Metal Arts Tool Swap Meet 2023

metal arts tools on a workbench behind the wording "Tool Swap Meet: Buy, Swap or Pick Up Free Tools & Supplies; Sun Aug 13, 10am-2pm"

On Sunday, Aug 13th 2023 from 10 am – 2 pm in the parking lot of Creator Haven LLC in Watsonville, California 15 guild members brought all types of metal art tools and supplies large and small. All kinds of tools, stones, beads, metals, display items, and more were swapped and sold. The event was open to the public.

The FREE table held the ultimate bargains!

Thank you to everyone who brought free items to give away to anyone who stopped by. A special thank you to guild member Irene Patton for all the free cabochons. View a couple of the happy recipients in the slide show below.

N Kay Morrison's setup for selling tools, stones, beads, bench pin, display items and more on a table with a sunflower plant and directors chairs.
Happy Swap Meet attendee with free cabachons donated by Irene Patton.
Jeff representing SMAC, entertaining while selling tools and supplies including a bench polisher, a stump, hand tools, optivisor, books, pickle pots,a tank and other items on a table and on the asphalt of the parking lot.
Happy Swap Meet attendees with their free cabachons donated by Irene Patton.
Susan Kingsley with copies of her books for sale and metalsmithing tools for sale: a hydraulic press, a scale, a sandblast cabinet with media, accessories for the hydraulic press, hammers and more.
Brian Meek of Knew Concepts with a wide variety of metalsmithing tools from a kiln to tumblers
8 of the more than 10 tables in the metal arts guild swap meet with customers and for sale items on tables and on the asphalt
Tube cutter for sale with "tape hammock" tip from Angela Gleason
Metal artist Marge Regan with Little Smith torch tip setup, table lamp, display case, tools, display items, casting tools, on the table and on the asphalt of the parking lot.
Pearls for sale at the swap meet closeup view with a sharpie for scale
metal arts tools on a workbench behind the wording "Tool Swap Meet: Buy, Swap or Pick Up Free Tools & Supplies; Sun Aug 13, 10am-2pm"
external view of the front door of Creator Haven LLC a location where people create metal art and glass art
Members brought hand tools, large and small, and all types of metal art supplies else to Swap, Sell, and Giveaway!

Metal Arts Tool Swap Meet

metal arts tools on a workbench behind the wording "Tool Swap Meet: Buy, Swap or Pick Up Free Tools & Supplies; Sun Aug 13, 10am-2pm"

Sunday, Aug 13th 2023
Swap Hours: 10 am – 2 pm

In the parking lot of Creator Haven LLC in Watsonville, California

Guild members will be swapping, selling and giving away all types of metal art tools and supplies large and small. Come for tools, stones, beads, metals, display items, and more!

Everyone is welcome to attend and we encourage you to bring friends.

Attendees do not need to be members.

Visit the FREE table for the ultimate bargain!

If you are a guild member and would like to be on the wait list for your own table, or would like to be paired up with someone who is sharing a table, ‘register’ for FREE below. If a table space opens up, people on the wait list will be contacted in the order in which they signed up.

Loading…

external view of the front door of Creator Haven LLC a location where people create metal art and glass art
Bring hand tools, large and small, and anything else you’d like to Swap, Sell, or Giveaway!

Summer Party Sunday August 27, 2023

an illustration of a metal arts educator is juggling tools (calipers, pliers, hammer & graver) in this Honoring Local Educators summer party announcement

FREE Summer Party!

Join us as we celebrate
local metal artist educators
past and present

ALL MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO BRING FRIENDS
&
PEOPLE DO NOT NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND

The event is outside in the gardens of Sierra Azul Nursery

Come say thank you to your favorite
educators, assistants, workshop leaders, and helpers.

The monthly board meeting will happen on-site immediately before the party (12 – 1 pm)
We welcome all to attend and participate.

We look forward to seeing each other, catching up, announcing new events, honoring our local metal arts educators, viewing the Links Project plus any new links you bring, having lunch and cake, and answering any and all questions about the guild.

