My First Custom Tool
I am busy getting things ready for the 5 classes I am teaching at the Fraser Valley Bead Show in Canada next week. My bank account has been wiped out purchasing tools (2 hydraulic presses, 10 hammers, butane, etc.) But mostly I have been buying metals and the silver alone took out about 1/2 of my bank account. The sad thing about that, is that I only ordered about 20 oz of silver. I hate that the price is so high now. But it sure is satisfying to hold a beautiful sheet of silver in my hands. I hate to cut it up, but that is just what I did. It is now all ready for students to work their magic and make it into something more than just a square of silver.
I spent several hours last night getting one of my classes ready by cutting copper squares, acrylic pieces and counting beads and tiny screws, washers and nuts. You know what I hate? I hate it when you order 100 beads or pieces of something and you only get 99. So now I have 24 kits instead of 25. Then you have to sit here and wonder, is it worth calling them to ask for the extra one that you are missing? Sadly, two different places did this. Sigh.
In preparation for one of my classes (Cone Earrings and Lily Pendant) I had a new tool made. My amazing father-in-law, the one responsible for my To-Die-For-Benches and previous studio space, worked with me to create a swage block that is simply beautiful. I love tools. You all know that. You all know that I have a serious tool problem. But this one is a serious need. I have metal forming blocks and I even have a delrin forming block that works to create some of my pieces. But they aren't exactly what I need. I like my metal one because it has so many grooves and I can easily make the forms I am after.
My swage blocks are used to create round forms with the use of a hammer and the forming or swage block. If you want to see one of my pieces, just look at my banner. That lily was made with nothing more than a couple of hammers and a swage block. By directing your hammer blows onto the metal into a grooved form, you can create tubes and round shapes. One of my former students was also a teacher and she had someone make her some large swage blocks out of maple. They are pretty, but they weren't uniform and it looks like it was a trial and error type of thing. So it works, sort of. I really wanted to have something a bit smaller, but not as small as my Delrin one. I also wanted to make it with a material that would be softer than metal as I usually use a metal hammer, but I didn't have the resource of the Delrin. So we went hunting for hardwood. My husband and Father-in-law went hunting for it just after we unloaded the trucks here. They found a lumber store in Portland that has nothing but hardwoods.
This block is BEAUTIFUL. It is made of Black Walnut, expertly machined and hand guided by my father-in-law. Then he spent extra time sanding them and hand rubbing them with a Dark Walnut Danish Oil. They are dark and .... BEAUTIFUL. I love functional tools, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE functional tools that are pretty too.
Sorry for the awful picture. I do not have good lighting her in the new studio. Still working on that issue.
I just received the first shipment of 20. I will be taking these to Canada with me. Any that are left over, I will be listing on my website for sale. I am still trying to figure out the price on these, but they will be about $35-$40. That isn't bad for a handmade tool that is as pretty as this one. I have another 30+ blocks on their way in a couple of weeks. So if you want one, let me know.
How do you use them? Well, I will have a tutorial/project available as well. I would do a video, but again, I am having lighting issues at the moment and they aren't working. I really miss my studio. Here are a couple of pieces that I have made using them.
Stay tuned because I will have more information soon.
Posted by Melissa Muir at March 14, 2012 7:35 PM 
Categories: General Announcements
Tags: Tools Swage Block Classes
Categories: General Announcements
Tags: Tools Swage Block Classes
Love, love , love that tool!!! I want one whenever they are available! Please email me and I can pay through Paypal or whatever. Thanks Melissa!
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You got it Lynn! I literally squealed with delight when I opened the box. Just wait till you see it in person.
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Your swage block is beautiful. You are very lucky to have a tool made by hand and with love. I admire your work, just beautiful!
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I am one of the luckiest.
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Melissa, I'm still wearing the cone earrings I made with you nearly four years ago. I really like them!
Joyce
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Joyce, that was such a fun weekend. Sorry we didn't get to do it again before I left.
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Ohhh I love that block....I have had my eye on some online, but something told me to wait! Glad I did, would love to have one when your ready. Happy to see you are getting ready for a class. You are a natural teacher and I enjoy all you have taught me so far. Thank You.
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Thank you Michelle. That was a fabulous compliment. I do have a passion for teaching. I have really missed teaching and I can't wait to get back into it more regularly. I hope things pick up for me here soon. You are going to love this block, at least I hope you will.
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Hi Melissa, Hope all is well. Sounds like your class is going to be so much fun. Of course, they all are. I would definitely be interested in purchasing a block. Please send info when you have a chance. Miss you in Ohio!
