Oct. 23, 2011, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Armenian Cultural Center, 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown, MA
Tools, Jewels and the people who use them are once again the focus of Metalwerx’ 7th annual Vendor day!
Vendor Day is an opportunity to meet some of the best vendors in the business! Aspiring and professional metalworkers, beading enthusiasts, woodworkers, or the casual crafter can see product demonstrations and find top-quality supplies for immediate purchase with no shipping costs or delays.
Pauline of Warg Enamel and Tool
It can be hard to pick things out from catalogs. It wasn’t until I held my first Bill Fretz’ hammer that I knew I had to have one (now I own three). Online or in a catalog, when you can’t feel and touch a tool it’s hard to know it if it’s the right one for the job…and forget about picking out a stone from a glossy page or a computer screen! It just doesn’t have the same sparkle to inspire a new design.
Michael Good's new Fretz Hammers
Speaking of seeing products in action…I was actually on the phone with Bill Fretz a week ago where he was telling me about Michael Good’s new planishing hammer, designed to allow you see forms better while hammering. It’s full sized but the neck of the hammerhead is thinned out so you can reach into shapes with a lot of curve. Apparently, it also makes closing spiculums much easier. I hate closing forms! Bill will be demoing them next weekend and I’m looking forward to seeing it in action.
Another exciting event in store will be happening at 12:30, where Cynthia Eid will be giving a demonstration and lecture on Lee Marshall’s Knew Concept Saw. This “knew” design has revolutionized the modern studio with its lightweight aluminum frame and precise, tension-setting mechanism. When she’s not lecturing, Cynthia will be situated at the Allcraft Jewelry Supply booth so make sure to stop by.
Knew Concept Saw
Apparently, Allcraft will have plenty the much sought-after Japanese Gossiba Patina Solution. It can be hard to come by since they normally don’t ship it – so this is your chance to stock up. Everyone has been raving about this new patina since Jayne Redman came this past summer and showed us why it’s so special – it doesn’t produce waste (you only use what you need), you can easily achieve an even and predictable colored coating, and it is doesn’t have a terrible odor. Good-bye Liver of Sulphur – Hello Gossiba!
Tevel of Allcraft Jewelry Supply
But wait…there’s more! Our popular lectures are happening onsite throughout the day featuring a variety of topics you won’t want to miss:
10:30 AM – Photographing Jewelry with Stan Goldberg, Hunts Photo & Video
11:30 AM – What is MJSA? Helping Artisans and Understanding Manufacturing Processes with Corrie Silva, Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America.
12:30 PM – Knew Concept Saw: Sawing is Believing with Cynthia Eid, (cynthiaeid.com) Jewelry and Hollowware Designer and Maker
1:30 PM – Safe Soldering Practices for the Home Studio with Karen Christians, Cleverwerx
2:30 PM – JUST ADDED! Artists and Social Media with Lori Magno (lorimagno.com) who reveals simple strategies to incorporate social media tools into your marketing strategy. (Also included – why you need a marketing strategy!)
When you come in, make sure to get your free goodie bag stuffed with resources for jewelers, vendor information, and magazines for metalsmiths. This is going to be an amazing day and we hope to see you there!
Sylvia (Studiomate) dressed to the nines with her goodie bag in hand
Doors open at 10 a.m. There is $6 contribution at the door. Save $1 off admission with our Vendor Day postcard, or if you print the page at metalwerx.com/workshop/230 (only one discount per person).
The Armenian Cultural Center is located at 47 Nichols Avenue in Watertown and has plenty of free parking. Metalwerx Inc., 50 Guinan Street, Waltham, MA, is a 501c3 non-profit educational institution. For more information about the sale, or to learn more about Metalwerx, please visit our website, www.metalwerx.com, give us a call at 781-891-3854 or send an email to info@metalwerx.com.
PARTICIPATING VENDORS INCLUDE:
Metalsmithing Tools:
These vendors will be selling a large variety of hand tools (pliers, tweezers, burnishers…, hammers and other specialty forming supplies, keum boo materials, PMC supplies, a variety equipment (including enameling kiln, rolling mill, Fordom flexshafts), soldering equipment ( ventilation systems, specialty soldering tools), and much more.
- AllCraft Jewelry Supply Co.
- Ring Tool
- WARG Enamel & Tool Center
- Cleverwerx
- Fretz Design
Precious/Semi-precious Stones, Beads, Pearls…
Gemstone and bead dealers will have a sparkling selection of every stone imaginable in a variety of price points…faceted gems and cabochons, precious and semiprecious beads, a large variety of pearls, as well as findings.
Sierra Madre Mining Company
- Bernard’s Jewelry
- Blue Heron Designs
- Boston Gems
- Gangi Gems
- RHB Enterprises
- Sierra Madre Mining Company
- Joseph P. Stachura Co., Inc.
- Trinity Imports
Services:
- Racecar Jewelry Co. – Casting and Mold Making
- The Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA)
Other items of interest:
- America’s Box and Display – Packaging and Display
- Hunt’s Photo and Video – Photography supplies
- Charon Kransen Arts – Jewelry Books and Exhibition Catalogs
- Greco Leather – Leather and accessories
By Lindsay Minihan
The show floor in 2010
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Latest posts by Metalwerx (see all)
- Meet the Masters: Hadar Jacobson - June 4, 2013
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- Craft Boston Strong 2013 - April 29, 2013
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
The artisans always have such amazing creations at the shows. Thanks for sharing.
I’m am looking forward to vendor day. It’s a great experience to hear the talks and smooze with other artisans and exhibitors. thank you for doing this.
donna