Had a very fun student this week for my two day intensive lost wax / sandcasting / injection mold class. Day one is carving, spruing and investing, and while the investment cures, intro to sandcasting. I burn out flasks the next morning for casting, clean up, and wax injection molds. My student wanted to take one wax signet ring and walk it through all the potential options for reproduction. Quite a success!

I’ll be attending the Montpelier, Vermont Farmer’s Market with jewelry and hand forged kitchen knives, bi-weekly, Saturdays from Dec to April. The bees are tucked in for Winter, and I’m hoping for a much bigger bee-yard next year. X fingers.

Shipping out some damascus rings. New stainless steel supplier worked out perfectly. Two lined in Sterling with rails and an inlay in 14K yellow, and one in 14k red. Guaranteed for a lifetime, resizable, and made 100% by hand from start to finish. The finest available.

Yes, I am still making damascus rings. I am one of three or four who pioneered stainless damascus rings with precious metals and fine stone settings, nearly a quarter of a century ago. I am one of about that many who still make them by hand, from start to finish. They are worth it. ❤️

After a brutal Winter & Spring, the bees are starting to right themselves. Having decided last year to go part-time as a boutique honey beekeeper, I have sold out of all my honey, and I’m managing for as much as possible this year! I’ve started making my own frame foundation from 17 years of saved up wax… and it’s a lot of work, but a financial game-changer. Will add another hive & extend the electric fence for better solar wax melting, and it will be time to do first organic mite treatment & start the over-Winter insurance nucs. X fingers. ❤️

I’ll be at the Vermont Ren Faire this weekend the 21st and 22nd with many fine goods. Come by!