Tuesday, June 10, 2014

What I have been working on

Just an update to fill you all in on what I've been working on


I have been working on getting tatting Book Number 3 ready to publish.  Of course it is SPLIT RING TATTING.  The title/topic is:  Block Alphabets in Split Ring Tatting.  It will feature 2 different alphabets with matching numbers as well as 'frames'  and ideas as to how to use the letters you create for decoration.  Right now I am sewing on letters and a frame I tatted to fabric base.  I will eventually frame it so that it mimics those filet crochet nameplates.  Hopefully soon I will have a photo of it to show/share.

The other things that I am working on/towards is to create some new and unique tatting shuttles.
This includes:
  • The ShuttleSmith Tatting Shuttle Endeavor Number 1 is Leather Tatting Shuttles
I've already debutted one form of my leather shuttles--those that are double layered.  This features bonding a colorful, decorative leather to a base layer of leather that is sturdy.  I have  several colors already made, plus I purchased a whole bunch more leather scrap pieces in some great colors to make more. 
Leather Tatting Shuttles as of 6/10/14


  • The ShuttleSmith Tatting Shuttle Endeavor Number 2 is Stone Tatting Shuttles
I have been apprenticing with a master lapidarist who has been teaching me about rocks and mineral specimens---it has been a fascinating journey thus far.  I had actually taken two separate lapidary classes in the past and know a little bit about the process and had actually even made a prototype stone tatting shuttle (though I can't find it today).  Bruce has been collecting mineral specimens and cutting/polishing rocks into jewelry pieces since he was a kid (check out his website: http://www.thefinestthings.com/).  The problem with learning from Bruce is that he has the best tools available....so I was apprehensive about his kind offer to learn on his tools, knowing that I would be not able to afford such wonderful machines.  Recently he 'hooked me up' with a local guy who was selling off some lapidary machine.  I went down and bought it but haven't had time to play with it.  It needs to be hooked up to a water source which is a bit difficult.  Plus, Bruce & I are busy with other aspects of our lives (eg. lawns, landscaping, home repairs, motorcycling--me) this time of year and haven't had alot of time to explore this hobby.
  • The ShuttleSmith Tatting Shuttle Endeavor number 3 is Copper Enameled Shuttles
This is what I am actively working on.  I took an introductory class and discovered how much fun it was.  We made jewelry but my thought was 'How can I make tatting shuttles!'.  I have had success with creating jewelry peices but as yet haven't finished a tatting shuttle YET.  By the end of the week, I should have a prototype.  I am actively checking my mail for a new torch that will be hot enough to heat the larger piece of copper that forms the shuttle.  BTW, 'enameling' is the process of fusing glass onto a base, in this case copper.  I have alot of color options to play with.  Hopefully I will soon have something to show you......




7 comments:

  1. Ooh, these sound interesting. Looking forward to seeing the results.

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    1. Right now I am too am interested in seeing results. I have several copper shuttles cut out and prepped. I am anxiously awaiting arrival of my new torch to be able to get it hot enough to melt the enamel in the larger size that the shuttle is. Last night I did create a unique shuttle from plain copper in which I applied a heat patination process to put a colorful surface on it. Pictures soon!

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  2. Kind of makes my head spin to read about all these unusual artistic endeavors! I can't imagine your 'workshop' where you have all kinds of tools. A lapidary machine is certainly unusual! And a torch for heating copper! I actually had a very small portable kiln as a kid in which I heated up enamel powder designs on pre-cut copper pieces. I have no idea how even I got 'into' that particular hobby, except possibly through a school summer program, which inspired me to ask my parents to buy the kiln. I still have the items I made; otherwise, I'd never have remembered that I even did that! I have no idea what happened to the kiln or my supplies! I then gravitated more to the fiber arts! We're also into the outdoor yard work now - although I can't say I enjoy it! I'm amazed you ride a motorcycle! DH gave his up a few years ago, but we did enjoy some nice rides on the country roads.

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    1. Kathy, in researching enameling, I came across an old (not saying you are!) kit that included a kiln...it was probably what you had. I shall have to go back to ebay and see if I still have it marked. Right now I'm eagerly checking the mail everyday for my new torch. My old torch doesn't get hot enough to melt my shuttle metal size.

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    2. Is this what you had???
      http://www.ebay.com/itm/271506984143?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

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    3. Bingo! That's it exactly! I remember that box, too! Thanks so much for finding this! Of all the things I've researched from my childhood on the Web, I never investigated the kiln! As I was checking the URL, DH said "It had a glass dome, right?' HIs statement amazed me because although we were dating back in 1960 (ages 16 and 17), I didn't realize he had actually seen the kiln. I was about 13-14 in 1957- 58 when I was working with it but wasn't making anything by 1960 (very involved with band (clarinet) and majorette activities!) But I did show him the things I made with it, so I must have shown him the kiln, too!

      I feel sad that it got discarded somehow - maybe it stopped working? Those were pretty high temps! I don't recall blowing any fuses, though! My wonderful parents were always supportive of my many hobbies, so I guess they didn't mind buying it, although I have no recollection where. Not exactly a 'toy'! There are several images of it if you search ' fire bright kiln images'! Now I can put photos of it with my jewelry! Thanks so much again - happy memories for me! I hope your new torch does the job!

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    4. If you are in the Omaha, NE area, stop by and play with me in my enameling studio!!!

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