EXECUTIVE BOARD Mary Kernahan - President mckernahan@yahoo.com Julie Sanford - Vice President juliesanford@charter.net
SUMMER 2017 NEWS From the President
Lori Brauer - Vice President lorib@mi.rr.com Ericia Bartels - Treasurer ericiab@yahoo.com Jennifer Marcson - Secretary jennifermarcson@gmail.com Christine Bossler - Past President christine.bossler@gmail.com Danielle Blanchard - Newsletter daniellesings@comcast.net Janice Degen - At Large janice.degen@gmail.com Sondra Hoffman - At Large shweaver1@comcast.net Katie MacDonald - At Large katie.macdonald@wayne.edu John Myer—Webmaster john_myer@yahoo.com Chloe Lewis—At Large erbabellaverde@gmail.com Eric Okon - Publicity ericokon@gmail.com Ralph Paruszkiewicz - Sponsors rparus2000@yahoo.com Tina Sayer—Historian tsayer@comcast.net Lyn Wagner-Ditzhazy - Membership funkybeadz@comcast.net
Dear Members,
The weekend of September 9 and 10 is going to be a busy one for us, I hope you have all been enjoying an beginning with Marissa Saneholtz and amazing summer. It was a busy one her “Brooches Aren’t Just for for MSG, and we have a lot of events Grandmas!” workshop on September scheduled this fall to keep you busy 9th at Eastern Michigan and involved. University. Then to follow that up, Marissa will also be our guest lecturer A lot has happened for MSG since at the Annual All Member Meeting on our last newsletter. In June we hosted September 10, also at Eastern. our first annual Graduation Exhibition and Party for recent metals In addition to Marissa’s lecture the graduates. Many thanks to Ralph Annual Meeting will feature not just Parus and Chloe Lewis for making the annual business meeting, but also this event the overwhelming success board elections, everyone’s favorite that it was. We all had such a good tool swap, vendors, and of course time that it left us all wondering why food and fellowship. Please join us – we never thought of it before! it’s a great place to network and get to know your fellow members. I hope to July brought the return of MSG to the see you all there. South University Ann Arbor Art Fair. While we missed the CCS Keep an eye out for additional blacksmiths this year, the booth workshops that are coming in October looked great, was filled with beautiful and November, including Pearl work and an exceptional team of Carving and Mokume Gane. Details exhibitors and demo artists. Charlotte will be published soon. As always, we Allen and Lorraine Kolasa did an will keep you informed of all of these incredible job of organizing it making events as they develop via all our this a quality experience for all usual methods (email, our website, involved. Thanks ladies. Facebook and US Mail). Many thanks to all that make these events August 19 brings the return of MSG’s possible and to those who participate own Nikki Dechent for a silk knotting in them. Your efforts are greatly workshop at Wayne State University. appreciated. The response to this workshop was swift and enthusiastic, but there may Sincerely, be a spot left if you are Mary Kernahan interested. Contact Lori Brauer at MSG President lorib@mi.rr.com for more information on this and other workshops. 1
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Upcoming MSG Workshops 2017 August 19, 2017: MSG will be hosting MSG alumni Nikki Dechent for a Silk Knotting workshop at Wayne State University. Participants will learn to hand knot pearls and precious gemstone beads on silk, including knot tying basics, endings with French wire, and simple layout. Silk is incredibly durable, and lends a beautiful drape to pieces that other materials just cannot achieve. Workshop fee includes all the take home materials and tools needed to learn the art of silk knotting. Registration materials are available on the MSG website. September 9, 2017: We will be hosting Marissa Saneholtz for her “Brooches Aren’t Just for Grandmas!” workshop at Eastern Michigan University’s Briggs Hall. Pins and brooches are a popular format of jewelry to make in the metalsmithing world because of their ability to act as
MSG Board of Directors ELECTIONS The MSG Elections Committee is seeking motivated candidates to run for Board positions. The election will be held at the annual meeting on September 10 at Eastern Michigan University. Candidates must be willing to work in a collaborative environment, as much of the Board’s work is done through standing and special committees. Most of the positions available are for at-large board members. For more information, or to place your name on the ballot, please contact Lori Brauer at lorib@mi.rr.com.
