NEWSLETTER       August 2008 Volume 1 Issue 7

 In This Issue: * Monthly Meeting * Harbor Art Festival * Doug Lane at JCCFS * Interview with a Blacksmith * Peat Oberon’s Award Winning Vase * Editor’s Note *
ABANA Affiliate Letter *

 MONTHLY MEETING:

     Well what can I say, it was hot, it was humid, it was a day that only fellow metalophiles would endure to seek out new knowledge, share stories and enjoy each others company. Rusty Healey gave the demo this month and what a demo it was! Rusty provided a really good glimpse into the world of leather craft. He went over his nifty tool box and some basics of sheath making. Thanks Rusty. Did you say that sweat stains were not really an enhancement? As stated in the Minutes Tim Edney has stepped down from the Presidency and the Board appointed VP Travis Covington to fill the remainder of the term. That will leave our VP slot open. The Board will decide on an election date soon. We had a pretty good turn out all things considered. Check the website for upcoming classes. The Iron in the Hat was chock full of good stuff. We want to thank everyone for contributing. There were a number of forged or handmade items on the table; Knife – Mike Lambaise, Demo Pc – Peyton Anderson, E-Z Fuller – Steve LaPaugh, Trivet – Vince Nakovics, Oval Jig – Tony Pirrone. Treasurer reported that we are solvent, Elizabeth City Demo went well and all fees have been paid.

                       Okay, it’s hot!!!                                       Now this is the way we do it here.

                Rusty Holding Court Hey                                   Rusty your chalkboard is all rusty!

        The Anticipation of the Rustication                    Aren’t you Diane deBeixedon mentioned in “The Contemporary Blacksmith”?

Here’s an event that you might be interested in attending. For more info on this see our website or go to the Historic Bethlehem website. 

HARBOR ART FESITVAL

 ELIZABETH CITY NC. June 28, 29

Joe Gentile

     One of the first big demos for the year was held in Elizabeth City NC. Doug Lane is one of the organizers of this demo and a new member to our Guild. He had asked if TBG would be interested in participating in the two day event. At first I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get support for the event due to its location. But as usual the TBG members rose to the occasion with a good turn out. Let me start off by thanking all those who participated: Tim Edney, Vince Parrish, Steve LaPaugh, Ben Daley and family, John Tolson, and Woody Saunders. We had some other members show up and lend support Larry Ange, Jesse and Tyler Dalton. We had a great location right on the water front in front of the Museum for the Albemarle. Once the tent was set up and the merchandise displayed we started the two coal forges. Luckily we had a steady breeze off the water which helps some because the temperature was in the upper 90s. There were plenty of talented artists displaying their artwork at the festival. Our own members Dave & Patricia Strasfeld had a separate booth with beautiful copper roses, butterflies and bicycles. Although attendance was low we still met some great people, even a few potential members. Thanks again to Doug and all the volunteers with the art show.

Setting up, Vince P., Joe, Ben, John & Woody       Ready to roll now! Hot Steel, Get Ya Hot Steel!

It sure would be nice to some faces once in awhile.       Here we go, getting hot now! Almost ready!

              Hi Dave! Hi Patricia!                                                       Joe’s at it again!

My John C. Campbell Folk School Adventure 
by Doug Lane

I recently took a five day blacksmith class at the John C. Campbell Folk School. The school is located in the mountains of western North Carolina in Brass Town. Through out the year the school offers a wide variety of classes in arts and crafts. The atmosphere is family style, and the school prides itself on the fact that you will meet like minded folks during your stay.

I spent 20 years in the military and therefore opted to not stay on campus in dorm style accommodations. I commuted from Murphy; about 15 minutes away. I did partake of the lunch time meal and was impressed with the cooking and the fact that they serve about 90 people very quickly. Meal time is a good opportunity to meet folks that are taking the other courses offered.

My blacksmith instructor was Judy Berger. Judy knows blacksmithing and is an excellent teacher. After Sunday's early evening orientation, the class reconvened at the blacksmith shop. Judy introduced the class to making a coal fire and the heating of metal. Our class consisted of five females and four males. Four of the females had prior experience with metal, while only one male had worked with metal. I had zero experience working with hot metal. I had made a copper sheet metal dragon head about six months ago and realized it was fun and that I needed to learn a lot more about shaping metal.

I have worked as an illustrator and photographer and have always enjoyed art. I enjoy water color, oil, clay sculpture, wood working, etc. I have never tried working in metal except for doing the above mentioned dragon and lost wax. I did a wax sculpture of a samurai on horseback and had a local foundry do the pour in bronze. I am basically self taught. That means there are a lot of gaps in my knowledge and while I can paint and sculpt there is lots of room for improvement. I took the blacksmith course to see if I wanted to add to the things I enjoy doing.

Day one at the school consisted of relearning to build a fire; heating that first piece of metal; and whacking it with a hammer that is probably too heavy for the job. My plan was to start simple, make a few "S" hooks. It did not work that way. I over heated the metal. I did not bank the fire right. In short, day one was not pretty. I was a bit disappointed.

