BALCONES FORGE
Blacksmiths of Central Texas
December 2003
John Crouchet, President Harvey Wise, Secretary
Jerry Achterberg, Vice President Vince Herod, Editor Gerald Pollard, Treasurer
Lorelei Sims is the featured demonstrator at the 2004 Balcones Forge Winter
Workshop. Look for details in this edition.
President's Corner
Time to Raise your Hands!
Greetings, fellow members, and thank you for electing me to lead this fine organization. I intend to put my best ideas and energy into the next eleven meetings, and I hope we will make this the best year yet for Balcones Forge.
I urge you to give some high-powered thought to what we can do for some exciting and really interesting meetings. Then, once you think it up, share it! Speak up and say what you want to see. This organization will only be as good as the members make it. Email me with suggestions at: jac@sycamorecreekranch.net. Call me on the phone (830-798-3710). Write me a letter. (Sycamore Creek Ranch, 5828 East RR 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654) I will share your suggestions in the next newsletter. We are going to do what the membership asks for!
Volunteers are already lining up to make this a great year. Sue Murray (with support from her dad, Don Tuff) has generously agreed to be our new Librarian. Larry Stevens has already volunteered to check out the "Mo Ranch", home of the ironwork of Eric Reisling, as our next field trip destination. My long-suffering buddy, Ruth Carter volunteered to tend to our neglected sign-in sheet and greet the newcomers and guests at meetings.
Next, I think we are looking for someone to take over the most essential job of every meeting…. Making the coffee!!! This is a tough one because this volunteer needs to arrive early at every meeting, since the big commercial coffee machine needs time to get going in the morning (I really understand that one!). Bring along a volunteer partner, too, because the coffee machine is heavy and you will need a stand-in if you should have to miss a meeting. I know this is a tough job. I'm asking you to raise your hand and volunteer for the hard ones!
Look around and see what needs to be done for Balcones Forge. Then call me up and volunteer to do it!
One last note: I want to thank my friend and teacher, Larry Crawford, not only for doing a good job leading us this last year, but for all the many, many things he has done for our organization since its beginnings, decades ago, as the Texas Artist Blacksmiths Association. In case you thought he was going to get an easy year off, think again. Around this outfit, top hands don't ever get a vacation!
John Crouchet
Secretary Report
The last meeting of Balcones Forge for 2003 was held in San Antonio, Texas at
George Schroeder's shop Metalmorphosis on the 22nd of Nov. President Larry
Crawford called the meeting to order around 9:30. Several meeting announcements
were made including: Gerald Pollard has a list of all members current addresses
and contact info, so we all need to get with Gerald at the meetings and make
sure it is all correct. Steven and Al Dietz in San Marcos, Texas will host the
January meeting on the 31st. Directions will be in the January 2004 newsletter
but the Trade Item is some kind of cutting tool such as a chisel or something a
Stone Mason would use to work on stone.
Larry Stevens gave a report to the club on ABANA meeting that took place in
Memphis. I will get a copy of that report put in January Newsletter for those
members that were unable to be at this meeting.
The February meeting will be in Marble Falls and is our BIG yearly major demo,
this year we are having Lorelei Sims from Illinois. It will be on the 28 and
29th of February at Larry Crawford's Hammerfest Forge. As usual we will set up
on Friday and need some help so if you can be there just show up, there will be
plenty to do.
The March meeting is planned as a Treadle Torch workshop however the site has not been finalized; that will get taken care of by then.
After all that we got down to the business of electing Our Officers for next year. They are: John Crouchet, President, Jerry Achterberg, Vice President, Harvey Wise, Secretary, Gerald Pollard, Treasurer, Vince Herod, Editor and Sue Murray and her dad Don Tuff are our new Librarians.
Then we finally got around to what we came for and that was to see George work with those Big Hammers he has all over the place. He started out on a 200 lb., moved over to a 450 lb. hammer before getting outside to the really big 1500lb. hammer. He let the members work with the 200lb. hammer if they wanted to, some of them really had a good time with that. George was going to forge 2 Stump Anvils one for use as a reproduction of an antique and the other he donated to the Iron in the Hat Auction, which Sue Murray bought.
