Directors perspective 2 Northwest chapter 3 southeast chapter 3 southwest chapter 3 south chapter 4 westcoast chapter 6 Northeast chapter 6 fsg coNfereNce 9 Meet our MeMbers: jacki kaufMaN 10 inside this issue benham Megan corwin jacki kaufman FSG CONFERENCE NOV 12 & 13 2016 FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org 1 Florida Society of Goldsmiths summer 2016 Florida society oF Goldsmiths the florida society of goldsmiths is a not-for- profit organization created by metalsmiths to aid and support other metalsmiths through meetings, publicity, workshops and exhibi- tions; to provide metalsmiths with opportunities for education and exchange of information; to broaden public knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of fine quality hand-crafted metal work, including, but not limited to, jewelry. the florida society of goldsmiths is open to all. we welcome artists that work in all metals as well as other jewelry artists using other mediums. we strive to offer a friendly environ- ment where creativity is encouraged and sup- ported through social and educational events throughout the us. fsgMetal.org | 719 ceNtral aveNue | st. petersburg, fl 33701 | (727) 822-7872 X2128 Winter Workshop 2017 January 15-21 www.FsGne.com FSG NEwSlEttER summer 2016 edition jenny reeves paulette werger
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org1
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Florida society oF Goldsmiths
the florida society of goldsmiths is a not-for-profit organization created by metalsmiths to aid and support other metalsmiths through meetings, publicity, workshops and exhibi-tions; to provide metalsmiths with opportunities for education and exchange of information; to broaden public knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of fine quality hand-crafted metal
work, including, but not limited to, jewelry. the florida society of goldsmiths is open to all. we welcome artists that work in all metals as well as other jewelry artists using other mediums. we strive to offer a friendly environ-ment where creativity is encouraged and sup-ported through social and educational events throughout the us.
fsgMetal.org | 719 ceNtral aveNue | st. petersburg, fl 33701 | (727) 822-7872 X2128
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org2
DiRECtOR’S PERSPECtiVE jeaN Marie Despiegler
a Quick Primer on Photographing Jewelry:
keep background clean and clear. if possible, hang the jewelry from clear monofila-ment line that can be easily cropped out.
avoid using white paper backgrounds when photographing with natural light. the photos tend to look a dull blue- gray color, because the background is too light so the camera compensates by reducing the exposure time. experiment with scrap book papers. plain grey would be a good first choice.
use natural light if possible. use reflectors to bounce more light on the jewelry. there is no need to buy one - just make them with a bit of cardboard and aluminum foil. if you must use light bulbs, look for spiraled fluorescent bulbs that are rated at 5750k, to prevent a yellowish tinge to your pictures.
tips for using an auto Focus Point and shoot camera: even with the auto focus, you still have to set it up correctly. it pays to read the manual, but here are few tips:
• macro (little flower symbol) – this is used for close ups. it allows you to focus at a much smaller range.
• white Balance - to get true colors under the lighting conditions you have. if you don’t switch this camera setting to cloudy (or indoors in other cameras) for the by-the-window shots, the pictures will look bluish.
• tripod - this really helps avoid blurry pictures - it’s hard to hold the camera steady when taking close-ups.
• Focus - remember to press down the shutter button half way and allow the camera time to focus before taking the picture. smartphones have you tap on the object that is the focus of the picture. also make sure you’re focusing on the main part of the jewelry piece
• self- timer - (optional) using it will avoid the slight camera shake when pressing the shoot button.
tips for using a digital slr camera:• aperture Priority- this controls the depth of field. basically choose a small aperture (big number like f/22) if you want all of the jewelry in focus or a large aperture (small number like f/2) if you are focusing on only a part of the piece and would like the background artistically blurry.
• shutter speed - this controls the exposure time or amount of light reaching the image sensor. if you are not using aperture priority, you will have to set this as well as the aperture settings. You don’t need very fast shutter speeds because nothing is moving.
• iso - this controls the sensitivity of image sensor to light. try 100 for shady spots on a sunny day or 200 in cloudy/indoor situations. the less light, the higher the number has to be.
NORthwESt ChAPtER
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org3
FsGse 2016 calendar of eventsoct. 21-23, 2016 carol webb 3-D etching
visit www.fsgse.com for more information
SOuthEASt ChAPtER
Greetings from the Northwest chapter!
we are looking forward to holding a set of weekend workshops in the fall.
please be sure to visit our website at www.fsgnw.com to keep up with all the latest chapter information.
