crafthaus2024-03-29T01:13:19ZParker Brownhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/ParkerBrownhttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/357643559?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://crafthaus.ning.com/forum/topic/listForContributor?groupUrl=sporadic-chronicle&user=15gbul9704w6o&feed=yes&xn_auth=noThe MASSC Jewelry Challengetag:crafthaus.ning.com,2014-07-23:2104389:Topic:4891342014-07-23T02:42:35.301ZParker Brownhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/ParkerBrown
<p><span>The Metal Arts Society of Southern California invited its membership to enter into a jewelry challenge as an avenue to participate and push themselves. Each of the participants received identical kits with materials which in the end would be bent, hammered, stretched, soldered, riveted and morphed into the finished pieces. They were given a timeline of 6 weeks to complete and return the finished piece. Photos were taken of everybody’s pieces and a luncheon was held for the members to…</span></p>
<p><span>The Metal Arts Society of Southern California invited its membership to enter into a jewelry challenge as an avenue to participate and push themselves. Each of the participants received identical kits with materials which in the end would be bent, hammered, stretched, soldered, riveted and morphed into the finished pieces. They were given a timeline of 6 weeks to complete and return the finished piece. Photos were taken of everybody’s pieces and a luncheon was held for the members to vote on their three favorite pieces. The event was very successful and I’m proud to say that my entry received honorable mention. :) I take a lot of in progress photos so I’d like to show you how I went about creating my locket.</span></p>
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<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058594959?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058594959?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-left"/></a></span></p>
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<p><span>Kit contents: </span></p>
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<p><span>2” x 2” 18g sterling silver sheet; 6 copper washers, 3” x 4” 18ga copper sheet, 4” x 4” stainless steel mesh, (6) 5mm pearls, 36” of 20 gauge sterling silver round wire, 36” of 18g copper square wire, 1” sterling silver tube (3mm inside diameter), 10 brass finishing nails.</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058595163?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058595163?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p><span>I decided to use this challenge to explore a theme I’m growing enamored with. I found this doorknob at an architectural salvage emporium in New York a few years back. I cut the knob open and extracted the front decorative component that I needed for my locket. I love doors and windows and thought it clever to have my doorknob locket’s opening be a door. </span></p>
<p><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058591732?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></p>
<p><span>The inspiration for this piece came from an earlier piece I made (a magnet, in fact) for my mother. It’s kind of crude but depicts a wall in the hallway of my mothers house that you can see the lattice of the walls because the plaster had cracked and fallen away. I always thought there was a beauty to it.</span></p>
<p><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058593020?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></p>
<p><span>I laid out my design and sawed out the shape, the doorway, the doorjamb, baseboards, door, etc. </span></p>
<p><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058596251?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></p>
<p><span>I soldered in place the border, the doorway, the doorjamb, baseboards and inlaid the floor into my decorative plate. I attended a chasing and repoussé workshop from MASSC a few years back so I felt pretty confident chasing the texture into my piece; the detail of the door, the plaster which has cracked and fallen away exposing the wooden lattice behind the walls, and the splintery wooden baseboards of my floor, are all executed using chasing. </span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058594165?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058594165?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>The door was sweat soldered together so it would be nice and thick. It swings open and closed using a peg mechanism (inspired by a swinging restaurant door). I added a little itty bitty doorknob to my door using two brass finishing nail heads.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058592786?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058592786?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p>Setting the door was a bit of a challenge, but turned out surprisingly successful. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058596179?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058596179?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span>I cut out a little keyhole escutcheon plate and cold-connected it to the front of my knob –complete with a miniature keyhole cover (to keep out those peepin’ toms!) –a sweet finishing touch along with the itty bitty keys fabricated from 20g silver round wire dangling from the bottom. </span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058594365?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058594365?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>I soldered the locket together and hung it from a forged copper wire neck ring. </span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058592935?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058592935?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>All the quiet moments of this piece are not sweet and precious however. The secret interior of the doorknob locket is very dark by way of a concentrated liver of sulphur patina, with a macabre twist –several deep claw marks gouged on the back of the interior door that gleam through the patina in bright shining silver.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058593060?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058593060?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>All in all I’m quite pleased with the result of this challenge and can’t wait to start my next doorknob-related project!</span></p>
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<p></p> The Aficionado's Day Job: Smithing an Articulated Neck-Piece for Chertag:crafthaus.ning.com,2014-06-28:2104389:Topic:4874142014-06-28T01:24:07.311ZParker Brownhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/ParkerBrown
<div>Hey Hey. A LOT has been going on so it's hard to pick what to update you on first ;)</div>
