Lots of exciting things going on at the moment. The Committee has been earnestly searching for a new home for the Guild. After a thorough search there really was only one affordable and suitable choice. The Tannery developments include a series of workshops down Tanner St, which are being rebuilt at the moment. 

After having the agreement checked by a lawyer the Committee has signed a contract for two years at 39C Tanner St. We are planning to be in our new workshop for the 4th Term Classes, and are in the process of having work stations and some shelving built after receiving some very favourable quotes. 

The workshop will be fully lined, wired, and have a toilet and running water, with some natural light as well. We are very excited about these developments and are looking forward to moving to our own space once more. SIT at Sockburn have been wonderful to us, providing somewhere to operate from at a very reasonable outlay, but they need us to be out in early December. This has meant that we have really had to act swiftly, and are confident that this is the right place for us. 

There are sufficient funds available at this point to manage for 2 years without any further growth in the Guild, and we are anticipating a lot of interest and new members as it becomes known what we can offer people once we are up and running at Tanner Street. The majority of new and replacement equipment, including some new display cases, are being paid for from the funding that Karen and Mark   got for us to help re-establish our workshop after all the losses from the earthquakes.

So, lots to look forward to. It will be so good to have our tools and equipment set up so we don't have to lock everything away each time we finish a class or workshop.

Next Committee Meeting will be on Monday September 3rd, 7pm at SIT

Committee Meeting Minutes - Summary

August 6, 2012. 7pm

Present:  Arthur Harrison, Noeline Walker, Jo Crompton, Solvejg Ruarus, Diederic Ruarus, John Weeber, Karen Atherton,  Crystal Mathieson

1.             No apologies  

2.             Minutes of last meeting were approved as read

3.             Correspondence:  Secretary (Karen) will write and send a thank you card and enclose a $25 petrol voucher for Robyn Gordon who donated equipment to the Guild.

4.             Treasurer's report:  Attached reports received from Diederic.  He proposes raising class fees and tutor pay.  The committee agreed to discuss these changes when the new class brochures are printed for next Term 1.

5.             Classes report:  Noeline has had 12 enquiries so far for Term 4.  The response has been good from the ad in Coffee News but we have been informed that the price might rise.  Tutors reported that classes are going well and we are coping with the more flexible attendance scheme that allows people to make up a missed class.

. 

6.             Membership:  There are 35 members paid at $65.  Diederic proposes raising membership fee but will need to do that at an AGM.  General agreement, however, that raising subscription to $75 next year will be considered.  Jo offered to take on the administration of the Membership Rolls from John Ogilvie.  Question of whether to purge or reach out to lapsed members.  Decided to contact entire membership by hard copy in April. 

7.             Workshops:  Arthur will run an Open Studio workshop on August 18^th to include repousse, rolling mill, black pearls and help with any problems or current projects.  Noeline offered to host he glass workshop in her garage when the weather warms up – we need a long cooling off time for glass and SIT is not suitable.  Suggestions for workshops with master craftspeople included Ann Visser Cox and Peter McKay (maybe a visit to his studio).

8.             Mentoring Programme:  The mentoring program notes by Noeline were approved.  The mentoring program will start in home studios and then migrate to the new workshop.  Mentors will charge a $10 donation to the Guild for the home studio use.  When we move to the new workshop the cost will be $12 per morning or afternoon three-hour session, or a punch-card for ten sessions for $100.

9.             Exhibition:  Karen will chair the Exhibition committee and work with Sol, Jo, Noeline and Crystal.  No word yet on request to use Buddhist Temple space.  Karen will approach again.  If we cannot use the Temple we will use the new workshop.

10.         Display Cabinets:  The glass display cabinet was evaluated and approved by everyone.  We will buy six more cabinets and get more if we need them. 

11.         Tannery Proposal:  Diederic has sent the proposal to a lawyer for evaluation.  Subject to her approval of the terms the Committee unanimously decided to accept the proposal and move to The Tannery.  We will pay rent from October 1 and will sign a two-year lease.   Discussion about fittings and rules took place and the following tasks were agreed upon unanimously:

General plan of fittings:  Arthur will draw a plan and send it to Grant McIver at The Tannery.

Benches:  Arthur and Diederic will arrange to have 12 double workbenches made.  Along with the two bought from Harvey and Katrina we will have 14 benches.  They will be made like the photo example but with plywood tops and more substantial legs.

