Our All Craft Tool Sale on January 17th was a spectacular success. Before we could even get everything out of the boxes we had excited shoppers arriving. The tables in the lab groaned under the weight of bezel blocks, exotic hammers in all shapes and sizes, professional ring sizing sets, shaping blocks, mandrels, precision compasses, wax carving tools, burr sets, shaping blocks and tons more. Meanwhile over in Anne's Studio, buyers chatted happily as they poured over whisper-thin micro files, chasing hammers and boxes upon boxes of pliers in every size and shape imaginable. In addition to the tools, Anne and Tevel circulated through each room consulting on tool uses and throwing out jewelry making tips and tricks. Did I mention that the hallways were also packed with goodies from giant bracelet mandrels to patinas, saw blade sets and jewelry books? At 2:30 the fabulous Bette Barnett arrived to amaze us all with a free Keum Boo demo where she showed us how to use the exquisite gold and silver foil Tevel had on sale. Even though I helped set up, every time I turned around I saw something new out on a table. From all of the frantic shopping and sheepish grins as people left clutching their finds, it was clear that everyone really enjoyed it. Including us, at the end of it all we couldn't idly sit by and watch Tevel take everything back so we kept a few boxes on consignment. Stayed tuned for a Store update! And if you missed the fun, never fear, we're already working on when Tevel can return.

We had so much fun at our First Friday Valentine's Party on February 7th! 💝At one point we had a full house of people excitedly looking at jewelry and classes! It was wonderful to see some dear friends and students and everyone enjoyed the free gift (sparkle-etch valentines) and the chocolate cookies. Even though we had a double-blind raffle with about 30 entries, all of the winners were students! Go fig! Special thanks goes out to Yvonne Dao of @yvonnedaojewels and Yoko Rover of Yoko Rover Jewelry @yokorover for volunteering and bringing the bling - your displays are now officially fantastic. Save the date - March 6th - for our next First Friday Open Studio when we’ll be hosting metalsmith extraordinaire Alexandra Hart showing us how anticlastic raising works. Join us - our First Friday open studio events are always free, no rsvp required. 

Thanks so much to everyone who came out to help with our January Blood Drive. Here's the report from our coordinator Leslie at the San Diego Blood Bank: "WOW what an awesome drive on Saturday! With your advertising efforts, new Blood Mobile location and our volunteers we registered 30 donors and collected 28 pints, saving 84 lives in our community. There were 15 first time donors which is amazing. Thank you so much for all your support!" Our pint total last year was 41 and I had modestly hoped to double it this year but we're well on our way so I'm going to go ahead and make our goal an ambitious 100 pints. Help us spread the word, our next blood drive is March 14th, 2020!

Join us for a festive evening celebrating love of all stripes with music, snacks, a jewelry sale and a raffle featuring fun Valentine’s goodies. Free gift wrapping on all purchases and the first 15 visitors get a special Valentine surprise! Peace, Love and Mokume Gane ~ Ame & Anne

We're kicking off 2020 with our first blood drive on January 18th. The San Diego Blood Bank Blood Mobile will be parked outside the Lab on Historic Decatur Road near the Liberty Public Market from 11am-5pm. Did you know that you get points every time you donate? Yep, and you can redeem them for gift cards and other goodies. PLUS, this month we're offering a special free snacks and a $20 coupon good for classes and Open Lab time to all donors - just stop by the Lab after you donate and show us your cool arm band. That day at the Lab we're learning torch-fired enamels so you might see some glowing torches in action too! For your blood donation, be sure to bring a photo ID and make sure you're well hydrated. Walk-ins are welcome but it's best to make an appointment. I'll be the first donor at 11am so I hope to see you there! Make your appointment.