We had 10 different Trade Items show up and all kinds of Leafs were on display.
The Iron in the Hat Action was again fairly good as 8 items brought in $142.50.
See you all at the next meeting in San Marcos at Al and Steven Dietz's.
Harvey
From Larry Crawford
I want to thank the membership of Balcones Forge for letting me serve as your
President for the past couple of years and having the opportunity to steer our
club and make it a valuable asset to blacksmiths of central Texas. I believe we
have made progress in improving the offerings & holdings of Balcones Forge
and with John Crouchet as your new President we will continue to do so.
I want to thank the officers: VP Jerry Achterberg, Treasurer Gerald Pollard, Secretary Harvey Wise and Editor Vince Herod for their support and cooperation during my tenure as President.
Thanks Y'all. Happy Holidays.
Keep those anvils warm
Larry Crawford
PS. This quote from movie director Mike Nichols got my attention and I thought I'd share it. "Process is the great happiness. It takes us up and time passes like the wind and we still have time for consideration and reflection. It is the great bargain in satisfaction, while the highly advertised achievement brings a certain emptiness since it is very hard to experience or even believe".
Member Info
If you have not renewed your membership in Balcones Forge, then the time has
come. By the time you get this edition, the New Year will have arrived as well
as the beginning of our fiscal year. Hold on to your checkbooks; dues are still
the bargain basement price of ten dollars. That's right folks, for less than the
price of a store bought pair of tongs, you too can be a member of this fine
group. Send your dues to:
Gerald Pollard
Balcones Forge Treasurer
14309 Friendswood Lane
Austin, TX 78737
Since the membership rolls will change greatly after the fabulous Lorelei Sims demo in February, a new roster will not be published until after the event. However, many of you have changed addresses and not forwarded that information to the editor. How does he know you say; just look at all the returned mail. Let us know where you are folks!
Book Report
Ornamental Ironwork
An Illustrated Guide to Its Design
History, and Use in American
Architecture
I have now found so many books titled Ornamental Ironwork that I am considering starting a separate collection just for them. I wonder, "Does every one of these authors think he (or she) is the first person to dream up that startlingly original title?" Fortunately, despite the less-than-exciting title, there is some fine information in this soft cover tome by Susan and Michael Southworth.
This book was not written for the blacksmith. It is really aimed at the
consumers (or patrons) of ironwork who wish to be better informed about what
they are seeing and what they are buying. If you want to be as well informed as
your clients, then I suggest that you read this book also. It's an interesting
mix of the history of American ironwork and the evolution of current style.
You will find a brief discussion here about the famous ironwork of Charleston,
New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Boston, as well as a good bit of information on
the uses and advantages of wrought iron as an architectural material. You will
also find some ideas that you might use to help sell some of the wonderful
ironwork you are going to build. And reading a little further, you might
discover the name of the particular style you are copying and even the origins
of that style, all things that could enhance your sales presentation and give
you the smug feeling that you know what you are doing!
Check out the chapters on "Visual Considerations" and "Practical Considerations" for a good list of things you should ask yourself before commencing work. Face it; blacksmithing is a slow, labor intensive process. It's best to avoid the trial and error method of design.
As a bonus, the book ends with a nice patternbook and list of ironwork resources. I found the annotated list of references very useful as a way of ferreting out more obscure, but interesting, books on ironwork.
John Crouchet
Former Balcones Forge Librarian and still a collector of good books.
Opportunity Knocks
Knock, Knock, KNOCK !!
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas A. Edison
We are extremely fortunate to have, right here in Austin, one of the finest blacksmithing education programs in America. On top of that, the cost of this program is not thousands of dollars, like most blacksmithing instruction, but just a few hundred.