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Thanks Pat. I miss you too! Too bad we didn't get to meet up a few more times before I left. I hope the class will be fun. I will set aside a block for you. Thank you! I just got word, the rest will ship out on Monday. So there won't be a long wait.
Melissa
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Sorry to hear that you got shorted on your items by one piece that really stinks. Hope that your upcoming classes go well.
I love that block it really is pretty and it looks like it would be super useful. I would love to see a tutorial on exactly how to use one and use it the right way. LOL I have been looking at these online but haven't bought one yet because I can think of several things that it would probably be good for but I really don't know what to do with it. I really want to learn to make those calla lily shapes too and have wondered for a long time how people made those. Hope you can figure out a good lighting solution for your new space and can get back to making your wonderful videos. I am totally self taught and have learned so much from your video tutorials and explanations. Will you have the tutorials for using the blocks for sale on your site or will they only come with the purchase of one of the new swage blocks? Look forward to seeing them soon. Good luck with your upcoming classes and thanks so much for all of your great posts.
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Heather, I am working on a tutorial now. I hope to have it done so I can list it at the same time as the block. I will also try to do a simple video for my blog. There are quite a few uses for them, but I typically reserve mine for making these forms.
I am glad that I have been able to help you learn. Thank you for the feedback.
Melissa
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That sounds great Melissa. I would also like to get one of these great blocks and the tutorial to go along with it. If it's not too late can you please put me on the list too. Thanks. Really looking forward to another one of your great video tuts. Can't wait.
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This has got to be the best tool I have seen! You are so lucky! Yes, please, please put me on the list for this tool. I want one of these so badly! I would almost drive to your house from Albuquerque, NM to get one. I love getting email from you and your work is wonderful!
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Micky, just wait till you have it in your hands. It even feels pretty.
And yes, I am one lucky person! Thank you for letting me know that you enjoy my posts. I appreciate that.
Melissa
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Hi Melissa, I submitted a comment last night but I don't see it here so I'll try again. I would love to purchase a block. When you get a chance, let me know the detail for payment and shipping. Thanks!!!
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Pat, it did come through. I was just slow to get it approved. I get so many spam comments that I had to turn on the moderation feature for the blog so I didn't have the stupid ones posting. . <3
Melissa
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Ooooo oooooo oooooo!!! I gotta have one! Please put me on the lis and let me know when/how to pay you. Thank you!
Liz
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They are almost finished and will be shipped early next week.
Thanks Liz!
Melissa
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Melissa
I have been following your blog (really enjoy and love learning new technique stuff)for about 6 months. I am just starting to make jewelry and find your blog very helpful. Please, please I would like to order one of your beautiful walnut swage blocks and look forward to your usage tutorial.
Best Regards
Vicky
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Hi Vicky! Welcome to my crazy world. The past 6 months has been full of all sorts of interesting. HA! Thanks for following and reading. If you ever have any questions or suggestions for a topic, just let me know.
Melissa
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What is the material used for your to-die for table tops? Love em and am designing my own studio. Keep up the great work!!!
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Claudia, my tables are SOOOOO Stinking heavy. We used 3/4" plywood and then put a 3/4" MDF on top of that. So my tables are 1 1/2" thick. I sealed the MDF so that it wouldn't just fall apart if it got wet, which happens from time to time. So I just got a clear polyurethane and put 3 or 4 coats on top of that.
Hope that helps.
Melissa
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I heardyou are moving to Canada...a fan of potter tools as a result of your beautiful video/audio feeds..hopefully you are teaching close to Vancouver, B.C...hope to attend one of your courses...
mike
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Hi Mike,
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Oo, like the block, so let me know when it's available. Good luck with your new digs, and classes.
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Will do Terry. Thanks for the well wishes.
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Melissa--that block is GREAT!!! I admire the way you just keep evolving with your work. And CALL THOSE COMPANIES!! You probably won't get anything in time for classes, but give them a chance to make it right...I bet they will. It's not worth losing your business over one piece....
Take care!
Elenor
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Thanks Elenor. I may call them. I know it isn't much, but it does stink to have my kits thrown out of whack. I will keep you posted.
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Melissa-I just love the block! You are so lucky to have such a talented father in law to make tools for you! I would love to have one when they are available. Just let me know and I'll arrange to pay via Paypal.
Regards,
Anne
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Anne, I really am lucky. I love my hubby and he came with a great family.
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Melissa I would live one these tools and when you get a tutorial written on how to use it I would love that too
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Mary, I hope to have it all done and complete shortly after I return home from Canada next week. I will post about it here on my blog and also Facebook. Thanks!
Melissa
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