but in this class Anne will also show a lower-cost easy alternative. On the first day you’ll pattern copper/brass mokume sheet, then the second day you’ll refine your skills and learn to chisel-pattern silver/copper mokume. Your patterned sheet can be used later to create pendants, earrings, box lids, etc. Handmade chisels especially designed for mokume gane are included in all the kits.
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 here first, then buy the kit! :-)
January 28-29, 2023, 10am - 4pm Pacific time
Tuition $295 and $105 to $175 kit fee (+tax & shipping)
Learn the most traditional Japanese method of patterning mokume-gane. Chisel into the surface of blank mokume-gane to create rivers of pattern that follow your chisel marks. After hammering the sheet back to flat, your unique chisel patterns are locked into the metal forever. Traditionally pitch is used to secure the metal while chiseling, but in this class Anne will also show a lower-cost easy alternative. On the first day you’ll pattern copper/brass mokume sheet, then the second day you’ll refine your skills and learn to chisel-pattern silver/copper mokume. Your patterned sheet can be used later to create pendants, earrings, box lids, etc. Handmade chisels especially designed for mokume gane are included in all the kits.
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 here first, then 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 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. I don't attend all the time, but when I am there, I'm happy to answer any mokume or other metals question, general or specific. Even if I'm not there, you'll still have fun, I promise! |
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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 |