Hola faithful readers this is Erin- your blogging friend. In addition to writing the fabulous Bead Monkey blog, I also supervise the Metalwork Open Studio in St Paul.
What’s “Metalwork Open Studio” and why don’t I “teach” it?
Metalwork Open Studio is a metalworking playground for anyone who’s taken a Bead Monkey metal class. Think Texture, Patina and Polish, Fine Silver, Argentium or Wire Fusing, Torch Soldering or Soldered Settings, Riveting, Cold Connections, Monogrammed Pendant, and Letterpress. It doesn’t have a formal teacher because it’s a chance for you to use skills you’ve already learned, along with Bead Monkey tools.
One of the Bead Monkeys (Aleece in Minneapolis or Erin in St. Paul) is just hanging out in the studio to give helpful tips and tricks and to help make sure you have access to all the tools you need.The Open Studio is great if you’ve taken multiple metalworking classes and want to experiment with integrating all your skills into one project OR if you want to work on multiple projects in a short period of time. We take care of the set-up and tear down, so you don’t need to worry about the mess, hassle and expense of setting up your own studio. It’s a great opportunity to play with tools before you buy them and get another teacher’s tips and tricks on your favorite projects. Perhaps the best feature of the Open Studio is that it’s uninterrupted creative time- I’ve found I’m far more productive when I’m working in dedicated studio space than I am when I work at home simply because I’m free from distractions.
The other great thing about Open Studio is that I’m there to provide gentle reminders if they’re needed. Has it been awhile since you’ve taken that stamping class? No big deal. I’ll give you a hand and remind you not to use a rubber mallet with the letter punches or help with which end of the screw punch fits a 1/16” eyelet.
Doesn’t all this sound like fun? It is. You know you want to join us.
Check out the fun stuff I made in the December Open Studio!!