Benchpins:  Noeline will order 14 anvil and bench-pin assemblies from Rio.

Lighting:  We will evaluate LED lighting for benches.  Diederic suggests natural light-bulbs to avoid eye strain.  Crystal’s dad will look at lighting needs.  He might be able to do the job at a mate rate.

Solder stations:  We will have a main solder bench and also use the two portable stations.  Noeline’s Orca torch was seen and liked by all. 

Safe:  We need one for our silver and Arthur will look for one second-hand.

Bus route:  The Tannery is on Bus Route #23.

Acid room and fume hood:  Arthur suggests having that near the front window.  To be discussed further.

Options for overhead storage:  We don’t need it now but it is good to know we can add loft storage if we do need it later.

Newspaper article:  Sol suggested that we approach Christopher Moore to write an article about the Silversmiths moving into The Tannery.  Maybe do this through Alistair Cassel.

Guidelines for workshop use:  Each member will draft guidelines for discussion and adoption later.

Notice to members:  Jo will announce it in the newsletter. 

Southern Institute of Technology (SIT):  Arthur will shout them morning tea to say goodbye.  We will arrange a display cabinet full of student pieces so they can see the results of our work there.

Also briefly discussed a sign, table and meeting space, barred windows and security door, painting walls a light color, electronic security system and a security light on the outside.  Also, whether or not we need a phone.  These need further discussion.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15.

Next meeting, Monday, September 3, 2012

Worksop Saturday Report by Karen Atherton

I bought a pitch pot for repousse work a couple of years ago but waited for a workshop to teach me how to use it.  During the workshop last week Arthur gave me several hours of instruction and lent me some of his handmade tools so I could have a go.  You can see the result of my efforts to learn this technique in a day.

Repousse is the art of raising a design on sheet metal by using chasing, setting or dapping tools and a hammer to push the metal into a firm but yielding surface -- the hardened pitch.  Each blow of the hammer pushes a tiny bit of the metal into the pitch and leaves a small indentation.  It takes hundreds of overlapping indentations placed with different shaped tools in order to make the metal do what you want it to.

I used a piece of .03 copper which was annealed and cleaned.  I marked a simple jumping rabbit design on the plate using a paper and graphite transfer method and then scratched over the design with a scribe to make it permanent.   Arthur gave me some wee nails and a little bit of board so I could tack my pattern down to anchor it for outlining in the design.  Using a sharp wedge-shaped lining tool (like the end of a screwdriver but with no sharp squared edges) I tapped out an indented outline.  When I was happy with the outline I removed the design from the board and cut it down to fit my small pitch pot. and turned it over to work on the other side.

I softened the pitch with the torch.  It only takes a little bit of heat to set the stuff on fire, so be careful. I squared off the corners of my piece with a pair of shears and bent them down so they would catch in the pitch.  As I ran the torch lightly over the copper it just sort of sank down  into the softened pitch.  When the pitch cooled the design was firmly anchored.  I used several different types of rounded tools to tap within the outline of my rabbit and push it into the pitch.  This took a couple of hours.  When I was happy with the depth of the design I heated up the metal and pitch with the torch again and lifted the metal out to clean it off.  This process is very messy!  Hot sticky pitch coated the copper and hardened into a stubborn black shell.  Arthur showed me how to melt off most of the pitch with the torch (back into the pitch pot) and then burn off the rest (flames!) and use solvents to clean it thoroughly.  

The next step was to turn the design over again, anchor it to the pitch surface again and start tapping outside the outline to sink the background and raise the rabbit design even higher.  My hands and my back were sore after several hours of tapping.  At the end of the day just left the piece in the pitch rather than go through the messy cleaning process again.  I will remove it when I decide what to do with the finished design.  It would make a good book cover decoration or could maybe be turned into a brooch.  

One of the reasons I joined the Silversmiths Guild was to have access to specialist tutorials and practice sessions like this workshop.  When we move to The Tannery we plan to offer many more opportunities like this.  Many thanks to Arthur Harrison for putting it together and sharing his knowledge.

Karen

July - Winter is with us!