Yes, I'm talking about the incredible opportunities at Austin Community College. Check out the prices for a one or two week blacksmithing courses at most schools across the country. It will give your poor old checkbook the shakes. For just ten or twenty percent of that cost, you can buy yourself a first class blacksmithing education right here at home.
Can't take off from work? No problem! There are blacksmithing classes to fit YOUR schedule, afternoons, nights, even Saturdays. All this in a wonderfully well equipped modern shop with an absolute wealth of hand tools, lots of anvils, powerhammers, power tools, power equipment, multiple forges, drill presses, band saws, hydraulic tools, welding equipment, just about everything a blacksmith could wish for!
All this great equipment is not much use without a good teacher to show you what to do with it, and ACC has put together a super high quality faculty. Dedication and decades of professional experience really show through in ACC's blacksmithing classes. This is not some silly "craft class" where you will waste a few evenings and wish you were back in front of the old TV. This is a real opportunity to get that serious hands-on learning that you always promised yourself, studying with professional blacksmiths.
And if you are intimidated about "college admissions" and lots of tests with initials you never heard of, then I have good news for you. You can usually take these classes without college admission, without testing, with just a firm willingness to work hard and learn. Call up Professor Bill Bastas at 512-223-6699, or email him at: wbastas@austincc.edu. Tell him that you're a member of Balcones Forge and you're ready to hammer some iron! He will tell you just what you need to do to get going now!
Hurry, because registration for Spring classes ends January 7th.
John Crouchet - (An unpaid, unsolicited ad for ACC's blacksmithing program, just because I know these people are GOOD !)
For Sale
Dayton Model 4LX67 LP gas shop heater. A big momma -- 325,000 BTU. 120 Volt,
Single phase, 12.5 amps. Purchased to heat my shop, but never installed. Should
heat up to 1600 square feet. Less than half price at $700. John Crouchet
830-798-3710
Up in Memphis
A Work In Progress: 25 Years
First Tennessee Bravo Award
February 8 ˆ May 9, 2004
In celebration of the museum's twenty-fifth anniversary, director Jim Wallace curates an exhibition of the work of metal artists who have honed their skills while working at the museum referred to as a "Mecca for Metalsmiths" by the American Craft Council. "Of the 26 employees who have been involved in studio operations over the years," Wallace states, "twenty-five are currently earning their living in the metals field. Some teach, others work for museums, most are self-employed. A few have returned to academia to complete degrees." A catalogue of the exhibit will be available.
Participating artists include:
Bill Bastas
Mari Greenslate
Patrick McMillan
Dan Radven
Kevin Blomenkamp
Adam Hawk
John Medwedeff
Anne Solis
Elizabeth Brown
Japh Howard
Lewis Meyer
Carroll Todd
Jim Cooper
J. R. Lodico
LeeAnn Mitchell
Chris Winterstein
Jerry Couilliard
Jim Masterson
Bill Price
Steve Yusko
For further information contact
Jim Wallace at 901-774-6380 or Linda Raiteri at 901-774-6380 or library@metalmuseum.org
National Ornamental Metal Museum
374 Metal Museum Drive
Memphis, TN 38106
http://www.metalmuseum.org
Editors Soap Box
This edition was largely written by our new President. I point that out because
it shows he is a man who communicates well. Use that to your advantage. This is
a great group but leading it is somewhat like herding cats (and I like cats) so
my thanks to Larry and my support to John. Help him out folks; he deserves it.
Coming to Marble Falls
February 28 and 29th
Lorelei Sims !
Balcones Forge continues its tradition of bringing you the greatest blacksmiths in America!
Our special guest this February 28th and 29th, 2004 will be Lorelei Sims, a master at forging the elements of nature. Some of you may have seen Lorelei as a very popular featured demonstrator at the ABANA Conference in Flagstaff. A versatile and fearless blacksmith, she is the owner and resident smith at Five Points Blacksmith Shop in Charleston, Illinois, where she works on everything "from railings to railroad cars".
