holloware

Today the Handmade Division is blogging on what we would you like to create that we don't currently have the skills or technology to make. I'm interested in holloware, raising holloware to be precise.

Pitcher, Castor-Cooper, pewter

I find the idea of creating a 3-dimensional object from a flat piece of metal downright romantic. It's an ancient technique requiring little more equipment than a stake, hammer, and torch. Pictured above is a vintage pewter pitcher from my personal collection. I plan to take a pewter raising class this fall at the National Ornamental Metal Museum - so I'm on my way!

Bud Vase, Danielle Miller, sterling silver

Danielle Miller made this gorgeous bud vase, I love the modern design and her craftsmanship is always impeccable. You can see the entire process in her tutorial. It's a very time-consuming technique that requires A LOT of pounding, just the bottom half of the vase took Danielle an entire day.

Poppy Bloom Superbowl, Maureen Brusa Zappellini, Pewter, Automotive Paint

Maureen Brusa Zappellini created her Poppy Bloom Superbowl on Superbowl Sunday. Maureen invited others to join her in The Superbowl Challenge 2010, you can see all of participants' bowls here. I love the organic and whimsical nature of Maureen's work, and the way she combines color with metal.

Pewter is much softer than silver (and not made with lead anymore), and therefore a bit less effort and time are required to form it. It is also less expensive than silver. These are three big selling points for my patience level and budget.

As I mentioned, raising is an ancient technique and the equipment used can be as low or high end as you like. In fact, Maureen forged her bowl with no specialized forming equipment whatsoever - she did most of the forming on a stump! You can watch her working in this very fun video.

Stakes and hammers are expensive - so I may be working on my own stump this fall. Nevertheless, I'm very excited to try it.

Please visit the other team members and read about their interests:

Andes Cruz
NEDbeads
Lisa Hopkins Design
Jewelry by Natsuko:
Beth Cyr
ArtJewel Designs
Abhaya Fibers
Purified Art
Nova of Sweden
Bella-Bijou Jewellery
Pink Crow Studio
Sand Fibers
Alice Istanbul
Moxie & Oliver
Tosca Teran
Delias Thompson