Day two went much better. I learned to control the fire. I learned to heat the metal and to stop whacking it when it cooled too much. I developed a rhythm that allowed working the metal, keeping the fire and concentrated on learning the basics. The "S" hooks were not perfect, but making them lead to more confidence. My goal for the school was to learn enough to decide if I wanted to continue. That goal was reached at the end of day two.

Day three was used to make the tools used in attending a coal fire. The knowledge gained from day one and two allowed making three of those tools in half a day. I felt it was time to start observing the other students work. Two of the ladies were making some very nice candle holders. They had the benefit of prior knowledge and they work as art teachers. One of the students with no prior knowledge took on a difficult project. He started with one inch square stock and was making a dragon head. The first few days he made little progress. We had an assistant instructor; she helped him get passed the part that was causing him problems; and by day three the dragon was very impressive.

My day four was spent experimenting. I did not have a specific project in mind but wanted to learn splitting metal. For one person it is a very slow procedure. Judy came over and showed me how two people working together can get the job done quickly.

The course was supposed to have a full day five. The school decided to have only half a day on Friday. That changed my driving plans. I told Judy that I would not be in on Friday. Thursday night I packed, slept until three in the morning, got up and made the 9 hour drive home. That put me going through the Raleigh-Durum area about 10 am and not during their rush hours.

I enjoyed the course and feel I learned the basics. I would recommend the school and especially the course if Judy is teaching. Judy allowed us to work in the evening and that more than made up for the lost of a day on Friday.

I have started gathering the stuff to do blacksmithing. I have started contacting local people that might lead me to an old anvil and forge. Part of the fun should be talking to those who have done this in the past. It is not the destination; it is the journey.

                                                         Interview with a Blacksmith

This month I am lucky to present Joepaul Meyers, C.J.F. of McAlester, Ok. Joepaul is a 3rd Generation Farrier with 35 years experience. He is A.F.A. Certified Journeyman Farrier, B.W.F.A. Master Farrier and G.P.F. Registered Journeyman Farrier. He started out as Meyers Blacksmithing Co. in 1973 and changed the forges name to Ironhorse Forge in memory of his brother Dean Meyers in 1988. He describes himself as a Blacksmith, Farrier, Ornamentalist, Fly Fishing Guide, Cowboy Philosopher, Consultant and Clinician whose work has taken him from Mexico to Canada. You can see more and read more of Joepaul Meyer’s bio at www.ironhorseforge.net . For now it’s on with the interview.

My first experience was with my grandfather (Dad's side) he was a farrier for 48 yrs. Everything in the fire. But in 1969...I would watch a German Blacksmith in Ventura, CA Klaus Remski work and I was amazed and sold!! He was so effortless in his actions and how he moved around a coal forge...I could have moved in with him.

My background prior to being a blacksmith was typical of many who have been around something most of their life...I was looking at other interests and ventured back to starting as a blacksmith/farrier. A year of college and I played professional baseball for a short time, my body was too "beat up" to go on. I enrolled at the Oklahoma Farrier's College in 1972 and after apprenticing with a gentleman from Southern California, I started my business.
Back in the day...you couldn't "buy help" almost nobody shared, for the fear of losing business or ideas.
I learned a great deal from men like Jim Halverson and Jay Sharp.

I believe in both the modern and traditional methods, leaning more toward the traditional...no trip hammers for me! I can understand doing a lot of industrial and commercial work, but myself doing smaller jobs for the public; I can take my time and outside of acetylene...I stay with hammer and fire.

I regularly use a 3lb. straight-peen hammer with the addition of an 8 lb. to "move" larger work. My favorite tool or tools would have to be my Jay Sharp tongs. I have collected thru the years as many as 50 some odd tongs which I use on a regular basis. I look at the fire tongs as the "thinking tool”!! I have also made all of my turning cams and different accessory tools to do different jobs. The anvil that I blacksmith on is a 230lb. Hay Budden.

My best advice to aspiring smiths would be to go to as many clinics they offer in this country. Again...back in the day...it was a struggle! Myself being an orthopedic farrier for 36 yrs. has kept me in the fire, when I'm not blacksmithing. Now, my blacksmithing has came more "front and center"...which has always been my heart. Also, try and purchase quality tools even if it takes you years. The payoff will be worth it! Inferior equipment will hurt your creativity and slow your progress.

Finally...they thing I get most from being a blacksmith is the "solitude"!! After dealing with the clients and projects...being able to go to my shop and be creative and get into my work is magical.
The feeling I get from pleasing myself and others with a quality project is most satisfying. Always being my biggest critic...I constantly push myself so I won't fall short in my eyes, even when others are pleased.

Joepaul Meyers,C.J.F. IRONHORSE FORGE, McAlester, Okla.

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Peat Oberon was kind enough to send us a picture of his award winning “Vase with Flars”. Peat took 1st prize for both traditional and contemporary classes at the Great Yorkshire Show in England, so he got the cup! Great Yorkshire is the 2nd most important agricultural show in England. Way to go Peat!