Lorelei has recently forged a series of public art commissions dedicated to indigenous plants of the Midwest. She will be showing us some of her magic at forging botanical forms in iron.
The descendent of many generations of Danish coppersmiths, Lorelei brings a special inspiration and touch to her work, which is evident in the beautiful and very intricate work she forges.
For an advance look at some of Lorelei's commissions, check out her website at:
www.blacksmithchic.com
And be sure to mark your calendars for this exciting demo, brought to you by Balcones Forge!
Seating will be limited so get your registration in soon to avoid being disappointed.
A registration form is on the back page of this edition. Costs are as follows:
Members, $40
Non Members, $50
Saturday evening meal, $12
The workshop will be held in the same location as the last few years. For those who have yet to attend, that is:
Larry Crawford's
Hammerfest Forge
Marble Falls, TX
Look for a map in the January newsletter!
Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America, Inc.PO Box 816Farmington, GA
30638 USA706-310-1030 te l€ 706-769-7147 faxabana@abana.org € www.abana.org
ABANA Affiliate Liaison Letter
December 2003
Hello and a 'Happy Holiday Season' to you all. I am Dave Mudge, your new ABANA Affiliate Liaison. I will be replacing Bob Fredell, who, after three years of outstanding service to ABANA, is stepping down. His will not be easy shoes to fill.
ABANA is a dynamic organization and dynamic changes keep it going strong. We have new board members, new organization within the board, a new and bigger web site, a new office person to assist with conference planning and a new spirit of cooperation.
The 2004 ABANA Conference will be held in Richmond, Kentucky on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University. The staggering amount of planning is coming together quite nicely and I am sure that this will be a conference to remember. You can to learn about the demonstrators, the Richmond area, EKU and online registration for the conference when you visit the ABANA web page http://www.abana.org/membership/conference/index.shtml
Two-way communication makes the organization work better and I am open to your ideas and suggestions. If there is anything that I can help you with as Affiliate Liaison or Internet Committee Chairman, please don't hesitate to contact me. My "in-box" is always open.
Finally, a note about shop safety. In these cold winter months many people are forging indoors. Coal and gas forges produce huge amounts of CO² and other toxic gases. Please use adequate ventilation and be extremely careful of flammable things that may be stored in your work space for the winter. Gasoline powered lawn and farm equipment, sawdust from woodworking tools, dried leaves, oily rags, paint and thinner are all potential explosions when contacted by hot metal or grinder sparks. Please get a couple of proper Fire Extinguishers and learn how to use them. Here are a couple internet links to make it easy for you.
All You Ever Wanted to Know About Fire Extinguishers . . .
http://www.hanford.gov/fire/safety/extingrs.htm
From "How Stuff Works.com", How Fire Extinguishers Work . . .
http://home.howstuffworks.com/fire-extinguisher.htm
Take a few extra minutes to be safe.
Dave Mudge
Member Services Division
Chairman Internet Committee
985.735.0049
davemudge@abana.org
Balcones Forge Winter Workshop featuring Lorelei Simms
February 28 and 29, 2004
_______________________________ ____________________________
_____________________
Name (please PRINT clearly) Street City & State
Workshop Registration: Members $40 ________ ____________________
Zip Code
Non Members $50 ________
____________________
Saturday Evening Meal $12 ________ Phone Number
Balcones Forge 2004 Membership $10 ________ ____________________
E-mail
TOTAL ________
Make checks payable to "Balcones Forge". Send payment to Gerald
Pollard,
Balcones Forge Treasurer, 14309 Friendswood Lane, Austin, Texas, 78737.
Disclaimer: I understand that blacksmithing can be a dangerous endeavor and I
understand that my safety is my responsibility. I understand the need for eye
and ear protection and will provide and utilize the necessary safety equipment
for all activities. Balcones Forge, it's officers and members, or demonstrators
are not responsible for my well being. Registration for this event indicates an
agreement to these terms.
Vincent Herod
Spotted Dog Forge
1707 Belford Drive
Austin, TX 78757