N.C. Black, Pie and Weddings

This morning I am having pie for breakfast:

the last piece of an open-top rustic apple pie that I made for the dear

duo of Andrea and Les of N.C. Black

as they swung through San Jose last night after a demo in Cupertino.

For those of you who don't know (perk up your ears, smiths!)

Andrea and Les are the ambassadors and educators for their company that makes stellar hammers, forming blocks and stakes.

I took an engraving class with them last November in Long Beach

and it completely revolutionized my work.

Their instruction was tremendous

and always above and beyond the basics - students walked away

filled with the kind of understanding that fuels passion:

that's good teaching!!

Les showed me a bit more about forming in my studio

and I look forward to showing the excellence of their tools through my work

as it becomes more three dimensional.

When I hold an N.C. Black hammer in my hand I am always amazed at the grace and ease with which it swings and makes contact: their work is sublime

Balanced

Elegant

Anthony has been instructed to get me a big vise (ho ho ho!!)

and I will be acquiring a small table to use as my forming station.

I will be writing a bit about each hammer I use

after I get the feel for them.

After a break in January, this dynamic duo will be heading back out on the road for what may be the last year of intensive workshop touring:

I sincerely recommend you check out their schedule and see about

getting some higher education

to take your metalsmithing to a whole new level.

I am happy to report that the wedding I sang at on Saturday night was a smashing success

complete with blushing bride and a fully choreographed high school- bff-dance to N'Sync's "Bye Bye Bye" -

I was amazed!!!

I have some really heartfelt work to share with you this week -

stay tuned!!

xoxo,

Allison