My apologies for running behind.
There is plenty going on at the moment, we are still looking for a new home, planning workshops, and generally trying to move forward in this earthquake damaged city of ours. I do hope everyone is doing ok, keeping warm and dry, and making progress with your own houses, work, and families.
There was a token show for the AGM but there were enough of us to be able to hold it and move on into the next year for the SSG. It was a positive meeting with lots to be working on in the months ahead.
We appreciate your support as Guild members and can assure you that we will be delighted to see you all as things become easier for everyone. The night classes are full this term and people are enjoying learning new skills and sharing their journey with the other people in the classes. It is a delight to be part of that!

There has been some concern that people aren't getting these newsletters. If that is so it can be that your email spam control has decided they are spam. You need to go into your spam and mark them as not spam to fix this. If someone you know has had a problem please tell them to check their spam folder.

I intend to explore another way of doing this newsletter, but it is quite nice being able to access the previous newsletters in this blogging form and since you should be expecting a monthly one, I would expect to hear if people aren't getting them! You can visit the same link anytime, it is always 'up'.


Another way to ensure you know when the next newsletter has been published, is to click on the 'followers' button, which means you will be alerted when I publish it, automatically.






August Committee Meeting
7pm at SIT, Monday 6th August
Come along if you would like to participate.


Monthly Workshops
If you are interested in attending our monthly members' workshops, please ring Arthur to enquire. Interest has been minimal over the winter period, so far. If there is something you would like to see taught, please let us know. Arthur's Phone No: 382 1332 
I will send out a separate email about August's topic after our committee meeting on the 6th August.

Remember the Silver Clay Workshop with Susan Brown? Here is some of Arthur's gorgeous work that came out of that. What have you done with yours? Send me an email and I will share what you have made with the rest of us. joannacrompton@gmail.com

Have you been wondering how to get some COLOUR into your jewellery pieces?

Noeline has sent a link about Guilders' Paste www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-use-gilders

Have a look and tell us what you think!

 

2nd July 2012Summary of Minutes from the Committee Meeting

•Present;

Solvegj, Dierderic, John O., Noeline, Crystal, Jo, Arthur, Karen, John W.

Minutes taken as read.

Matters Arising

•Glass Bead Workshop

Noeline has been looking into this, sofar not ready to hold the workshop on the 14th,

need to gather materials and techniques.

•Texturising Workshop 14th July

Due to the time it has taken to setup the glass workshop we will run with a texturising

workshop in the meantime.

•Statement Of Finances - Dierderic Ruarus

Grant money has been divided over our savings accounts.

•Discussion On Teachers Fees

2 tutors / 10 week class = $1,500 - irrespective of class numbers.

$75 / per class divided by the number of teachers present.

Proposed to leave as is by Dierderic.

Accepted by all.

•Dierderic’s Discussion For Next AGM

Dierderic would like to discuss an amendment in the AGM, on the advice of our

lawyer.

•Class Interest - Noeline

At this time there is x 1 person signed up for Level 1, and 9 confirmed for Level 2

classes and x 11 enquiries to be followed up.

We have advertised in the Coffee News. We will have posters with tear-off contact

numbers. Mainland News will be chased.

Students are requesting specific nights, so combined classes may be necessary.

This is alright with teachers present.

Teachers to hand out Guild membership forms to promising students.

•Membership - John Ogilvie

We have 30 members to date.

Discussion on whether people read their Guild Newsletters online.

John Ogilvie has information from Australia that people do not read info online.

It was suggested to post membership forms to those who have not responded to the

email/newsletter.

•Workshops

These are for members only, but recently some students have been invited along.

This may become an incentive for students to become Guild members.

Tool Making Workshop

This needs a few more people to be able to run it.

Currently only x 4 people have confirmed interest.

•Mentoring

This was discussed as a means of incentivising the Guild Membership program.

Mentoring would be where a Guild Member could take a student or students to their

own workshop, at their home, to work on projects.

When we have a permanent workspace these mentors could become key-holders.

There would be a charge for consumables - tools / heating / saw blades, etc.

This would be for new members.

•Display Cases - Karen & Solvejg

Images of the possible display cases were discussed and pictures shown of

examples. It was proposed that we will purchase one tall cabinet with a member of

the Guild to look at making the Plinth that the glass cabinet would sit on.

This could be a great tool to advertise the Guild, when placed in libraries or classes

for students to see sample work.

Looking at getting 7 or 8 cases when approved. There is the potential to be able to

rent these out to members and other organisations.