small canvases where artists can quickly and efficiently explore new techniques and ideas without the hindrances that come along with the creation of bracelets, earrings, n e ckl ac e s, an d r i n g s. In her workshop, Marissa teach students to make one of the most difficult aspects of making a brooch; t he pi n back. Marissa will explain the basic anatomy of a successful pin back, the difference between a lefthanded and right-handed mechanisms, and she will demonstrate how to make both single and double stem pin backs with corresponding catches. Her designs are simple and clean solutions that can easily be integrated into a brooch that each student will create using found objects and creative captures. Registration materials are f o r t h c o m i n g . October 21, 2017: We will be hosting a workshop taught by MSG member Betsy Lehndorff when she brings her unique pearl carving class to our membership. Held at College for Creative Studies, students will learn a variety of pearl carving techniques focused on embracing a pearl's natural flaws and creating beautiful one-of-a-kind works of wearable art. Each student will leave with 3 carved pearls. Flex shaft experience is recommended for this class. Registration materials are forthcoming. November 4 and 5, 2017: MSG is pleased to announce the return of James Viste and his always popular “Benchtop Mokume Gane by Torch, Hand and Hammer”. In this 2-day workshop, which will take place in the metals studio at Wayne State University, James will reveal the secrets to successfully executing mokume in a home studio without the need for expensive special equipment. Using copper and brass, standard torches, small handmade brick kilns, hammers and lots of enthusiasm, students will gain a wealth of practical experience and knowledge and will leave with a completed mokume billet.
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MEMBERS IN ACTION
Graduation Exhibition 2017 On June 3 MSG held our first annual graduation exhibition to honor the next generation of upcoming metalsmiths. Over 50 works were displayed, celebrating the accomplishments of recent College for Creative Studies (CCS), Wayne State University (WSU) and West Bloomfield High School (WBHS) metals graduates. Featured artists were Zahra Almajidi (WSU), Brittany Bowers (WSU), Lori Brauer (WSU), Allison Colby (WSU), Kaitlyn Collins (CCS), Amanda Cudney (WSU), Caitlin Hurley (WSU), Natalie LaBruzzy (WSU), Chloe Lewis (CCS), Jayson Olson (WBHS), Chelsi Paliczuk (CCS), and Haley Vogt (CCS). Held at the City Hall Artspace Lofts in Dearborn, the exhibition was coupled with a graduation party that was well attended by family, friends and faculty. Adding to the festivities was a photo booth stocked with metalworking related props all designed and constructed by Chloe Lewis. MSG plans to make this an annual event, and are already looking for a venue for next year.
CCS: Chloe, Haley & Kaitlyn
WSU: Natalie & Caitlin
WSU: Lori, Zahra, Allison & Brittany
WORKSHOPS at ARMSTRONG Basic Soldering with Lesley Dipiazza: Wed. Sept 6, 6-9 p.m. OR Wed. Oct 11, 6-9 p.m. OR Wed. Nov 8, 6-9 p.m. OR Wed. Dec 13, 5-9 p.m. $65 plus supplies (approx. $5) Tube Set Soldered Pendant with Mary Kernahan: Tuesday September 12, 6-9 p.m. $60 plus supplies (approx. $12) Stamping on Metal with Lori Brauer: Wednesday Sept 13, 6-9 p.m. $55 plus supplies 9approx. $6 in copper) Fused Fine Silver Loop in Loop Chain with Molly Cipielewski: Saturday Sept 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $60 plus supplies (approx. $25)
Basic Metalsmithing with Christine Bossler: Tuesday Sept 26, 6-9 p.m. $55 plus supplies (approx. $5) Forged &Twisted Bracelets w/ Lesley DiPiazza: Wednesday Sept 27, 5:30-9:30 p.m. $60 plus supplies (approx. $10) Patinas on Metal with Lori Brauer: Wednesday Oct 4, 6-9 p.m. $60 plus supplies (approx. $5.00) Marriage of Metals (Puzzle Piece Inlay) with Molly Cipielewski: Saturday Oct 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $75 plus supplies (approx. $6) Intro to Chasing & Repousse with Christine Bossler: Wednesday Oct 18, 6-9 p.m. $60 plus supplies (approx. $6—pitch & bowl avail)
Turtle Tab Stone Setting with Lori Brauer: Wednesday Sept 20, 6-9 p.m. Spinner Rings with Lesley DiPiazza: $60 plus supplies (approx. $12) Wednesday Oct 25, 6-9 p.m. www.armstrongtoolsupply.com $55 plus supplies (approx. $15) (248) Create PDF files with PDF474-1600 Writer for Windows 10. This is an evaluation copy. Buy full version now.
