BAM Conference 2023 with Friends

Another conference is in the history books. This was Conference #31.  BAM was organized November 4, 1983, by just 12 individuals. In just a few months we will be 40 years old. We have grown from 12 members to about 600 members.

#BAMSTRONG

Let me tell you about the highlight of this conference, at least to me.

About this bowl, I saw it on Michael's page on Facebook, "Black Rabbit Forge" and thought it was absolutely beautiful!  

Here is what he said about it.

 

This newest bowl form started as a ¼ in thick by 6 in diameter disc of A36 mild steel.

In this piece I used an air tool called a needle scaler to add some subtle texture to some of the surface. The texture almost has a leather quality to it. I have used lots of air tools before but the scaler was a new gadget to me. I plan to explore its use a lot more.

I can’t recall who or when, but at some point in the last 40 years I have talked with at least one person doing sculpture work who used a needle scaler when working stone (Arvid Noreen maybe?) – that was the inspiration for trying it. I have also heard of them being used for ice carving.

The final form was heat colored before finishing. Clean steel will flow through a variety of colors as it heats up – ranging from light straw to dark purple.

It is stamped with the year and my touch mark under the lip on the outside. I think it is important to sign and date work, but it is not always easy to figure out how and where to do that.

After the auction Saturday night, he gave me this beautiful iron bowl. I had commented on his Facebook post about its beauty. You must see it in person to see the beauty!

"Friends"

Note there will be pay backs!

Margie, my best friend, Bernie and me in our overalls for the Phil Cox memorial potluck dinner!

Vern Mesler of VJM Metal Craftsman LLC from Lansing, Michigan gave an interesting Riveting demonstration Thursday night.

Nan was so kind to let me borrow her pictures. 

  

Bernie and Steve!

Vern and Ken.

Tongs we have!! Shirts by my friend Jennifer of Grasshopper Lane Designs.

As a side job, I sell tongs for Osage Bluff Blacksmith Shop. Doug, of Little Giant Hammer shops for sizes. 

This is the Boutique booth that I run along with many other volunteers for the conference.

We sell Conference T shirts, BAM pottery mugs made in Brasstown, North Carolina by artist Rob Withrow of Smoke in the Mountains Pottery. 

 

There are insulated BAM cups made by Windy Hill Designs of Jefferson City, Mo. 

We also have cookies, chips, sodas, water, and fresh coffee. 

Friends! Man did I have a bunch of friends from all over attend the conference.  This is Karen from Oklahoma. She helped me in the booth when she wasn't taking a stained-glass class.

Donita also from Oklahoma, spent 2 days making 2 different baskets. 

Ada from Louisiana works on her peanut basket. 

Linda also from Louisiana makes a basket. One thing we have in common, we both have Casita RV'S.

Karen shows off her stained-glass Moravian Star, a class taught by my friend Tami Bagley.

 

Friend Dave from Nebraska came by for a little refreshment. I was happy to serve him. 

On the last day the guys loaded the 100-pound Murray trip hammer up for its return trip to our shop.

This is a kindling splitter we bought at the auction Saturday night. It was made by our friend Kurt Knickmeyer. This guy will someday be famous. So, we bought it while we could still afford it. 

My friend Hollis Harbit bought these salt and pepper shakers for me at an auction just 3 days before the conference. I have searched for a set for years!

These came from Louisiana and were made by Ada's husband Terry. Cedar wood smells so good. 

Friends, that's what we have in the blacksmith group. Friends from all over the states. All having a common bond.

• Time and distance do nothing to diminish the bond we have in the deepest kinds of friendship.
• What draws people together as friends may include common interests, history, common values, and equality.
• To attract true friends, be a true friend to yourself and be the friend you want to have.

Life is Good

God is Good