Bring your own picnic chair(s). Some shade is available at our picnic/meeting site. Bring a hat and sunscreen if you’d like to walk the gardens.

ABOUT the POTLUCK

Bring a potluck dish to share with serving utensil(s).

BYOB (bring your own beverage)

You are welcome to attend and partake without bringing a dish.

Please label your dish if you have made a special type (vegan, vegetarian, kosher, gluten-free, paleo, etc.) so others know they can partake. If a dish includes nuts or shellfish, please label the dish accordingly. You may use blue tape and a marker to label the dish.

The guild will provide eating utensils, paper plates, napkins, and a cake.

Sun August 27th 1 – 4 pm
Sierra Azul Nursery
2660 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076
Hwy 152 across from the Fairgrounds

Pajaro Valley Art’s yearly show, Sculpture IS, will be in full swing.
Enjoy the FREE exhibit and the beautiful demonstration gardens
over Sierra Azul’s acreage. Always very impressive! 

composite image with garden overview in the background, a sculpture by Jenni Ward in the left forground, the title of the exhibit, and Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden logo

Mad Science: Electroforming Workshop by Patty Lakinsmith

Text details for electroforming workshop with instructor name, dates, times, price, # students, and how to register along with an image showing electroformed glass

NEW EXTENDED DEADLINE

Master the basics of copper electroforming, an incredibly versatile technique. Learn the technique to augment work in any media (e.g., metal arts, glass arts, collage, et cetera). The workshop requires no background in electricity or chemistry. We welcome beginners.

LEARN ELECTROFORMING WITHOUT THE INITIAL EQUIPMENT SETUP COST!!

Instructor supplies all tools and materials except those listed below for students to bring. (No kit fee.)

Prerequisites:
Beginners to metalsmithing are welcome!
Access to Zoom meetings via phone, tablet or computer
Workshop participants must be current MBMAG members

June 28, 2023  from 6:30 – 9 PDT:  2.5 hour Zoom meeting covering essentials of electroforming and information you’ll need for the in-person session. Options and instructions for item prep will be covered in the Zoom session. Seal the organic items you will electroform before the in-person session.

July 8, 2023 from  10 – 5 PDT: Hands on electroforming workshop at Patty’s studio near Summit Rd, Los Gatos, CA. Create 2-3 designs of your choice. Troubleshooting, tank maintenance and much more will be taught. You will learn how to make bails and add embellishments such as gemstones. The electroforming process takes 24 hours and arrangements need to be made to pick up the finished pieces.

Our mbmag.org website, and the traffic to and from the website, is encrypted for your security. Note the closed padlock symbol to the left of https://mbmag.org….The “s” in “https” also means the site is secure.

SCROLL DOWN FOR WORKSHOP DETAILS

NEW EXTENDED REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
Midnight PDT on Wednesday June 28, 2023

Loading…


CANCELLATION POLICY

In the event we have to cancel a workshop, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.

Cancellations more than 4 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 6% service fee.

Cancellations more than 2 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 15% service fee.

Cancellations two weeks or less prior to the workshop are not refundable unless there is a wait list for the class and the seat is filled.

By clicking on the “Buy Now” button and by paying the registration fee, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.

About Patty Lakinsmith

Patty makes pieces inspired by nature for creative women who care about the environment and show their individuality through their jewelry.  She works in torch form glass and often embellishes her designs with electroformed items.

View more of her art at The Glass Acorn

WORKSHOP DETAILS

In the Zoom session

Overview of electroforming with examples of its use in various forms. Patty will show a Powerpoint presentation containing a number of examples in her own art and that of others. You’ll receive a copy of Patty’s Mad Science Electroforming tutorial to consult during and after the workshop. Patty will cover the processes and materials involved in electroforming natural materials such as plant pods, bones, leaves, etc. You’ll learn:

  • the versatility of electroforming
  • various techniques used to get different visual effects
  • the materials you need to electroform, including both electronics hardware as well as chemicals
  • the principles involved in electroforming including safety measures
  • how to set up the electroforming bath
  • what to use for sources of copper
  • how to get various visual effects
  • the steps involved in finishing electroformed items, and the supplies needed

You have 9 days to prep and seal organic items on your own before the in person session, using the detailed instructions you’ve been given with your copy of the tutorial to consult. Options and detailed instructions will be covered in the Zoom session during which questions will be answered.

