Twirling in the Storm

First piece created at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

One of the first questions asked was who was a jewelry maker... second question was who has soldered before...Hum...neither of those could I answer yes to.  I had to quickly figure out how to make this week long, much anticipated class (the description stated that it was for both jewelry and sculpture) on kinetic movement work for me. Day one was working with copper tubes and basic soldering. Day two became more jewelry centered.   Luckily, I knew where the town cigar shop was and during lunch I headed that way to get a base to work with.  While the other ladies, who were jewelry makers, were making copper rings that spin, I was making a wire lady to dance in the rain.  My teacher was a little thrown off but definitely not put off by this.  She was just as excited to see her come to life as I was.  

It took a little bit of trial and error but I got her to twirl around and around when her crank is used.  I had to solder, pop rivet, use the drill press and scroll saw, and bend copper tubing.  It was awesome.  

 

 

This was the second finished project.  When her crank is turned, her foot stomps in the puddle.  I had to work out how to connect the leg at the knee and not have it jam up when in motion.  Most of the time it is a pretty smooth movement but I am going to try using a jump ring for the joint the next time to see if it will be  any better.   I was thrilled to have new skills and two items to take home to share.

I have one less item for my Christmas list.  A family friend happened to have a commercial scroll saw that was in need of a home and we were happy to help him out.  I can't wait to go to the workshop and give it a workout.  I have lots of ideas running around in my head to play with. The only problem is that they always take more time to figure out that I think they will.  Wish me luck!

Each year October is our busy month.  Add in a week at art camp, a short trip to Myrtle Beach with BBF, and starting to lay flooring in most of the house to our usual assisting Mother-in-law with a 3 week craft fair (she is a potter by trade) and WHEW...It was a fun whirlwind but bring on November.

Peace,

Hilari

#arrowmont #craftexperience