The purchase of one initial cabinet proposed by Arthur.

Seconded by Solvegj.

Meeting closed at 7:00pm.

2nd July 2012
Summary of Minutes from the Annual General Meeting
Minutes from the last meeting not located, suspected they are in the storage unit.

Arthur’s Annual Report
Arthur had emailed this to all. Report taken as read.

Financial Report
Report read through by Dierderic. “Financial Accounts 2012”.
Income & Expense / Balance Sheet.
To calculate silver yearly - we will weigh it, and compare with previous year’s weight.
Diederic moved that Financials be accepted.
Seconded by John W.

Nominations Open For Committee
Eddie Byrne took the Chair.
Proposed as read, by Arthur.
Seconded by John W.
Dierderic nominated Arthur as Chairperson.
Seconded by Jo Crompton.
Arthur nominated Karen as Secretary.
Seconded by John W.
Dierderic is happy to stay as the Guild Accountant.
Seconded by John W.
Crystal would still like to be on the committee, but may be away for several meetings
as is involved in a Choir that is touring the hospitals. Rehearsals are on Mondays,
and tour dates will be in the next few months.
Solvegj would like to introduce Megan from Hagley to the Guild. She is interested in
joining and helping with the move and being on the committee.
Solvegj proposed to introduce her.
Seconded by John W.


GENERAL BUSINESS

Changes to the Constitution

•Dierderic wanting to make changes to the Constitution regarding membership - if
they join in later, they don’t owe fees until after April.
This will be brought up at the next AGM, as changes must be brought to the attention
of the members six weeks prior to being voted upon.

•Diederic has talked to a Lawyer over the phone. It was discussed that we need to be
clearer on what “Life Member” entails. Life Member - doesn’t pay fees, they do have
a voting right, and they are a full member.

•When are members to have paid by? - this to be voted on in the next AGM.
Traditionally fees were to be paid by the 1st of April. It was discussed that fees be
due on or before the next AGM.
Diederic proposed to be discussed in next AGM.
Seconded by John W.

•11.0 (a). Making allowance for changes to the constitution to include electronic
transactions. This has been discussed and we agree on the premis. This will need to
be brought up in the next AGM.

•11.0 (c). It was proposed that Auditing be done by two members of the Guild / or
independant of the Guild, with qualifications, instead of paying thousands of dollars to
have an Accountant / Auditor do this work for us.
Nothing was agreed on this issue to be decided at the next AGM.

•9 (b). John Ogilvie brings up the point that this paragraph is gramatically incorrect.
This was generally agreed upon.

New Premises For The Silversmith Guild Workshop

•Karen proposed to continue to look for new premises.
It was discussed that we look for a smaller premises, to the exclusion of gallery/shop
space. 60m2 should be all we need, rather than 100m2 with retail space.

•Diederic will ask The Tannery if they have any smaller areas to rent.

•FYI $1000/month (all inclusive) was the last contract with the Arts Centre.
This was the new premises - not the Connexions Gallery.

•It was proposed to approch a Rental Agent, to enquire on a 60m2 premises.

•There was a place advertised on TradeMe in Opawa, on Port Hills Road, for $450/
month (including outgoings). This will be checked for availability.

•A small group will followup on rental space ; Karen, Diederic, Arthur, Solvegj &
Noeline. “The Tannery Group”.

Repousse Workshop

•Karen enquired about having a special workshop dedicated to Repousse; metal
movement and texturing. Many are interested, this will be confirmed by email.

Thanks to all who attended.

Meeting closed at 8:30pm.

May/June News Letter

Hi Everybody
Don't forget our AGM next week.


This will be held on Monday 2nd July at SIT, 7pm Nominations will be accepted from the floor. Members need to have their subs paid and up to date to be able to vote.*


*To renew your subs for the year, please contact John Ogilvie by clicking on his name and give him your address, phone number, and email address. You can either pay him by cheque posted to: The Membership Secretary, 520 Coutts Rd, Coutts Island, or by making a direct payment to the Silver Smiths Guild account. You will still need to email your details to John so we have current information and you can receive this lovely newsletter! 
You can phone John on 03 323 6995 too.The cost is still the same as last year - $65.00.


To make a direct payment you must include your name and 'subs' in the boxes provided so Diederic can connect the transaction to the correct person! To Pay online, our account is with the BNZ, 02 0865 0197906 00

*Term Three Night Classes are coming up. 

