Sawing Circle themes and dates for 2025

Volunteer hosts:  Ame, Anne, Dale, Annette, Karen R. and Dusky. ​If you have a topic idea , let us know!
 
January 21: Why we make what we make
What drew you to the technique you use most often? How did you get there? Or are you still searching for your favorite technique? This is meant as a little introduction to each other, fresh for the new year. If you want, take this as an opportunity to do your 'elevator pitch' about your work- with a very easy-going, forgiving audience!
 
February 18: Melting stuff (on purpose)
Do you melt down your own scrap and/or alloy your own materials? Do you outsource your casting and/or refining? Who do you use? How do you prep for it? Show a process you do or would like to try or share a cast piece you've made or admire. 
​Special guest - to be announced.
 
March 18: Soldering
Show us a tip/trick; yours or from a class/book/post, bring your tricky soldering job questions, disasters or triumphs.
 
*April 15: Piercing, Commissions and Custom Works
Who likes sawing? Really? Show us your saw! Are the new-fangled saws worth it? Is it really all that important to use the specific size blade for the thickness of metal? Any class/teacher you'd recommend to improve sawing technique? Share an image of a pierced piece you admire or made. How you do you go about doing commission work? Pricing, designs, expectations, timelines. Share your successes and/or warnings of what not to do!
 
May 20: Upcycling/Recycling/Found Objects
Re-using vintage jewelry, incorporating recycled materials like sea glass, printed tin, typewriter keys. Any tips/tricks for setting or cold-connecting these materials? Share your favorite artist that uses recycled materials. Show a piece you've made.

June 17: Designing
How do you come up with fresh, interesting designs? Do you draw? Use Google images? Rearrange bits on your bench? Bring some sort of source (book, pinterest, YouTube) to share - could be a jewelry design/history book, a video or even an artist whose work you find inspiring. (Ame and Anne will be away)

July 15: Tool time!
What's your most expensive tool? Which is your oldest? Which one do you use the most? Share anything you like about your tools. Images of work made with that tool would be great too! 

Aug 19: Fiddly Bits
Bails for pendants, bands for big stone rings, brooch backs, jumprings. Those small but necessary findings are sometimes where our creativity gives out. Who has interesting creative solutions to share? Bring your almost-finished pieces, we'll brainstorm ideas!

Sept 16: Forming & Forging
Show us examples of adding dimension to metal, from dapping a disc to forging a neck torque. Can be a favorite artist, an example you made in a workshop, or your favorite process (hydraulic press, raising, score/bend), etc.

October 21: Qing Dynasty Jewelry & Finishing Techniques
Jewelry Metals artist Marianne Pickett takes us on an adventure to the Qing Dynasty to see amazing jewelry and learn about it's fascinating history and meaning. This video presentation first appeared as part of the Metal Arts Adventures hosted by Anne & Ame during the pandemic. Then it's on to finishing techniques - the tedium of that last 10%. How do you make it fun, effective and satisfying to put the finishing touches on your work? Share your process (and favorite abrasives) with us.
 
November 18: Gratitude Project
This month we're working on a group project - create an object that expresses gratitude. It can be jewelry, an object, something for the home, yourself, or a holiday gift to give. Bonus points for incorporating fall leaves, fall colors or nature elements in some way!

December 16 - Our Annual Zoom Holiday Party and Gift Exchange
​Bring your festive attire and/or decor, pour yourself a cup of good cheer and join in the fun.