The in-person session includes learning

  • how to apply the conductive paint and set up and run
  • hands on electroforming of your pre-sealed items
  • troubleshooting along the way when problems are encountered
  • techniques for making metal pendant bails
  • how to incorporate items such as gemstones (natural and synthetic) in an electroformed piece. A limited number of these items will be made available for the students to use

While the pieces are being electroformed, we will discuss

  • materials needed to get started with your own setup
  • sources, costs, and ideas for making some of the chemicals yourself.
  • tank and solution maintenance.
  • how to troubleshoot problems

The class will break for lunch at a mutually convenient time in the middle of the in person workshop. There is a supermarket with an extensive deli and outdoor seating 2 miles away (lunch cost not included in the workshop price).

Avifauna and Flora Cloisonné Enamel and Mason Stain Workshop by Darci Shea Bogdan

call for students announcement with image of a gull in enamel and kelp in silver along with the details for the workshop

June 23 – 25, 2023, 10 am – 5 pm daily
In person Fri – Sun @ Creator Haven in Watsonville, CA

The 3 day in-person workshop taught by guild member Darci Shea Bogdan will focus on guided instruction through the cloisonné enamel process with the addition of optional mason stain and painting enamel application. The theme of the workshop will be Avifauna and Flora, also known as birds and flowers, inspiring the students to use the techniques learned to create aesthetic textures such as feathers, skin, tonal gradients, and more.

3 day workshop
$375 per person covers all 3 days
$75 kit fee paid to instructor on 1st day of workshop
Maximum 10 students

THE WORKSHOP IS FULL

ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAIT LIST TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANY STUDENT CANCELLATIONS

If there is a cancellation, we will contact the people on the Wait List in the order in which they’ve signed up to the Wait List.

Loading…

Our website, and the traffic to and from the website, is encrypted for your security. Note the closed padlock symbol to the left of https://mbmag.org….The “s” in “https” also means the site is secure.

Enamel and Mason Stain Necklace by Darci Shea Bogdan

Avifauna and Flora Workshop Description

Students will be introduced to the classical techniques of cloisonné enamel. Through guided demos and instruction students will learn safety protocols and procedures, basic silver wire bending techniques, and proper tool and kiln use. Students will then be taught enamel washing and disposal, enamel application, optional mason stain and painting enamel application, and final grinding and finishing. Once all students are finished with their pieces, they will participate in a group critique/show and tell.

Designs Due Before Workshop

Students will be required to have 3 designs ready before the class that they will email Darci Shea for pre-approval, one of which will be the final class project. These designs should be emailed to me at the instructor no later than 5 days before the workshop. If students do not want to design their own piece, they may follow the guided design by Darci Shea with the express understanding that they may NOT sell the piece as their own.

Prerequisites:
– Basic metalsmithing skills are required
– Workshop participants must be current MBMAG members

Kit Fee:
A kit fee of $75 is due the first day of class and payable directly to the instructor. Use of tools is included. The $75 kit includes the materials for creating pieces in the workshop.

Please review our COVID-19 guidelines for in-person students:
For the health and safety our staff and students, students are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted. Masks are optional unless you are, or suspect you are, sick in which case you must wear a mask at all times. You will be required to sign Creator Haven’s liability and vaccination certification forms.

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • In the event we have to cancel a workshop, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.
  • Cancellations more than 4 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 6% service fee.
  • Cancellations more than 2 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 15% service fee.
  • Cancellations two weeks or less prior to the workshop are not refundable unless there is a wait list for the class and the seat is filled.
  • By clicking on the “Buy Now” button and by paying the registration fee, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.

Students must be guild members: Join or renew your membership now to register for the workshop.

Guild members are offered seats in the workshop before the dates are announced to the public. Anyone anywhere in the world can join the guild now.