Please let anybody you think might be interested know, or they make a great gift for someone who has admired your work and wants to give it a go!
Level One: 17th July - 25th September
Level Two: 18th July - 26th September
10 weeks of workshop use with helpful tutors for $240. That's $12 an hour - great value!
Ring Noeline on 322 4131 or 027 293 7026 or email her: noelinew@xtra.co.nz

Noeline's Report on the 14th May Meeting

Observations of the meeting held on Monday 14 May

• members want a central location they did not want to have to travel too far – SIT is

too far – although there is a space available at Templeton

• They liked to be able to pop into the workshop at will to either do some work or just

catch up with other members

• Nobody reacted to the mention of a retail activity

• Lease workshop space and less expensive space for storage

• Suggestions from the floor regarding Guild activities included

◦ an in house award exhibition - peer judged – and seek sponsorship for prizes

◦ The Exhibition could be held at

▪ Lincoln Event Centre

▪ Hanmer Springs Gallery

▪ Terrace Downs

▪ Darfield Gallery

▪ Molten Media - weekend

▪ A church hall

• We could sub lease the space on a short term basis to like minded groups

◦ Guild members to run their own special interest course etc

◦ a group of members wanting to focus on a particular technique outside the

monthly workshop subject

I see a couple of opportunities for the Guild which could be easily implemented:

• Introduce a mentoring programme for those who want it. Members who have a

studio set up at home and would be prepared to act as a mentor could be part of a

group that Guild members could contact. Guild members could ring around and

make an arrangement to spend some time with the mentor in their studio to solve

any problems they may have.

Once the Guild has a dedicated space this programme could continue on the same

basis but could be held in the Guild workshop. Mentors would have the ability to

open up the Guild facility and there could be a user pays charge

• After the weekend workshops – particularly the ones which focus on specific skills

which lead to the making of new items – a show and tell session could be held at

the next or future monthly meeting.

Brief Points from Committee Meeting June 14, 2012 SIT

Present:  Arthur Harrison, John Ogilvie, Karen Atherton, Jo Crompton, Diederic Ruarus

Apologies:  Crystal Mathieson, Noeline Walker, Solvejg Ruarus

Minutes: Jo read the minutes and the committee verified them.


Matters arising:

Ads:  Diederic reported that we spent $430 during 2011/12 on ads promoting classes.

AGM:  Reminder that members have paid their subscriptions as of April 1, 2012 in order to vote at the AGM. 

Noeline's report on May 14, 2012 meeting:  Agreed Noeline did a good job reporting the meeting.  Jo will put the report in the newsletter and ask for responses from the membership. 


Membership:  John O reported that we have 24 paid up members.

New space:   Karen requested that we take a vote at the next committee meeting about the next step to move to a permanent space.  Some general discussion about the rules and changes necessary for the group to have retail space.  Agreed that we cannot answer anything now but must have more thought, discussion, legal advice.

Exhibition:   Mottram has no available space for our exhibition.  It might be possible to hire space at the Tannery 2012/13 since a gallery is planned.  

General Business:

Exhibition:  Karen suggested that the Buddhist Temple in Riccarton is beautiful and would make a good exhibition space.  She will request two exhibition times, one week in January 2013 and two weeks in December 2013.  

Display cases:  Karen will ask Noeline to meet to define our requirements, evaluate options available and present a proposal at the next  meeting.

Toolmaking workshop planned for June 16th.  We will invite class members to attend.

Meeting adjourned 8:30 p.m.


Once again, if you have any news, things for sale, places to visit, web sites, blogs, or ideas for the newsletter, I would love to hear from you.
Happy creating and see you at the AGM
Cheers
Jo

Hello everyone,


Here we are in the midst of a beautiful autumn, and it is that time of year when we need to renew our subs for the year. Please contact John Ogilvie by clicking on his name and give him your address, phone number, and email address. You can either pay him by cheque posted to: The Membership Secretary, 520 Coutts Rd, Coutts Island, or by making a direct payment to the Silver Smiths Guild account. You will still need to email your details to John so we have current information and you can receive this lovely newsletter! You can phone John on 03 323 6995 too.The cost is still the same as last year - $65.00.