<div>I guess I'll reach back a bit. Sometimes being a busy busy designer like Michael Schmidt means that you have to delegate and rely on your team from far away. –Michael was in New York the week this project was brought to us [thank goodness for Skype!]. This is a hammered aluminum neckpiece that Cher used in her newest music video "Woman's World."…</div>
<div>Hey Hey. A LOT has been going on so it's hard to pick what to update you on first ;)</div>
<div>I guess I'll reach back a bit. Sometimes being a busy busy designer like Michael Schmidt means that you have to delegate and rely on your team from far away. –Michael was in New York the week this project was brought to us [thank goodness for Skype!]. This is a hammered aluminum neckpiece that Cher used in her newest music video "Woman's World."</div>
<div><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058582976?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058582976?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></div>
<div><span>This piece was executed in under 30 hours. When Michael was notified of the project he only had his iPad on him. He has a number of drawing apps so he did a rendering of what was needed and sent it to me. We then patterned the piece to the measurements given to us and began fabricating the neckpiece. </span></div>
<div><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058585573?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058585573?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></div>
<div>Each aluminum piece had to be sawn out, hammer textured, filed, sanded, drilled and polished. We used a number/letter system to keep all of the puzzle pieces straight, but in the end what fun is a project that doesn't have any upsets? Of course ONE piece of the puzzle has to go missing.</div>
<div><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058584108?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058584108?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></div>
<div>We ended up using a series of jump rings to articulate it because of the time crunch we were under. This is how the piece turned out front/back. Special Thanks Michael Schmidt for the job and to Kristina Moore and Rio Warner for the assist on this one!</div>
<div><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058585749?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058585749?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></div>
<div>Below is the video. Enjoy!</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JjPWL-23w-w?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
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<div>I'm on instagram @AficionadoStudios</div> Behind the Scenes: The Making of The MAGIC Moustachetag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-12-11:2104389:Topic:3840162012-12-11T20:39:27.294ZParker Brownhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/ParkerBrown
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058336607?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058336607?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></span></p>
<p><span>Today we will walk through the making of the <b>Aficionado Studios Detachable Re-attachable MAGIC Moustache</b>, which is a plastic novelty brooch with a neodymium, or “rare earth,” magnet inside. The secret to this parlor trick is a second magnet concealed in the wearers mouth, between the upper front teeth and upper lip. * Ta daaa!…</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058336607?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058336607?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>Today we will walk through the making of the <b>Aficionado Studios Detachable Re-attachable MAGIC Moustache</b>, which is a plastic novelty brooch with a neodymium, or “rare earth,” magnet inside. The secret to this parlor trick is a second magnet concealed in the wearers mouth, between the upper front teeth and upper lip. * Ta daaa! *</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058339372?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058339372?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span>I use Smooth-Cast ONYX®, which is a mercury-free urethane resin that cures at room temperature to a deep black, solid plastic. This product has high viscosity and the benefit of mixing in a 1A:1B ratio, which yields a bubble-free moustache. </span>For these type of small castings, I use squeeze bottles available at any restaurant supply store to dispense a equal amounts of each plastic into CLEAR plastic cups. And mix back and forth.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058336741?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058336741?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span>Depending on how many pours you are attempting with a single batch, and the complexity of your mold, you have the option to use Smooth-Cast ONYX Fast or Slow.</span></p>
<p><span>Slow has a pot life of 5 minutes, but you want to be poured by about 3.5 minutes as the mixtures viscosity has lowered during activation and you will not have as successful of a pour the closer you are to 5 minutes.</span></p>
<p><span>Fast has a Pot-life of 2.5 minutes and the same rule applies, if you haven’t finished mixing and pouring by 2 minutes, you will experience bubbles and a loss of detail because the plastic has activated.</span></p>
<p><span>While there is only a small difference in pot life time, there is a substantial difference in the de-mold time, where Fast can be de-molded within 15 minutes, but Slow has to cure for 90 minutes before de-molding.</span></p>
<p><span>Generally, the longer the plastic takes to set-up, the more successful your casts will be. </span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058335169?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058335169?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span>My molds are all made of Dragon Skin® High Performance Silicone Rubber, which is a durable and long lasting silicone that can be used to cast a wide variety of media. </span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058335208?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058335208?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span>I spray each mold with universal mold release and pour a small amount of the plastic mixture into each mold and let the plastic set up. The amount of plastic poured in this first step is crucial. Pour too little and the magnet will be visible on the front of the finished ‘stache; Pour too much and the magnet will not embed completely. </span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058337260?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058337260?