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ANNUAL MEETING — SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 This year the annual MSG All Members Meeting will be held at on Sunday September 10, in the metals studio of Eastern Michigan University’s Briggs Hall. Events will begin at 1 p.m., beginning with lunch and the annual business meeting. Elections for vacant and renewing board positions will also be held, as well as the ever-popular tool swap. It’s a great way to acquire some used equipment, or clear out your excess or unused tools and supplies. Look elsewhere in this newsletter for details, or contact Danielle Blanchard at daniellesings@comcast.net for more information. We have also invited our sponsors to bring their wares, so bring some cash and be ready to shop among the tools, supplies and stones and MSG swag. Our lecturer for this year is Marissa Saneholtz, metalsmith and Jewelry and Metals Instructor at Bowling Green State University. Marissa makes colorful wearable and functional narrative based art using humor and sarcasm to comment on feminist issues and gender roles in American society.
She earned her BFA in 3-dimensional design in 2008 at Bowling Green State University, and her MFA in metals and jewelry design from East Carolina University in 2011. After graduation she was an instructor for East Carolina University’s Italy Intensives Study Abroad program where she instructed metalsmithing, jewelry and enameling courses in Certaldo, Italy. For three years she was the gallery and assistant studio manager for the J. Cotter Galleries and Studio in Vail, Colorado, and has served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Appalachian State University, in Boone, NC Marissa’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and is on display in the Dorothy McKenzie Permanent Collection at BGSU, as well as the Racine Art Museum, Racine, WI. She has also been published in several books. An interactive map of the EMU campus and Briggs Hall may be found at http://www.emich.edu/maps/ 4
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CLASSES AT STUDIO JSD Spinner Ring Class Saturday, Aug 26, 10 a.m.—1 p.m. $65
Spinner Ring Class Thursday, Aug 31, 6-9 p.m. $65
Lapidary Class Saturday, Aug 26, 2-4:30 p.m. $55
Gemstone Stack Rings Thursday Sept 7, 6-9 p.m. $65
Silver Recycling Wednesday, Aug 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $165
Bead Loom Weaving: Beginner Bracelet Saturday, Sept 9, 10 a.m.– 1 p.m. $75.00
Intro to Keum Boo with Terri Ritter Thursday, Aug. 31, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $100
Drilling Stone, Glass & Found Objects Thursday, Sept 14, 6-8 p.m. $45
Silver Reticulation with Terri Ritter Thursday, Aug 31, 2-5 p.m. $75
Basic Chain Maille: Shaggy Chain Bracelet Saturday, Sept 16, 10 a.m.—Noon $45
SStudioJSD.com
616-607-2470
ALCONA ARTS RETREAT Colleen Wilson will be teaching Metal Clay at the Alcona Arts Retreat, Sept. 7-10, 2017 For info on all sessions at Alcona, see this website: https://www.inspirationalcona.org/2017/visualarts-folder/2017-alcona-arts-retreat
SEND your tips, ideas, creative observations, product reviews, pictorials to DanielleSings@comcast.net Newsletter cycle this year: Nov, Feb, May, Aug 5
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The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference will take place on October 13-14 at Columbia College in downtown Chicago. This conference will provide education and tools for jewelers, suppliers, educators, students, and consumers. The conference will teach participants how to be more active in ensuring that the jewelry they make, sell, and buy meets higher standards for social and ecological well-being throughout the world. The speaker lineup is impressive, and growing. Toby Pomeroy, who brought ethical gold to the forefront through his close work with Hoover and Strong; Stewart Grice, Hoover and Strong's VP of Mill and Refining and one of the world's top material science experts; Christina Miller, Co-Founder of Ethical Metalsmiths; Monica Stephenson, owner of ANZA Gems and writer/publisher of the jewelry industry blog iDazzle; Eric Braunwart, owner of Columbia Gem House and pioneer in sourcing ethical colored gemstones; Elizabeth Orlando with the US Department of State; Patricia Syvrud of Jòia Consulting; Cristina M. Villegas of Pact World, Mines to Market; and Orin Mazzoni, producer