CHapter news
SOuthwESt ChAPtERwe have open studio saturdays on the 2nd saturday of the month and meetings on the 3rd tuesday of the month at the cape coral arts studio. guests are always welcome at our meetings 6-8 pM. any question please call bob at 239-292-1719
our lending library continues to grow. our chapter had a month long exhibit at the cape coral arts studio in april called “ring of fire” and a yearly challenge with a theme .
the cape coral arts studio at 4533 coronado pkwy 33904.
bob small, president sw , come and join the fun !!!
Nessy and baby
SOuth ChAPtER
south chaPter uPcominG eVents: diane almeyda - russian Filigree - one day workshop - september 10th - $90 class Fee + Kit Fee $55.00in this 1 day call we will learn how to make a beautiful open-backed pendant utilizing various sizes and shapes of fine silver wire and soldering them all together using silver solder
shaping wires and extensive soldering will be the main focus of the class. how to make beaded-edged wire will be explained by the instructor and be demonstrated, if time allows. since the goal of the class will be to finish one pendant-sized piece, all wire will be provided. class is open for registration.
megan corwin - 3 day chasing and repousse workshop november 4 - 6, 2016Beginning chasing and repoussé with nancy megan corwin3-day workshop $325 for three days. class is open for registration.
this three-day workshop will focus on the techniques of chasing and repoussé for beginners. chasing refers to detailing and textur-ing the front or presentation side of a piece of jewelry, hollowware or casting. repoussé means to push out from the back and refers to using metal punches from the backside of a sheet of metal to create raised forms on the front. the two techniques are most often used together and result in low, medium or high relief art pieces created from sheet metal.
students will work primarily in copper. those with some experience may take this opportunity to work in sterling silver. the instructor will bring chasing tools and a few hammers for students to use during class, and will supply detailed handouts. the emphasis will be on making samples, although those students who wish to may focus on a simple piece of jewelry or metal art object.
Our open studio was a great success on saturday july 9 at the Miami jewelry school. a big thanks to elizabeth who shared cuban coffee with everyone!
we will be posting future open studio dates and times on the website. location is the Miami jewelry school; 4949 sw 74th ct., Miami, fl 33155. phone number of the school is 786-254-7220.
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org4
uPcominG worKshoPs 2017:
sam Patania March 2017: sam will be teaching two 2-day workshops. one workshop will be “carving a square wire cuff” where we will file, stamp, drill, punch and saw a cuff out of 4 gauge square wire.
second workshop, a shadow box pendant. in this 2 day work shop we will make an oval or round shadow box pendant for a cabochon stone.
ronda coryell: May 12 – 14, 2017: the 3 day workshop will focus on fusing gold to argentium.
south chapter coNtiNueD
tiPs and tricKs Formula for Pricing Jewelry:
time + materials=costcost X 2 = wholesalewholesale X 2 = retail
MEMBER PHOTOS:
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org5
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org6
wESt COASt ChAPtER
dunedin:Dunedin fine art centerDfac for open studio on tuesdays, 10:00aM 3:00pM. check it out online at www.dfac.org orcontact them at (727) 298 3322
st. Petersburg:the Morean arts centeropen studio hours on wednesdays 10:00aM 3:00pMcheck it out online at http://www.moreanartscenter.org/ or contact them at (727) 822 7872
Bradenton:artcenter Manateethe days and times for the open studio vary and the art center sends out an email to members.please call acM for details.check it out online at http://artcentermanatee.org/ or contact them at (941) 746 2862
opportunitieswe currently have three gorgeous partnered jewelry studios for our members enjoyment!! keep an eye out for upcoming workshops and soon to be schedule member meetings at our partnered studios and take advantage of their great 6 week classes, workshops and open studios! conveniently located throughout the tampa bay area, please stop by and say “hello!”.
this has been a busy quarter for fsgNe. we have been routinely holding classes in our Deland studio. just about every other weekend we have hosted classes in topics such as enameling, spinner rings, beginning soldering, glass fusing, and married metals. please check our website for more classes throughout the summer and into the fall. the second week in october tom and kay benham will be teaching a weekend workshop in chasing and repousse. Don’t miss your opportu-nity to join us for this. if you are traveling we can provide good lodging recommendations. a special thanks to the volunteer teachers for this quarter: joann johnson, Dennis fair, carol Zodrow, jim logue, and Mary ferrante.
we hope to open winter workshop class registration in august. just wait until you see who we have lined up for ww 2017! this one is going to be great! save the date: january 15 -21, 2017.
as always, we encourage everyone to come to the studio in Deland for open studio on tuesday and saturdays and almost every friday evening. come on in and get fired up with us.