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="500" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>I get my magnets from K&J Magnetics, because of the range of shapes, grades, and sizes of magnets available. I buy the N52 grade, because it is a very strong and dense magnet. Nothing worse than a weak ‘stache. This is also one of the few companies that offers a rubber coated option for your magnets, depending on their size.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058336873?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058336873?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span>I lay the magnet on the hardened plastic directly in the middle of the mold; I always make sure that the polarity of the magnets is uniform, for display and hanging purposes, I want them all to face in the same direction, as opposed to repelling each other (which would make for funny hanging) It’s important for this reason to keep one sample on hand at all times.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058335321?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058335321?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span>Once the magnet is in place it is time for the final pour, which will cover and encase the magnet in the moustache. The plastic adheres to itself seamlessly as long as no mold release has been sprayed between pours. </span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058335277?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058335277?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span>After the plastic has set up it is time to de-mold and finish. This is my favorite step because there are moustaches ALL OVER MY STUDIO, they stick to tools, anvils, foredom attachments.... I find them in the DARNDEST places sometimes! </span></p>
<p><span>Since they are magnetic, I use a set of diamond bit brass files to finish the edges. It’s important to make sure the edges are not sharp, especially because it’s designed to sit under the nose where the skin is oh so sensitive. Finally, a quick polish and cleaning and they are ready to be packaged. </span></p>
<p><span>For a little novelty product like this, packaging is everything. I print all my cards through NextDayFliers because they are inexpensive, great quality, and I can pick them up at the warehouse so if I’m in a time pinch - I don’t need to wait for shipping.</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058335565?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058335565?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span>All novelty packaging has one thing in common. It is funny. So I made sure my packaging was really FUN. From the design of the cartoon face down to the absurd instructions on the back encouraging outlandish behavior on the part of the wearer. </span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058335505?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058335505?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>The magnetic moustache is stuck to the card with its second magnet holding it from behind. The card is signed/numbered (this is an artistic limited series, after all) and sealed in a clear envelope.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058337884?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058337884?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span>BUT work is not yet done. Designing packaging means you are imagining yourself to be the recipient of the product. How would you like your work to be perceived? I want mine to be sophisticated and a little over the top, so for orders placed through my website (<a href="http://www.aficionadostudios.com">www.aficionadostudios.com</a>), the MAGIC Moustache ships in fancy pin-strip boxes with a laser-cut acrylic bow-tie on the front. Classy!</span></p>
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<p><span>Fore EVEN MORE information on the MAGIC Moustache <a href="http://www.aficionadostudios.com/Files/SS1_PR.pdf" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></span></p>
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<p><span>Follow me on </span>Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/AficionadoGuise" target="_blank">@AficionadoGuise</a> and on instagram @AficionadoStudios and watch me like a voyeur! ;)</p> The Aficionado’s Day Job: Whole Foods – Knotted Rope Installationtag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-11-04:2104389:Topic:3769402012-11-04T10:11:40.701ZParker Brownhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/ParkerBrown
<p><span>I rather enjoy that my job brings new and exciting experiences. This is one of the benefits of working with Michael Schmidt Studios, as the jobs are usually of interest and challenging. For our most recent endeavor, I’ve taken up “rope-smithing.”</span></p>
<p>Below is a photograph of the knotted rope sculpture Michael Schmidt designed for the new Whole Foods at Fashion Island, Newport Beach, CA.…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><span>I rather enjoy that my job brings new and exciting experiences. This is one of the benefits of working with Michael Schmidt Studios, as the jobs are usually of interest and challenging. For our most recent endeavor, I’ve taken up “rope-smithing.”</span></p>
<p>Below is a photograph of the knotted rope sculpture Michael Schmidt designed for the new Whole Foods at Fashion Island, Newport Beach, CA.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058318387?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058318387?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a>Photo credit: Dennis Benson</p>
<p><span>This is the first interior that I have had the opportunity to work on with Michael. The several hundred pound knotted rope installation hangs permanently in the beer and wine rotunda of the Newport Beach Whole Foods at Fashion Island. This Whole Foods aims to blur the line between grocery store and destination, featuring a full bar, restaurants and a beer & wine bar.</span></p>
<p><span>The project, from the time the studio accepted the job to the market’s grand opening, occurred within six weeks. After the site visits, the measurements, and the drawings, we had a clear idea of placement, scale and weight. These are things we had to know in advance for fabrication of the armatures, and for the placement of the reinforced struts in the ceiling. </span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058317536?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058317536?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span>Photo credit: Dennis Benson</span></p>
<p><span>Michael had given me a very thorough walkthrough of the monkey fist knot – I had not known of it’s nautical history and had never really explored the qualities of rope. The knots were traditionally tied around weights and were used at the ends of rope lines on ships to throw to a neighboring vessel. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s_HhIw6L7uw?rel=0&wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