of the mine-to-market documentary Sharing the Rough. The event will be MC'd and moderated by Andrea Hill, owner of Hill Management Group. In addition to two days of information rich sessions, the conference will host a screening of Mr. Mazzoni's documentary Sharing the Rough. The screening will be open to all conference attendees and members of the public. Sharing the values and practices of producing and selling responsible jewelry is something we must embrace as a community. The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference seeks to do just that. In collaboration with Ethical Metalsmiths, sponsored by MJSA (with additional sponsorships to be announced), and with support from many industry leaders, this conference will reach beyond industry conversations. It will work to create active practices and gain solid commitments to a healthier, more world-conscious jewelry paradigm. The conference will be held in Columbia College's Film Row Cinema, located in the historic 1104 S. Wabash building in downtown Chicago. We are very grateful to Ethical Metalsmiths for its support of this event. Ethical Metalsmiths will be hosting an online auction to raise additional funds for the conference. Susan Wheeler Design 312.968.6643
susanwheelerdesign@me.com
Sue Szabo, MSG Member, had 2 pieces in the international enameling exhibit, Alchemy 4, in Gatlinburg TN. This exhibit will also travel to the National Metals museum in Memphis, and the Ohio Craft museum in Columbus OH.
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Bringing Gem Quality Opal “To The Masses”! — by Larry Sklar I’ve been an opal addict since I first learned how to cut stones when I was 12 years old (I won’t tell you how old I am now!). Over the years I was fortunate to be exposed to higher and higher grades of opal, however my cutting dwindled due to the high cost and low supply of rough gem grade Australian opal. The emergence of Ethiopian Welo opal, in 2008, has been a game changer. For the first time ever, I was able to buy a large quantity of terrific opal for a very reasonable cost. This enabled me to get my cutting groove back, and I’ve been going at it ever since! The lower cost of rough material, and corresponding lower cost of cut stones, relative to comparable Australian opal, has helped bring gem quality opal into the mainstream. Lower cost, coupled with dazzling colors, fascinating patterns, and unusual physical properties has led to a surge in the popularity of the Ethiopian Welo opal. Opal had previously been discovered in the Shewa province of Ethiopia prior to 2008, and although that material is beautiful, it is very unstable and the vast majority of it develops cracks and can literally break apart. Great for specimens, bad for jewelry!! This early material gave “African opal” a bad name. The discovery of a new deposit, in the Welo province in the northern part of the country, quickly brought out the naysayers (most of them Australian
opal dealers!) who claimed that this new material, too, was not stable. The reality is that at the time, nobody really knew how stable – or not – this material actually was. The story has a happy ending – 10 years into the discovery, this opal, once cut and polished, has turned out to be more stable, as well as more durable, than most Australian opal. The Ethiopian Welo opal has some very unusual characteristics. Most notable is its hydrophane property, which means it has an ultra low water content and can actually act like a sponge and absorb water – as much as 10% of its weight. Opal has varying degrees of water in it, and traditional belief is that the higher the natural water content, the less stable the opal. When Ethiopian Welo opal is immersed in water, it will soak up the water. As it does so, the opal’s color will first become very vivid, but as the saturation process continues, the opal will become completely transparent and the color disappears. It is bizzare to witness, and had me completely flipped out when I first began cutting this material back in 2009! Alas, all is not lost – this process is reversible! As the opal begins to dry, it will first become very milky and opaque, and over the coming days – and in some cases weeks – it will gradually return to its original body color, color play, and degree of translucency. It is important for jewelry artists who use these opals to educate