NORthEASt ChAPtER
facebook.com/fsgnewww.fsgne.com
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org7
uPcominG classes at FsGne:chasiNg & repousse basics aND beYoND
with tom & kay benham
two day class- october 15th & 16th, 9am- 6pm
learn this ancient art using modern techniques to create small scale jewelry with an emphasis on chasing clean, crisp lines. have no fear as tom & kay share their love of moving metal as they guide students from mastering the basics to tackling more advanced projects. a toolbox containing a pitch pot, chasing hammer, chasing and repoussé tools, base metal, and other necessary tools and equipment well as patterns and other equipment will be provided for student use. alternate ap-proaches and short cuts to standard chasing & repoussé methods will be presented.
visit www.fsgne.com for more information
NORthEASt ChAPtER
wiNtER wORKShOP JANuARY 15-21, 2017
toM MccarthY paulette werger jeNNY reeves
FsG conFerence
noV 12 & 13 2016
fsgMetal.org
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org8
“Present Tense,” the 12th national conference of the American Craft Council, is a convening whose function is to locate, through the lively exchange of ideas, the place of craft in our time.
For more information or to register, visit craftcouncil.org/presenttense
For the Love of JewelersAt Rio we support anyone who has ever
picked up a piece of metal and made something wearable.
From the tools and supplies you need to run your business to the know-how, technical
guidance and support you need to � ourish, we’re here to help.
Find out more about the Rio jewelry community at: riogrande.com/ad/about-us
riogrande.com #RioJeweler
FsG conFerence: noV. 12 & 13, 2016sat. nov. 128:30–4:00 registration and raffle ticket sales, cup sales. coffee & water available at restaurant.
9:00–4:00 vendor room – room 202
10:00–11:00 lecture 3rd floor – keynote by charles lewton-brain
11:10-11:45 being an analog artist in a Digital world & the tiny low-tech studio by susan saul.
11:45-1:00 lunch
1:00–2:00 lecture3rd floor – Design by brenda smith
2:15-2:45 lecture3rd floor what Do i want to Do when i grow up by julia woodamn
3:00–4:00 lecture 3rd floor – panel discussion of selling Your work:
with Michele tuegel, adrienne gaskell, Melissa Yungbluth
5:30 jewelry show awards by charles lewton-brain, in the Morean gallery
sun nov. 138:30–4:00 registration and raffle ticket sales
9:00–4:00 vendor room– room 202
10:00–11:00 lecture 3rd floor – crafting error- thinking through things by phil renato
11:15-11:45 Demonstration of 3D printers by jackie kaufman
11:45-1:00 links in a chain Necklace raffle Drawing – lunch break
1:00–2:00 lecture 3rd floor My etsy success, it’s not seo by Deb blazer
2:15-2:45 Demo - how to use paste solder by beth katz
3:00 – 3:30 Demo - tampa bay Mineral and science club – lapidary (stone cutting)
4:00 silent auction closes room 101
Post conFerence worKshoPs:Monday, Nov. 14th – workshop 3D with phil renato (2 days), $300
Monday, Nov. 14th- Design workshop with brenda smith (1 day) - $200
www.FsGmetal.orG
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org9
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Jacki kaufman owned a couple of jewelry and accessory kiosks in south florida and she wanted to sell different designs that she could not find in the quality she wanted. specifically, at the time peace sign and buddha jewelry. she felt that over the years of being a buyer, “i was able with the right set of skills, to learn to make pieces that would sell. i found those skills in carving wax and casting. i know this might not be politically correct, but my focus in jewelry has always been to sell whatever i make and to find my customer.”
when asked to describe her work she said, “each piece has a purpose and is meaningful. i describe my work as solid, organic, personalized heirloom quality jewelry.”
having taken all the classes and more (maybe not needle weaving!), she considers herself a jewelry designer and caster. she does all her own casting, which is her specialty and favorite technique. recently, she is incorporating new technology that has become available, including 3d and resin printing with computer design work.
jackie never goes after awards, she said, “but i do go after publicity. i am in business to sell and make a living. My awards would be the many magazines, newspapers and tv shows that have highlighted our jewelry over the years, Not “jewelry magazine” highlights , but more main-stream like More Magazine, women’s Day, the Daily Mail, good Morning america, many pet publications and more. i was able to use these to get major exposure and sales for our line of jewelry.”
when asked about the inspiration of her work
mEEt OuR mEmbERS Jacki kaufman
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org11
she said, “Many of my pieces are custom pieces that use personal aspects of a person’s life, to memorialize a loved one, which might be a person or a pet, in a way that brings some closure and peace for the recipient. i find it a gift that i can create this as a jeweler. recently we started using soundwaves to make some jewelry. some customers have recordings of voices of loved ones that have passed away and we can use those, with new technology, to make the jewelry. how great is that!”