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<p><span>I picked up the tying quickly, aiming to beat my own time record each round; I got it down to just a few minutes, and it was no time at all before I had a handful of interns trained and tying knots just as fast. There were several different knot sizes and a few different tones of rope in the heaps of hundreds of knots in the studio. Primarily, the installation uses manila, sisal and hemp rope.</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058318753?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058318753?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span>Photo credit: Dennis Benson</span></p>
<p><span>Intermixed with the clusters of monkey fists is the accent of antique glass fishing floats. These floats were hand blown down in the engine rooms of coal-powered fishing vessels. Many of the floats get their wonderful green color from coca-cola bottles drank aboard ship. Over time the floats broke free from sunken vessels and were carried in the ocean currents; they wash up on beaches all over the world. </span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058320615?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058320615?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span>The sculpture was installed over the course of three days with the help of a lift and a few able bodies. On day 1 the structures were installed; on day 2 the rope vines were added, and on day 3 the glass fishing floats were added and the sculpture was tweaked to perfection and photographed. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span>View more photos of this installation <a href="http://www.michaelschmidtstudios.com/whole-foods-interior.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span>View Michael Schmidt’s other installations <a href="http://www.michaelschmidtstudios.com/interiors-gallery.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></p> The Aficionado’s Day Job: NY Fashion Week... SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS?tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-09-13:2104389:Topic:3673602012-09-13T19:22:23.488ZParker Brownhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/ParkerBrown
<p></p>
<p>It’s the last day of fashion week in New York; The Jeremy Scott fashion show hit the runway yesterday at 1:00 PM. PHEW! </p>
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<p><span><strong>The question on everybody’s mind:</strong> Whats <em>FRESH</em> and <em>HOT</em> for spring/summer 2013?</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058289350?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058289350?profile=original" width="710"></img></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS…</p>
<p></p>
<p>It’s the last day of fashion week in New York; The Jeremy Scott fashion show hit the runway yesterday at 1:00 PM. PHEW! </p>
<p></p>
<p><span><strong>The question on everybody’s mind:</strong> Whats <em>FRESH</em> and <em>HOT</em> for spring/summer 2013?</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058289350?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058289350?profile=original" width="710" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That's right, this little guy made quite a splash at fashion week, from pineapple under the sea to lights, music and runway... The Pharaoh Spongebob toy was brought to me at Michael Schmidt Studios by the designer Jeremy Scott. He wanted the toy to have new life and make a rather bold statement on his vintage chain.</p>
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<p><span>The bob was first painted with an electro-conductive spray paint and electroformed over a period of two weeks, being rotated often, building up an even copper shell to protect the soft plastic. Then when the bob was strong enough he was plated in a layer of nickel and then a layer of 24 kt gold.</span></p>
<p><span>Jet black Swarovski Crystals were flush set into the eyes for the finishing touch.</span></p>
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<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058287138?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058287138?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Here it is seen complementing Jeremy Scott's smashing ensemble @ the close of the show. </p>
<p><span>Special thanks to Jeremy Scott & Michael Schmidt!</span></p> The Aficionado’s Day Job: Metalsmithing for 2NE1tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-08-25:2104389:Topic:3633572012-08-25T10:53:04.818ZParker Brownhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/ParkerBrown
<p></p>
<p><span>This time my "day job" brought a request for some “BLING” for the KPOP sensation: 2NE1. The group is well known for their outlandish taste and BIG BOLD accessories. Each member received a crystal 2NE1 character necklace (shown below) from <a href="http://www.michaelschmidtstudios.com" target="_blank">Michael Schmidt Studios</a>.…</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058275930?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058275930?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
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<p><span>This time my "day job" brought a request for some “BLING” for the KPOP sensation: 2NE1. The group is well known for their outlandish taste and BIG BOLD accessories. Each member received a crystal 2NE1 character necklace (shown below) from <a href="http://www.michaelschmidtstudios.com" target="_blank">Michael Schmidt Studios</a>.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058275930?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058275930?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span>Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/ITSJEREMYSCOTT" target="_blank">@ITSJEREMYSCOTT</a> for this photo!</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><span>Each of the four necklaces were fabricated from brass sheet, sawed, soldered, smithed, filed, sanded, polished, nickel plated, then crystallized using Swarovski Elements Crystal Mesh. The chain was made from snake chain, cut and soldered into links then meticulously wrapped in crystal. The clasp is a cast logo hook with a safety catch.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058276725?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058276725?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p>The finished product... blinding in person; photos rarely do this material justice.</p>