To make a direct payment you must include your name and 'subs' in the boxes provided so Diederic can connect the transaction to the correct person! To Pay online, our account is with the BNZ, 02 0865 0197906 00


Enough of all that serious stuff! How is everyone's work going? I have recently attended the Autumn School at Wanaka and my head is full of ideas - now for some time to play with them! I quite like the winter for brooding over ideas and hunting out new books and processes to experiment with. I feel much less like being outdoors and not nearly so guilty about neglecting my garden. So tell me what you're doing and we can all get some inspiration and share some ideas! Perhaps we can even get together to create things in each other's workshops, sharing our resources too.


Cheers
Jo




* Notice for this year's AGM: This will be held on Monday 2nd July at SIT, 7pmNominations will be accepted from the floor. Members need to have their subs paid and up to date to be able to vote.*




Studio Time: If you want to spend time on a Saturday in the workshop at SIT ring Arthur to organize this.
ph 03 382 1332 or 021 995 836

This Month's Workshop is Tool Making.

This is a really good workshop which helps you to make some great tools to add to your stash, or start to collect some useful tools to help you create jewellery at home. Saturday June 16th at SIT. Again ring Arthur to book your space. $20, and bring some lunch and a mug for hot drinks.ph 03 382 1332 or 021 995 836

Summary of 7th May Committee Meeting

7pm SIT

*Apologies:

John O, Crystal, Chloe

*Previous minutes taken as read.


*Treasurer's Report:
Diederic presented the financial and budgetary reports which were accepted.


A draft of the Annual Accounts for 2011-2012 has been put together, with further discussion with the accountant required.


Proposal to purchase a set of scales to weigh larger amounts of metal accepted.


* Class Report:
Noeline has collated the results of our various advertisings for night class students. The most students came from word of mouth, and previous students returning.


Some discussion around alternative places we could try advertising with. It was suggested that we get someone (from one of our local newspapers etc) to come along and take some photos and write a few words about us. Cost of advertising needs to be considered. We have had a few enquiries about next term's classes already.


Noeline has updated the membership application form.


Some changes to the certificates of achievement have been suggested, Crystal will do this.


Arthur has rung around the membership to encourage members to attend our meeting on Monday 14th May. 15 - 20 people plan to be there.


Discussion regarding finding a new home base for our workshop. Several possibilities were discussed but the Tannery idea still seems to be the best idea - not too far away, and in a place that will be exposed to lots of people.


* Ways to support the higher financial demands discussed were: - an increase in subscription fees, - a yearly rent for individuals to set up their own work space set up in the room, - hiring of space to members to have their work sold from ie. as 'Look" at Redcliffs used to rent a space on their walls for a set fee for a set time - they took that fee and any money for work sold was entirely for the person who made it, - maybe a permanent display case set up where members could have their work for sale and then paid a commission to the guild on each sale.


* Exhibition:
Arthur has enquired at the City Council about possible venues , not much luck there.


There is possible space at Bush Inn, but not really suitable and manning it would be difficult with long hours. Security could be an issue.


Approaching Mottrams or NG with a proposal to exhibit alongside an artist who displays their work on the walls has been suggested - this was very successful when our last exhibition was held at the Salamander Gallery.


Solvegj will approach Mottrams.


Hagley Cafe may be possible - the patchwork guild have used them in the past.


Arthur will enquire at Terrace Downs too.


*May 14th Meeting
Committee will bring a plate. Arthur will enquire whether we can use the cafe as our venue for this meeting ( and tables for the silver clay workshop).


*AGM: 
This will be held on Monday 2nd July at SIT, 7pm.
Nominations will be accepted from the floor. Members need to have their subs paid and up to date to be able to vote.




*Meeting closed 8.30pm

--------------

Silver Metal Clay Workshop Review

Saturday May 12th saw a group of ten or eleven enthusiastic jewellers make their way to SIT for the monthly one-day Guild workshop. This time we had the privilege of learning how to use Precious Metal Clay with Susan Brown.

For some who had worked with the clay before, it was straight to work. For those of us who were first-timers, the day started with a helpful demonstration from Susan who is a very experienced PMC practitioner and sells her work at the Art Gallery in Hokitika. Then it was a matter of getting going and starting to experiment with this amazing material and see how it worked for ourselves!