About DARCI SHEA BOGDAN

Darci Shea is an artist and cloisonné enamelist who focuses on creating work that mirrors the majesty and magic of the natural world. With over a decade of maritime experience as a USCG licensed captain and 15 years as a professional illustrator and jewelry designer, Darci Shea has married her two passions to create work that focuses on wildlife, nature, and storytelling.

You can see more of Darci Shea’s original expertly crafted art in the member gallery here on the guild website and on DarciShea.com. See works in progress, Darci Shea’s creation process and finished pieces on Instagram.com/darci_shea

Sea Otter Necklace
Cloisoneé Enamel using Mason Stain
by Darci Shea Bogdan
Darci Shea Bogdan wearing her American Jewelry Design Council José Hess Award Winning Necklace

TOOL & SUPPLY LIST FOR WORKSHOP WITH DARCI SHEA BOGDAN

INSTRUCTOR SUPPLIED TOOLS

Trivets
Glass Brush
Kiln Glasses
Diamond Grinding Pads
Distilled Water
Double Sided Tape
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels

OPTIONAL TOOLS & SUPPLIES
BROUGHT BY EACH STUDENT

Optivisor and/or Glasses
Diamond Grinding Pads
Apron
Masks
Rubber Gloves / Latex or Nitril Gloves
Kiln Glasses

Knew Concepts Factory Tour

Precision saw with designer Brian Meek of Knew Concepts

A group of guild members met at Knew Concepts in Watsonville on May 6th 2023 at 1 pm for an in-person factory tour

Knew Concepts is the maker of jewelry and woodworking tools and has been based in the Santa Cruz area since being founded. Brian Meek, Knew Concepts owner and product designer, gave the tour. Learn more at KnewConcepts.com or follow them on instagram

We saw how the products are made and heard a little of how they decide which new tools to design. Brian gave us some tips and tricks from his decades of experience making and teaching jewelry.

a red truss shaped jewelry saw with designer Brian Meek of Knew Concepts
truss shaped jewelry saw on alignment jig at Knew Concepts
Precision saw with designer Brian Meek of Knew Concepts
CNC machine being run by designer Brian Meek of Knew Concepts

Knew Concepts makes all these tools and more!!!

Happy Makers at the Make a Bracelet Event

Another view of People of all ages confidently filing the ends of copper pieces to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023

If you visited us at the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party on Saturday April 15th , you were one of ~ 450 people to stop by!!!

True joy while sanding a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
A young participant stamps a shape into a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
stamping a shape into a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
A new guild member volunteer helps as a participant sands a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Happily finishing the final sanding of the newly created unique bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Look at this new bracelet handmade by someone new to making jewelry at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Joyfully wearing the newly created bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Thoughtfully sanding a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
A happy young participant showing off the newly created one-of-a-kind handmade (!) bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Showing off the newly created bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Showing off the uniquely their own handmade bracelet freshly made at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Happily holding a new bracelet handmade at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Metal artist volunteer explaining how to stamp a shape to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
A young participant uses a hammer on a metal stamp to create a design on a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Showing off their young family members new bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
A guild metal artist volunteer teaches how to file a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
People of all ages confidently filing the ends of copper pieces to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Another view of People of all ages confidently filing the ends of copper pieces to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
colorful illustration of a bouquet of flowers with hummingbird and many butterflies advertising the Monterey Museum of Art block party

People discovered their inner metal artist by making a thin cuff bracelet with a pattern of their own design

The FREE event was at the Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940 on Saturday April 15, 2023 from 12pm – 4pm Learn more about the museum and any upcoming block parties @ montereyart.org People of all ages participated!

We provided the copper, all the tools, and guided participants through the process. View the gallery above to see some people making and wearing their one-of-a-kind custom made bracelet to the rest of the block party.

