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

She’s back. . .

Our friend Pattie came back for another visit. I think she likes us?!?! 

We first met her years ago while attending John C. Campbell Folk School, in Brasstown, North Carolina.

On Thursday, we took her to Jacob’s Cave Flea Market.

Of course, I borrowed this picture, but I wanted to show you, this place is

H-U-G-E.  The three of us didn’t find much we couldn't live without. But at least we each got a few things. We stopped at the Pioneer Restaurant for Supper. 

On Friday, after the Blacksmith left us unattended for 3 days, we got busy. You see Pattie is a Master basket weaver. She wanted to teach me how to weave on an antler. 

The blacksmith gave us lots of choices on antlers.

By 5 o’clock I made it this far. Dinner was calling. We joined my DIL Lori, granddaughter Lizzie, and grandson Brady, for Mexican!

I finished it after dinner but waited for sunshine to take this picture Sunday .

While I was weaving, she was piecing this quilt for her oldest grandson. Funny, the Pattie’s turned the tables. In the end I showed her how to add length to it. Unfortunately, she didn’t finish before she left. We were just too busy. 

On Sunday morning, we went to my favorite antique store, J Street Antiques. I had seen a Facebook post from the vintage clothier there, showing bib overalls! Surprisingly they were my size. I need them for an upcoming memorial dinner. We pay tribute to our late friend Phil, who almost always wore bibs.

After visiting J Street, I took her to my friend Marla’s antique store, Cotter Pin Cellar. Before we left, Marla and Pattie figured out they had a mutual friend in Mexico, Missouri. Small world. 

We then went across the street to The Art Bazaar. It was just like visiting the gift shop at the Folks School. 

It was time to scoot home, Pattie was fixing BBQ Ribs for supper for us, Jeremy and Lori, Brady and Lizzie. Unfortunately, Alex had to work. The ribs and baked potatoes were delicious! 

Lori brought her loaded peanut butter brownies. You too can have some. Brownie Points by Lori! 

These are a couple of Pattie’s recent baskets. She tells me these are cat-head baskets. When you turn them over, the points on the bottom, resemble cats ears. She wove them using dyed ash splint for the spokes and natural ash for the weavers. She wove the larger one first, and then challenged herself to make the same basket on a much smaller level. They are started on a mold, and then finished off- mold. 

It like holding a kleenex, they things are so light weight.

This pretty much sums up our weeklong fun. We are pooped! But man did we have a fun filled week. Until next time sister!

 

Road tripping for 13 days

We left home Thursday morning, stopping in Rolla to have lunch with our college grandson, Brady. We will miss his team introduction of their Mars rover. 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=xsqk0lP8PPE&feature=share

You will hear Brady at 35 seconds into the video.

We then headed south. After hours of driving, I stopped in Bastrop, Louisiana. 

The next morning, we left and headed south arriving in Lafayette, Louisiana before noon. We caught up with friends at Dave’s shop.

Lunchtime we all met at Shucks Restaurant, Abbeville Louisiana. Tradition is we meet here at noon the day before conference!

Friday evening, we were invited to a get together at Terry and Ada's beautiful home on a bayou in New Iberia, La. The demonstrator for the Louisiana Metalsmith Association is Gordon Williams in the cowboy hat. 

On the bayou. 

Inside Terry's shop.

The Missouri guys talk to the Minnesota guy!

Wayne dips into the huge cast iron kettle of my favorite, Pastalya. 

The next evening, I went with the Missouri smiths to another seafood restaurant. I mean when in seafood county you must eat it every meal. Here they are discussing the big boat anchor in the flower bed. Next thing I knew they were pushing the mulch away to see how many forge welds were in it!

I believe they decided on 3 welds. But who's counting???

Gordon demonstrating Saturday.

Sunday at 12:15 we gave our hugs and said goodbyes until next year. We headed to Florida. We drove until dark, stopping in  Marietta, Florida for some sleep.

Next morning we headed to Winter Garden Florida. The grandkids did not know we were coming. However, Logan knew his quilt would be delivered that day. So, when we got in the front gate, Sarah told them the delivery was on its way, to go outside and wait. 

Their joy is PRICELESS!!!

Logan finally got his quilt! I think it was a hit. 

He had picked every character he wanted on the quilt. 

 The next morning, he made one big Pop Tart!

This was the first of many trips we walked to the pier behind their house. Logan is a fisherman for sure, Connor will fish a little. 

Quite the team!

His first catch. He wanted to eat it so bad. 

Grandpa checking out their computers. 

Thursday Sarah had to go into work for a couple of hours. So, Logan and I made chicken and rice soup. 

Legos overload!

Here is the first fish he caught. 

 Grandpa fried it up!

He ate the entire thing too.

The front pond wasn't successful.  

Back to the lake behind the house. 

This was a nice one. 

Don't tell their daddy that grandpa cleaned the fish at the kitchen sink. 

Since we came to town his birthday was celebrated early.

Our Missouri kids were at the state archery tournament in Branson Missouri. 

Lizzie took 2nd in the state for 3D shooting, middle school!!! 

Lori center front!

Blair Oaks High School on stage. They were awarded 2nd in state for Bullseye. Jeremy and grandson Alex are two of the coaches.

Lizzie receiving her award.

Thanks  to technology we were able to watch the ceremony live on the web!

Jeremy, who is the high school coach, carries the gold! 

Saturday evening, we fried up the 8 fish Logan caught the day earlier. 

This time we all enjoyed his catch. 

 Time to set off the Volcano experiment I brought for Connor and Logan. 

Connor and Logan show off the geodes Grandpa cracked for them.

Sunday evening, we went to a new restaurant, New York Beer Project. The food was fantastic, as was the company. 

Our "must take"  front door picture, taken early Monday.

We pulled out of the driveway at 6:45 CST. 

Our total milage for the 13 days was 2,670. I drove all but 240 miles! 

1,127 miles later arrived home at 12:34 AM, 17 hours. What a trip!!!

Life is GOOD!

God is Great!