The time just flew past as it always seems to when making jewellery and it was especially absorbing and exciting to learn a new technique. Susan had a wide range of tools and stamps that we used to roll, shape and texture the clay before drying it out. It was a great way to learn to make work that would not be easy to do or would be very time-consuming to do if using other methods of silver jewellery making. It certainly does require patience, practice and fine motor skills to work the clay into the shapes and forms that you want to create and speaking personally, I am not sure that I had a 100% success rate with the results but definitely enjoyed the new challenge! It was also slightly nerve-wracking at first, thinking about the cost of the clay and therefore wanting to use it as wisely as possible!


Some people had certainly made some beautiful pieces by the end of the day and we were also inspired by the work done in the many books that were available to browse through.


It was a thoroughly enjoyable day – well-organised, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, wonderful muffins provided by one of the members and some lovely jewellery produced – all good!


Yvonne Hall




Many thanks to Susan for a fabulous workshop, we appreciated her sharing her knowledge and skills with us. It was a fun day with lots of good results.

Heads down and hard at work!

Susan in a blur of activity in the red dress, and lots of concentration from the students.

--------------

* Members Meeting
Our meeting of interested members on Monday the 14th May went well, lots of ideas, enthusiasm, and reassuring financial figures. Thank you to all who attended, and to the providers of a wonderful supper! 


Amongst the most encouraging news was that the grant to help with replacing lost resources and setting up a new workshop that Mark and Karen applied for on our behalf, has resulted in just over $15,000 being made available to the guild as the need arises. Wonderful job, thankyou Mark and Karen.

--------------

So, all in all, a busy month with lots to be going on with. We look forward to meeting you at the various activities coming up, and hopefully the AGM. Don't forget to renew your memberships
Jo

April 2012

What a busy month! 

The members' workshop using found items was great fun; a very windy Saturday at Birdlings Flat Beach with lots of interesting finds, followed by a very welcome lunch at Little River, and then a productive Sunday spent at SIT creating a variety of 'wearable arts'. Wow was a proper response! Take a look at the photos and Tui's poem to get a taste of what we did - I think there's some poetic license with the word 'wine' - it was definitely coffee as far as I saw:) 

Take a look at the slideshow on the left hand column - you'll see what we made, and a bunch of older photos too. I haven't worked out how to make a slideshow of a select few yet - who says old dogs can't learn new tricks?

We opened the workshop at SIT on 3 Saturdays this month with pretty mixed results. Those that came along enjoyed the time together and made good use of the facilities.

Thankyou for the feedback we have had regarding the possibility of taking on a rented space at the Tannery development in Woolston. It is a pretty exciting possibility but still plenty to be working through before we make any decisions.

Summary of April's Committee Meeting, 7pm, 2nd April, SIT

Apologies: John O, Chloë, Crystal, Noeline

Present: Arthur, John W, Jo, Diederic, Solvejg

Minutes of the previous meeting taken as read.

Treasure's Report given and accepted. Some further work is required before presenting the accounts to an accountant.

Members who are not up to date with their subs need to clarify their position with the Guild and either pay their dues or send a written resignation. We understand that life has been a challenge with the Earthquakes bur we need to sort out who continues to benefit from their membership and who has resigned.

Classes:

Solvejg reported that at the moment we have 9 Level One students for next term, and 2 Level Twos. We have advertised in the Coffee News, and are continuing to receive enquiries through our hotmail address. We will book Wednesday night at SIT this term and change that if there are not enough students to support that.

Is there anyone else in the Guild who would be interested in tutoring on one evening a week?

Tannery Discussion:

Further discussion in the light of new information. We will proceed with caution and keep an eye out for other venues as well.

Fund Raising:

There are some costs involved in setting up a new workshop, replacement workbenches, storage, some equipment etc. Mark and Karen Atherton have been exploring possible funding by grants and earthquake set-up funds for community groups. They have put together a comprehensive package to apply for some re-establishment funding from Creative New Zealand, and should hear back from them soon. 

Members' Response:

This has not been very big. Fairly positive with a few reservations, and a reluctance to embrace any increase in costs. We decide to get people together to share ideas over an informal supper at SIT on 14th May, 7pm. We will divide up the members' list and each phone a number of members to let them know.

Budget for Next Year:

Discussion on ways to fund a move and paying a greater rent. A combination of members' subs, workshop fees, evening classes, and any funds generated by comission. Applying for grants.