Peat provided us with proper pronunciation of “vase with flars” (we pronounce vase Vaahz and the southern English pronounce flowers flaahrs). The vase is made from a 4-1/2” pipe and took 3 days to make; 1st day with a power hammer, 2nd & 3rd finished up by hand. The lilies are made from ¾” round bar and the tulips were laser cut and then worked up by hand.

“You don’t do this commercially!”
“It was an idea which had to come out”.
Best wishes to all,
Peat Oberon.

Editor’s Note:

HI ALL!! Well we had a hot month and it appears that many of us were able to get some smithing in. I would like to thank everyone for their contributions to the newsletter this month. It makes it better the more contributions we have. I want to especially Thank Peat Oberon for remembering us and sharing his terrific work. Check out his website and you’ll see more good stuff, it will make you want to go visit him in England. Please read the ABANA Affiliate Letter and remember that you can get a really good discount from Grainger’s if you are an ABANA member. They are going to be having the biennial conference in 2010 in Memphis, TN. It is about as close as you will get. There is the Revolutionary Period Metalsmithing Conference in Williamsburg, Va. in November, it is 3 days and only costs $295.00. That’s about as close as you can get, check it out on the web. If you have something that you made and would like to showcase it in the newsletter send to me and in it will go! I will be giving this month’s demo at our regular meeting hope to see you there!

To ABANA Affiliates and Affiliate Members,

This time the big news is the new ABANA Central Office. Many have already heard of this change but it is important enough to bear repeating. In addition a reminder of the upcoming election is in order.

Introduction to our new Central Office Administrator

Diane Walden, WH&L Associates, LLC, and her team have contracted with ABANA to provide services as the new ABANA Central Office. Walden brings to her clients more than 24 years of experience in the for-profit and non-profit arenas. Walden and her team, Teresa Hannon, technical services, Victoria Lonergan, membership, and Denise Propps, finance, are looking forward to working with the ABANA organization to help guide and grow the membership.

“We look forward to serving the needs of the ABANA organization to promote membership, to increase member retention efforts, and to assist the organization to create, develop and recommend strategies to move the organization forward. We realize the importance of preserving the integrity of blacksmithing and promoting the ‘love of the craft.’ Special thanks to ABANA for honoring us with the mission to serve your membership,” says Diane.

Diane Walden is founder of WH&L Associates, LLC, a consulting and service company, located in Dumfries, VA. WH&L Associates specializes in assisting association and corporate leaders with leadership initiatives, marketing, public relations, and administrative support.

ABANA Central Office                  Phone: 703-680-1632
15754 Widewater Drive                   Fax: 703-680-6222
Dumfries, VA 22025-1212       e-mail: abana@abana.org  

The ABANA Board would also like to thank Heather Hutton for the dedicated service she provided during her time as the Central Office Administrator. Heather decided to pursue an opportunity to be a blacksmith. Now who do you suppose would give the poor girl that idea?

ABANA Election coming up
The next Anvil’s Ring features the work of Dan Nauman and the BAM Conference Ring project. It also is the annual election issue. Exercise your right to influence the future of ABANA by voting for the candidates who will do the best job for the organization.

The revised bylaws will be up for a vote at the same time. The Bylaws committee respectfully requests that you reward their efforts with your attention and vote when the Summer Anvil’s Ring appears in your mailbox. (See the draft bylaws (www.abana.org/business/Proposed_bylaws.shtml).

ABANA Appreciation Day – Blacksmith Guild of Virginia
Thanks to the BG of VA for donating the proceeds of their Iron-in-the-Hat at this event towards seed money for the ABANA 2010 Conference. Over $1000 was raised.

Progress on the ABANA 2010 Conference:
The ABANA Board has approved Memphis, TN as the site and the first week in June as the date of the 2010 Conference. Final details will be forthcoming when a contract with the site has been obtained.

Best Regards and please be in touch (pboulay@abana.org).
Paul Boulay
ABANA Affiliate Relations Board Member

                 Vince Nakovics’ curtain weight anvil                                        Dan Easley’s door knocker

Tidewater Blacksmiths Guild Mission Statement
“The Tidewater Blacksmiths Guild is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the craft of Blacksmithing and to increasing the public awareness of the history of Blacksmithing while at the same time demonstrating that in this world, things hand made still exist and remain objects of art”

2008 TBG Officers:
President: Travis Covington (757) 617-9174 travis@covforge.com  
Vice Pres:
Treasurer: Steve LaPaugh (757) 877-5684 slapaugh@verizon.net  
Secretary: Joe Gentile (757) 965-6878 amx-ray@cox.net  
2008 Board of Directors                                                                                                                                   Diane deBeixedon (757) 627-9962 ddebeixedon@cox.net                                                                                          Bear Short (757) 485-5117 hydraconstinc@aol.com                                                                                                  Eric Hinckley (757) 497-6067 usnbear2@cox.net                                                                                                      Emory Ewell (757) 482-1448 eewell1@cox.net                                                                                                          Rusty Heely (757) 484-3054