Category: Iron & Metalwork
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Making a Copper Mask, Part 2
Go HERE for the first post on how to design and shape the mask. The Copper Jaguar Mask could be used as it is, but I want to add spots and fabric decorations. RIVETS: A jaguar’s spots (like the markings on any spotted or striped cat) are unique to the individual, just like human finger…
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Moon Pebble Necklace
I’ve been collecting round white quartz or chalcedony pebbles for many years, and for a long time I had an ever-changing series of them them arranged on a round “Dark Moon Turtle Shell” mandala in my studio, to represent the 13 moons of the year. I have been (and still am) drawing the more interesting ones for the…
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Bell Sounds and a New Bell
I’ve made some small videos of several iron bells. See and hear them ringing on this Youtube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/visualclutter Descriptions and prices are on the Iron Bells webpage: http://www.mineralarts.com/artwork/ironbells.html Here’s the newest bell. It’s the same triple-nested design that I used for the All Souls Procession Bell, in which the smaller bells act as clappers…
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Make a Hammered Copper Mask
Instructions for making a wearable mask made with sheet metal and basic metalworking techniques, using tools and materials that can be found at most hardware stores. SAFETY NOTES: This is not a kid’s project. It involves sharp-edged tools, hammers, fire, and hot metal. It is designed for someone who has never worked with metal before, but it does…
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Forgotten Treasure: Old Bells
Last night I got a phone call from a Tucson art gallery that used to carry my work. I sold gourd rattles and copper jewelry there in 1992-94, and when we moved back to Arizona in 2000, I put several of my bells in the shop. A year or so after that, the gallery came under…
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More Light
Over the weekend, my husband installed two windows in my shop. Although my forge and anvil are outside, I spend at least as much time (maybe more) in this tiny room, which is set up for grinding, polishing, silver work, etc. For the first time, the light of the High Summer sun and the Full…
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Shaman Antlers
It’s not really the right time of year to use these, but I am finishing some projects that are cluttering the shop and making me feel unproductive. These are naturally shed antlers with decorations based on my personal symbolism for “black” and “white” shamans. The “white” antler is from a Western Kentucky swamp. It has a…
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Forged Iron Triplet Cone Bells
Just finished these shaman’s bells today – I still need sound recordings and better photos for the website. Both sets are cone bell triplets hung on triangular hooks so all three bells can swing freely against each other for the best sound. The hooks were forged from small flat triangles. The Genii Cucullati set is…
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Ironwing Tarot Update
Ironwing Tarot full 78-card deck with book and bag: SOLD OUT as of today. 22 card MAJOR ARCANA set (square-cornered cards, no book or bag) is STILL AVAILABLE.
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Shaman’s Bells…and a request
I’ve been forging iron jewelry, shaman’s bells, and other magical iron objects for nearly 15 years, and am still experimenting with different styles and designs. It makes me happy and feels like something I’m “supposed” to do. I’ve been asked to write an article for Sacred Hoop about my blacksmithing and shamanic work. The magazine explores modern…
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