a few years ago, she received a grant from a children’s hospital in New York to create personalized sterling silver fingerprint hearts of terminally ill children in their oncology department for the hospital to give to the parents as a remembrance. she told me, “that is when i realized how powerful some jewelry and jewelers can be and i wanted to continue making these type of pieces. i knew at that time i chose the right career path. My pieces had a purpose.”
when asked how art jewelry is changing, she shared, “with the internet and online sales exploding, a jewelry designer can now rely on themselves to sell their own line of work. they no longer have to sell wholesale, on consign-ment or to galleries and stores, or do shows if they don’t want to. they can now be seen online to a worldwide marketplace. jewelers can create their own destiny, but they do have to embrace the new technology that can help them be seen and they have to think in a creative way. they have to be confident in their design and work and let everyone know how great they are! the old way of thinking about selling is outdated.”
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org12
her favorite tool is a waxmill machine. she noted that they bought it years ago and it paid for itself in 6 months and is a little workhorse. “it opened us up to create so many more designs then trying to hand carve every-thing in wax.”, she said.
her advice is based on a love of marketing and learning new ways for getting your jewelry seen. she states, “You are your brand. in this day of everything being out there online, you have to be able to put yourself out there and be the name and face of your line of jewelry. customers want to know who you are and what you are about to then want to buy “a piece of you”; which is your jewelry. if you get too political, or have strong opinions online, you might lose 50% of potential customers. stay neutral and accessible.”
when asked what advice she wished she had ignored, she told me “going into catalogs. You can never be too successful. we started selling in 2 very popular catalogs at the same time and both were very successful,actually overwhelming. all the orders were custom pieces for
both catalogs and the orders never stopped. i felt that i was out of control with my own business and was working for someone else 24/7. eventually i cut ties with both catalogs and continue to just sell on my own and have regained a normal business and life.
Jackie will be demonstrating 3-d printing machines at the FsG member’s conference in november. Be sure to watch this exciting and informative presentation!
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org13
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org14
FSG OFFiCERS AND bOARD OF DiRECtORSstate directors Molly strader, president open,vice presidentcindi bateman, treasurerbev fox, secretaryjillian logue, Newsletter editorjean Marie Despiegler, Newsletter editoropen, web Masteralan brown, hall of fame chairpersonarnold lasris, parlimentarianMolly strader, Membership chairpersonjean Marie Despiegler, exec. Director
FsG oFFicers and Boards oF directors:
at larGe (out oF state) chaPter rePresentatiVeDon walker
north east chaPterMary ferrante, presidentDennis fair, vpcarol Zodrow, treasurerjillian logue, secretary
north west chaPterstarr payne, president open, v.p.starr payne, treasureropen, secretary
south west chaPterrobert small, presidentDoug shemenski, vpcindi bateman, treasurerDixie Dixon, secretary
south east chaPtercynthia abood, presidentjanice wiesler, vpcynthia abood, treasurerDenise Delrusso, secretary
FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS | summer 2016 | www. fsgmetal.org15
FSG NEwSlEttER CONtENtDo You kNow of aN fsg MeMber that has aN iNterestiNg storY that theY woulD like to share with our reaDers? please coNtact jeaN Marie at [email protected] subMissioN DeaDliNes:jaNuarY 15-wiNter eDitioN (feb)
april 15- spriNg eDitioN (MaY)
julY 15- suMMer eDitioN (aug)
october 15-fall eDitioN (Nov)
FSG DuESregistratioN aND paYMeNt optioNs available oNliNe atwww.fsgMetal.org
this bulletin of the florida society of goldsmiths is published quarterly in a pDf web format by fsg, inc. 719 central ave., st. petersburg, fl 33701; for its membership. all names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, trade names, or other identifications are for the exclusive use of the memnership and may not be used for commer-cial purposes without prior permission from the florida society of goldsmiths.
Disclaimer: the board of directors of fsg, its members, authors, re-porters, or publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility, or liability for damages or injuries as a result of any accuracy, design, construc-tion, fitness, use, manufacture, safety or safe use or other activities un-dertaken as a result of the use or application of information, technique, tool use, etc. contained in this bulletin. the use of any information is solely at the reader’s own risk.
“a copY of the official registratioN aND fiNaNcial iNfor-MatioN MaY be obtaiNeD froM the DivisioN of coNsuMer services bY calliNg toll-free (800*453*7352) withiN the state. registratioN Does Not iMplY eNDorseMeNt, approval, or recoMMeNDatioN bY the state” florida registra-tion number ch40464