<p><span>As far as the level of complexity of this project is concerned, I would categorize this one under less complicated than most that come across my bench, but no project is simple under extreme deadlines. :)</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058276305?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058276305?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>Special thanks to Jay Yu and Lisa Kim for helping bust this one out in record time, Rio Warner for her mad crystal linking skills, and of course <a href="https://twitter.com/MSchmidtStudios" target="_blank">Michael Schmidt</a> for another great opportunity.</span></p> The Aficionado’s Day Job: Metalsmithing for Madonnatag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-08-10:2104389:Topic:3609812012-08-10T07:56:24.018ZParker Brownhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/ParkerBrown
<p><span>I’m very lucky to have a</span> “day job” that is usually full of interesting and challenging projects – some unsung, others prestigious, but all remarkable additions to my portfolio. This time Michael Schmidt asked me to fabricate a crown for Madonna for the opening scene of her MDNA world tour.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058272535?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058272535?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> <span>Michael Schmidt’s crown design had over 450 large Swarovski…</span></p>
<p><span>I’m very lucky to have a</span> “day job” that is usually full of interesting and challenging projects – some unsung, others prestigious, but all remarkable additions to my portfolio. This time Michael Schmidt asked me to fabricate a crown for Madonna for the opening scene of her MDNA world tour.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058272535?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058272535?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a><span>Michael Schmidt’s crown design had over 450 large Swarovski crystals, which would make any crown heavy. Part of my job was to engineer the pattern for the lightest and most durable way to fabricate the crown. I created two prototypes for fittings and rehearsals and two final crowns for the tour. Each crown took about 160 hours to fabricate from start to finish</span> <span>and I was given, on average, two weeks per crown.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058271750?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058271750?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span>The structure was fabricated from 1/8” hollow brass square tubing, each piece cut, numbered and notched at a specific angle to my very precise pattern. The pieces fit together at their fixed angles in a lincoln-log fashion. The joints were then soldered so the entire crown was one hollow form; very strong and very light. The strength of the crown was incredibly vital, as the crown is dramatically dropped at the beginning of each show and each rehearsal for one year.</p>
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<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058270249?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058270249?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span>I soldered the bezels onto the hollow tube and vented the structure behind every stone. I also installed an inner lattice into the crown that the lace veil is sewn to (very important to protect Madonna’s up-do)</p>
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<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058270633?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058270633?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>Special thanks to Jay Yu, Lisa Kim, Kristina Moore, Les Bryant and Andrea Kennington for support and assistance!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058318351?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058318351?profile=original" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span>Photo credit: Dennis Benson</p>
<p>Follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/AficionadoGuise" target="_blank">@AficionadoGuise</a></p> Objects of an Aficionado: Doorknobstag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-07-26:2104389:Topic:3580862012-07-26T07:12:56.142ZParker Brownhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/ParkerBrown
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058264214?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058264214?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="75"></img></a></p>
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<p>I am actively engaged with the enigma that is the doorknob.</p>
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<p>By character, it lends itself to many different representations to people and to the human condition. It shares, among them, relationships that connote: passage, safety, access, security, secrets, departure, escape or ownership.…</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058264214?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="75" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058264214?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="75" class="align-left"/></a></p>
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<p>I am actively engaged with the enigma that is the doorknob.</p>
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<p>By character, it lends itself to many different representations to people and to the human condition. It shares, among them, relationships that connote: passage, safety, access, security, secrets, departure, escape or ownership.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058267022?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058267022?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058267022?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p>A doorknob may symbolize a barricade to one's access to another realm, something to prevent someone or something from getting in or something to keep it in. It can define a personal defense, to ward off an attack or assault. It can protect against peril, contain secrets or be used to unleash them.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058264289?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058264289?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p>The doorknob is an object that can transcend its original purpose and be transformed into an entity, a tiny conceptual existence. By creating a visual interior space I am able to reflect on a moment, memory or concept, and give it permanence and strength in metal.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058265897?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058265897?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058265897?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p>To view these and other curiosities, visit the <a href="http://www.aficionadostudios.com/AFICIONADO/Objects.html" target="_blank">Aficionado Studios</a> Object Gallery.</p>