Want to show off the bracelet you made? Tag us on Instagram @montereybaymetalarts and we’ll share your creation


How to Make a Thin Cuff Bracelet

Copper is cut to size for each wrist

Learn how to use files we provide to round the corners

Stamp a pattern using little steel blocks

Files, stamps, hammers, and patina are provided to create the design of your choice

The bracelet is fit to size using a wrist mandrel (we show you how)

Pacific Ave, Monterey, California
a lower case stylized M is the logo for the monterey museum of art in monterey california

Make a Bracelet Free

a copper rectangle stamped with the words "MAKE A BRACELET" is in front of a manakin hand holding metal stamps vertically. The background is grey with a logo of the Monterey bay metal arts guild in the lower left corner

Come see us at the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party on Saturday April 15th and let your inner metal artist shine!

Pacific Ave, Monterey, California

Would you like to make a thin cuff bracelet with a pattern oƒ your own design?

We provide the copper, all the tools, and guide you through the process. You’ll be able wear your one-of-a-kind custom made bracelet to the rest of the block party. All people of all ages are welcome!

How to Make a Thin Cuff Bracelet

Copper is cut to size for each person

We’ll show you how to use files we provide to round the corners

Stamp a pattern using little steel blocks

Files, stamps, hammers, and patina are provided to create the design of your choice

The bracelet is fit to size using a wrist mandrel (we’ll show you how)

Put a patina on your bracelet to highlight the stamped patterns and make it shine

Wear your bracelet while enjoying the rest of the block party!

The FREE event will be at the Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940

Saturday April 15, 2023 from 12pm – 4pm montereyart.org

a lower case stylized M is the logo for the monterey museum of art in monterey california

Watch Guest Speaker Susan Kingsley

screenshot from the video of Susan Kingsley speaking at the Winter Party 2023

Did you miss the annual Winter Gathering on Sunday January 22?

screenshot from the video of Susan Kingsley speaking at the Winter Party 2023
Susan Kingsley, Featured Speaker

Would you like to watch the entertaining and informative talk by Susan Kingsley, guild member, author of Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers and Metalsmiths, and co-founder of Ethical Metalsmiths?

Login to your member account, then CLICK HERE


Susan Kingsley, a visual artist working with hands-on processes. As a metalsmith, she created physical objects that reflect her commitment to craft. Susan brought copies of her book to sell in person.

cover of hydraulic Die Forming book with a photo of a die formed amphora pendant on a silver chain

Making jewelry led her to thinking about how social and cultural values are communicated by “things,” how personal objects shape our lives and reflect our beliefs. She enjoys making art that challenges the status quo, often with irony and paradox.

Susan’s work has been exhibited and published in the United States, Canada and Europe. She’s authored articles on craft, culture and environmental issues and written the technical book, Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers and Metalsmiths.

Susan’s work has been exhibited and published in the United States, Canada and Europe. She’s authored articles on craft, culture and environmental issues and written a technical book, Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers and Metalsmiths.

Susan taught jewelry and metalsmithing at Monterey Peninsula College and has conducted numerous workshops on die forming throughout the United States and Canada.

In 2006 she co-founded the non-profit organization, Ethical Metalsmiths, whose mission is to promote responsible jewelry practices through education, connection and action.

The event was held at the Haute Enchilada Social Club & Gallery, 7902 Moss Landing Rd, Moss Landing, CA 95039-9657

Knew Concepts Factory Tour

invitation to sign up for a free tour of the Knew Concept jewelry and woodworking tools factory at their new location in Watsonville CA on May 6, 2023. Participants must be a current MBMAG member.

Meet us in Watsonville on May 6th 2023 at 1 pm for an in-person factory tour of Knew Concepts!

We’ll see how the products are made and hear how they decide which new tools to design.

Knew Concepts is the maker of jewelry and woodworking tools and has been based in the Santa Cruz area since being founded. Brian Meek, Knew Concepts owner and product designer, will be giving the tour. Learn more at KnewConcepts.com or follow them on instagram

Bring your Original Knew Concepts saw if you’d like to have the Lever Tension upgrade installed onsite. You’ll be able to pay for the upgrade and take it home finished.

You must be a member of MBMAG to sign up. Use your mbmag.org account to login

The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in. Not a member? Join Now!