2012 Exhibition:

We need to explore possibilities this year. We need: a venue, display cases, and people to exhibit, and help out while it is on. Ideas please!

Meeting closed at 9pm

Next Month's Committee Meeting is at SIT, 7pm, Monday 7th May. Please Come along if you would like to!

We are putting on an informal evening here at SIT to discuss future directions for the Silversmiths Guild over supper and hot drinks.

7pm, Monday 14th May. Please ring Arthur 382 1332 to RSVP so we have a rough idea of how many to cater for. 

This is an important meeting to assess which direction our members would like to follow. There will be information shared and the implications of finding a more accessible home base discussed. Bring your ideas along - we need a really good brainstorming session!

We do not want to make any decisions without your support, and at the moment teaching from SIT is working out well and is financially manageable.We are very grateful for their support.

Susan Brown is Teaching a Silver Clay Workshop on 12th May

Make use of this opportunity!

It sounds too good to be true, maybe, but a certain type of metal-clay can turn into pure silver. This is a technique that has been developed in Japan.

Susan Brown, a well known jeweller, has a wealth of knowledge and skill. We are delighted that she has offered us a workshop in her field of expertise - Silver Metal Clay. 

You may have seen her work in the Art-Gallery in Hokitika. http://www.hokitikacraftgallery.co.nz/artists.asp?media=3&artist=22

I have done this workshop twice in the past and found them very rewarding.

Don't be put off by the cost of the material itself - every gram can be used and the possibilities are amazing.

We have ordered 10 packets from the USA, there are just 10 spaces in the workshop. Be quick to book yourself in.

Solvejg

This will be a real treat, these courses are usually very expensive and we are able to charge you the standard $20, plus a materials cost of around $90 (to be confirmed once we order the silver clay). There are only 10 places available, and you will learn HEAPS. Susan will take your finished clay pieces and fire them in her kilns overnight, and we will pick them up the next morning from SIT. Take a look at some of her work here http://www.sbsilversmith.com

Book yourself in ASAP by ringing Arthur 382 1332

Report on Found Objects Workshop

We turned up on cue at the Birdlings Flat Carpark and piled into many layers to keep warm and walked off into the teeth of the wind. It was invigorating and plenty to look at while we scoured the beach for hopeful subjects to make into jewellery later. John's lovely dog had a great time running about and rejoicing as only dogs can! Some of our better halves came along for the ride and bravely joined us on the beach, or wisely stayed put in their warm vehicles. It was so windy that some of us literally were blown over, and nervously looked at the wild waves as we scrabbled for our footing. Truly an unexpected adventure!

Togging Up for Bracing Conditions

What Have We Here?

A Pause for Conversation

Did I mention it Was Windy? Look at the fur on John's Dog!!

Come 12 noon we retreated with our goodies and drove to the much more civilized cafe at Little River. I have a sneaky feeling this was the real attraction for our nearest and dearests' coming along....

Sunday Morning, bright and bushy tailed we arrived at SIT and set about the business of creating something from our finds. It was quite a challenge for me, I had all sorts of jetsam and flotsam, not a shell in sight. It was quite a collection of stuff as you can see. 

At Birdlings Flat

Bighorn bouncing by the beach

Whitecaps dancing out of reach

Dust from gravel flying high

Screaming wind, not gentle sigh

Of air – At Birdlings Flat.

Seabirds battered by the gale

Flapping hard through airborne shale.

Buff-brown hills; expanse of sea

Some grass, some scrub, but not a tree

In sight – At Birdlings Flat.

A tumbleweed races between beach and sky

A pak’n’save bag has just fluttered by

A long stick is bouncing end over end

And a fog bank is creeping around the bend

To be – At Birdlings Flat

Guilders cars are parked in line

While they are busy trying to find

Some gorgeous thing – a shell, a stone

Or other art work left alone

By nature – At Birdlings Flat

Silversmith guilders are a race apart

Devoted to the pursuit of their art

Scrabbling around in the wind and the dust

To find a great object – or jolly well bust –

To-day – At Birdlings Flat.

Off they wandered in the wind and the cold

In their boots and their thermals they looked very bold.

For their ‘found object’ workshop they need to deliver.

Back with their treasures, as precious as gold

Then off for a wine – at warm Little River.

Tui Harrison