<p>Follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/AficionadoGuise" target="_blank">@AficionadoGuise</a></p> The Aficionado’s Jewelry Collection: The Driven Seriestag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-07-13:2104389:Topic:3558892012-07-13T07:35:44.160ZParker Brownhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/ParkerBrown
<p> Every day I try and do SOMETHING to move forward with my work. If, at the end of the day, I reflect and find that I have not done any work toward <i>The Aficionado’s ... something-or-other,</i> then I have not done anything to elevate myself and Aficionado Studios... and <i>that</i> is un-sophisticated. As Aficionados, we must maintain a decent level of sophistication, you know... So, while often frantic, working on non-aficionado projects in my studio, I make many idea-notes on the…</p>
<p> Every day I try and do SOMETHING to move forward with my work. If, at the end of the day, I reflect and find that I have not done any work toward <i>The Aficionado’s ... something-or-other,</i> then I have not done anything to elevate myself and Aficionado Studios... and <i>that</i> is un-sophisticated. As Aficionados, we must maintain a decent level of sophistication, you know... So, while often frantic, working on non-aficionado projects in my studio, I make many idea-notes on the next step for projects that have been put on hold in lieu of other more pressing matters. Eventually, I find time to follow through with my post-it note collection and have something of my own to be proud of.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058256224?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058256224?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p><span>This month I released the first phase of jewelry to grace "The Aficionado’s Jewelry Collection", the <i>Driven</i> series<i>,</i> which is comprised of jewelry using sterling silver cast screw heads. </span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058252943?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058252943?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600" class="align-center"/></a></span><span>Above: assorted studs; b</span>elow: stackable rings</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058253114?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058253114?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span>The collection can be viewed online <a href="http://www.aficionadostudios.com/AFICIONADO/Jewelry.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p>
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<p><span>The next series, working title: Access, will be released in November, and should give you access to some secrets we’ve been keeping... </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058255349?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058255349?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br/>Hope this piques your curiosity.</p> The Aficionado’s Day Job: Metalsmithing for Rihannatag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-06-29:2104389:Topic:3533012012-06-29T05:16:48.033ZParker Brownhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/ParkerBrown
<p><span>One aspect of my “day job” with Michael Schmidt includes metalsmithing for the entertainment industry. The projects usually precipitate stress under the pressure of short deadlines but always yield new knowledge and a spiffy new piece that I usually add to my portfolio.</span></p>
<p><span>Last week I was asked to fabricate a cobra snake hat embellishment for Rihanna to sport during her performance at the Hackney Festival. The snake was cast in bronze, gold plated and has a little…</span></p>
<p><span>One aspect of my “day job” with Michael Schmidt includes metalsmithing for the entertainment industry. The projects usually precipitate stress under the pressure of short deadlines but always yield new knowledge and a spiffy new piece that I usually add to my portfolio.</span></p>
<p><span>Last week I was asked to fabricate a cobra snake hat embellishment for Rihanna to sport during her performance at the Hackney Festival. The snake was cast in bronze, gold plated and has a little red tongue and Swarovski Crystal eyes. </span></p>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058246138?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058246138?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-center"/></a><span>It’s hollo</span>w through the body and stitched down to a leather ball cap.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058250026?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058250026?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-center"/></a></div>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058246098?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058246098?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p>As a smith, I find it to be a great compliment and am humbled when a celebrity who has access and many other options chooses to return to the studio I smith at. The first time I had the pleasure to create something for Rihanna was back in March. She requested finger jewelry to wear in Coldplay’s Princess of China video (seen below)</p>
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<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1Uw6ZkbsAH8?rel=0&wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p><span>The set of ten brass finger spiculums were microsmithed using the techniques and amazing tools developed by NC Black Co. They were smithed and on set 36 hours after notification of the project with help from my talented metalsmith sidekick, Jay Yu.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058247697?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058247697?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-center"/></a></span>Screenshot from "Princess of China"</p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058246906?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058246906?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058247814?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058247814?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Forming the spiculums</p>
<p><span>I find that I am most content when I am working in metal, regardless of the deadlines, stress, and encouraging/discouraging outside forces. My studio is my home, and when I am in it I am surrounded by all the things that make me happy. Yes, my anvils, vices and hammers all have moustaches... </span></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058245185?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058245185?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600"/></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">The NC Black "Angelina" </div>