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OPALS (Cont.d) their customers – Ethiopian opal is a dynamic stone and care should be taken to avoid soaking it in water or other liquids! This opal presents lots of opportunities for jewelry artists. Although it’s nice to work with a simple, flat-backed cabochon, the nature of this material lends it to be cut into free form shapes, and often odd shaped pieces polished on all sides. Sometimes it’s hard to decide what should be the front and what should be the back! Let the customer and artist have their choice! Some pieces can be set with a simple wrap, others with prongs, and others with bezels. Let the piece tell you how it wants to be set. Ethiopian Welo opal is often translucent, and if a stone is thin, it can be hard to see the color if the stone is set in an open-backed setting. Therefore, for thin stones, I encourage artists to use a black backing to enable the stone to show its true color and brilliance. The unique characteristics of Ethiopian opal make cutting this material more challenging than Australian opal. It is volcanic in origin, and the rough pieces often have hard packed sand pitted in the stone, and/or odd contours containing deep concavities. These features lead to the rough having a relatively low yield – typically around 20%. The first step in cutting this material is grinding off all the sand spots and, unless you are carving the rough, removing the concavities. This can sometimes be quite frustrating, as occasionally the sand pit may extend several millimeters into the stone, or you have to cut the stone into smaller pieces if a concavity cuts deep through the stone. It takes longer to cut this material, too, since you usually can’t cut it to completion in one sitting because you can’t tell how to orient the stone once it is hydrated and the color has disappeared. I’ll rough out the stone one day, then let it sit for a few days for the color to reappear before deciding how to orient it and finishing the cutting. The color in Ethiopian opal often goes through the entire stone, rather than forming in a single layer like much Australian opal, and can present a challenge as to how the stone should be oriented. I’ve had plenty of stones where I begin to finish the back and realize that the back looks nicer than the front! I’ll round these off and take them to a final polish, resulting in a beautiful, double-sided stone. I cut the rough using Nova wheels with plenty of water. Although these opals have demonstrated excellent stability once cut, when they FIRST hydrate, some of them develop cracks quite rapidly that extend through the entire stone. I just “let it go” and saturate completely, and then simply break the stone apart along the crack lines. It is a major bummer, but unfortunately part of the process, when that big awesome piece of rough now ends up as 2 or 3 smaller pieces! Sometimes, small cracks may develop as the stone begins its initial drying out process. Either way, it is important when 8
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OPALS (Cont.d) cutting this opal to truly “beat it up” during the process to ferret out any material prone to cracking. You’d much rather have the stone reveal its weakness during the cutting process rather than once it’s ready to be set in a nice piece of jewelry! My opinion is that it’s crazy to cut this material dry, because you don’t find out the stone’s weakness until it is hydrated!! Although some of the material does crack during the cutting process, my personal experience is that once the stone has been polished and gone through the saturation/drying out process a few times without developing any cracks – you’re home free and have a stable stone. I have cut hundreds of these opals and have not had a single one crack or craze ONCE IT HAS BEEN CUT AND POLISHED!! Ethiopian Welo opal is here to stay. It has gained popularity because of its beautiful colors, patterns, and cost. Many people who only knew of opal as a milky, dull-colored stone have been amazed at what gem quality opal actually looks like. Gem opal has finally gone mainstream!!
CENTER FOR METAL ARTS Village of Florida, NY Full workshop descriptionAs, instructor profiles, and signups can be found at www.centerformetalarts.com. Lesley DiPiazza is featured in NoveAmber with a Roll Printing and Keum Boo workshop. Check it out!
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