A fun little video of how I make a ring!

   I've been thinking about making short little videos to show my process to the world but I never got around to it until now! I love how this first video turned out and I can't wait to shoot more. 
   Last month I decided I wanted to enter the American Made Awards so I put together my entry with lots of help from my friends. I didn't make it into the finalists, but I can't wait to see who did win. The contest did help me take the time to spruce up my bio, get some amazing new photos of my work, and make my first video. I'm planning to enter more contests in the near future just to keep me on my toes! I have been so wrapped up in the production side of my jewelry collection that I haven't taken much time to experiment and really push my designs and skills to the next level. I'm sure lots of you fall in to this same pattern. I know in college I never had to think about pricing and marketability of my designs so the sky was the limits. I want to dive in again without limits and see what I come up with! I am also thinking about teaching some classes this winter, I am going to talk to a studio next week so wish me luck!
   Let me know what you think about my video or just what you have been working on lately I would love to see.

xoxo
Amanda

A little family history

I recently found out that one of my ancestors was the great sword maker Masamune. I always heard my grandmother talk about our ancestors on her side but never really paid too much attention to it. My Dad was out here for work recently and we met for dinner down in San Diego. He told me about a sword he recently bought from a friend. He touched this sword and instantly felt a connection. He had no idea why at the time, but after talking to my grandmother he found out the sword was made by one of our ancestors. Masamune's swords are considered deeply spiritual, pure and benevolent. In Japanese sword folklore his swords are contrasted with those of Muramasa's whose were regarded as evil, brutish and violent.

The reason I wanted to share this little piece of my family history with you is because of the instant passion I felt for metalsmithing and welding. I always had a creative side growing up. I dabbled with drawing, painting and ceramics but nothing really stuck. I enjoyed it but never experienced the same connection that I do working in metal. I took my first sculpture class my freshman year of college and I have never looked back since.

I am definitely excited to find out that my passion, skill, and high value for craftsmanship goes so far back in my family line.

There was a video on Etsy a few days ago about another Japanese sword maker and I wanted to share it with you. I hope that traditions like this don't die out with their masters but are passed on.

Handmade Portraits: The Sword Maker from Etsy on Vimeo.