Saturday, October 8, 2011

Book Give Away!

I have raved about Ricë Freeman-Zachary on my blog before. So, many of you may have visited her blog. I met her over a year ago. It was quite a treat as I have been a fan of her writing and her art since I first saw it in Rubberstamp Madness Magazine back in the day. I always thoroughly enjoy talking with her and treasure the times I have been able to socialize with her and EGE at retreats. Her new book "Destination Creativity: The Life-Altering Journey of the Art Retreat" is a wonderful journey to nine of these UBER inspiring art retreats all over the US. You can follow along from your cozy armchair! Today I will be choosing a winner to receive a copy of Ricë's book. Just comment on this post by midnight on October 8th PST to be entered.
I have a necklace project in Destination Creativity. I thought I'd share a little secret! This tip was brought to my attention by one of my friends Kathy James who joined me in San Diego this summer to make the little charms on this necklace. Kathy found out that her disc cutter will cut the mica perfectly! Now why didn't I think of that! Thanks Kathy if you're reading!

A bit about disc cutters. I now have a Swanstrom disc cutter from Rio Grande (though other folks sell them too) after going through a Harbor Freight one (don't bother!) and a Pepe tools (it's fine if you can ever get one!).

There is a video on the Swanstrom cutter here.
I ADORE my Swanstrom. I would HIGHLY recommend you skip the crappy ones and go right for the top. You will never want for another! Normally you will want to wax the cutting punch but the mica might get all gummy, so I didn't when cutting mica. I also normally use a brass hammer and I hold the punch in place the first two or three taps. This is to prevent the punch from possibly bouncing up and down in the shaft and potentially getting stuck. It's really more of an issue when cutting metal. a colleague of my thinks one should just whack the heck out of the punch, VERY hard so it cuts in one blow. That seems harsh to me but, he's a burly guy... I like firm hard taps until the punch cuts through. With the mica it'll probably cut in one hit. I have not noticed the mica dulling the cutting edge. Also don't forget! Once your punch has cut through, you will feel this, revert to very gentle taps to push it to the bottom of the shaft. Then lift the entire disc cutter up and off the punch which should still be sitting on your table. Don't try to pull the punch backwards out of the shaft. You may jam things up and have a terrible time getting it dislodged. And another thing, I prefer a very hard, firm sub-surface under the cutter for resistance and optimum cutting. In other words no bouncy card tables. In fact, if your work table is not very thick and sturdy put the disc cutter on the floor. It will cut WAY better with a firm surface under it. I use mine on top of my 70lb anvil with a couple of pieces of thick leather under it to protect it, the punches and my anvil's surface.

Well, happy mica punching! And be sure you visit the other artist's blogs who are all participating in this blog hop. Then you may become eligible for a grand prize!
Sunday, October 9th: Deryn Mentock
Monday, October 10th: Jen Cushman
Tuesday, October 11th: Jill Berry
And don't forget to visit Ricë's blog here.

37 comments:

Gaby Bee said...

What a beautiful opportunity to win such a wonderful book.

Lois Moon said...

I would love to read this book. Thanks for the disc cutter tips...I've crossed off getting my feet wet with a Harbor Freight version.

Dixie Darr said...

Oh my. I'm a bit intimidated by all the terms I don't understand, but I love the necklace. Since I plan to try my hand at jewelry making (specifically necklaces) as soon as I get moved next week, I'm hoping the project in Rice's book is accessible to beginners. Chances are not good that I will be buying any kind of disc cutter soon. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Janet Hickey said...

Oh happy days! I was just getting ready to go to a local jewelry supply store to buy a disc cutter. Thank you - thank you! I have all of Risa's other books - looking forward to this one. J

Barb V. said...

Oh, thanks for the clue about the disc cutter - not pulling the punch back out. No wonder it was so difficult!

Pam said...

Looks like a very inspiring book thanks forthe opportunity

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing which products to buy and are worth the investment. I always appreciate when people share what works for them.

I am learning so much from this giveaway and the many blogs I have visited.

The necklace is beautiful!

Deb's Artful Journey said...

I love Rice... and her books! I'd love to win this one! I also love your work and have your new book. Thanks for this giveaway!

JB said...

What a great idea!! It would never have occurred to me to cut mica and use it in jewelry. You rock!!

Rebecca said...

Please count me in! Until I can go on an art retreat I can read about them and dream.

sherrie said...

I would love a chance to win this book!

donna joy said...

i guess i'm first! count me in too and thanks for the giveaway!

Katalina Jewelry said...

I took a peek at your website gallery - WOW! you do amazing work! You certainly are multi-talented! Thanks for the disk cutting tips and for the chance to win a copy of Destination Creativity.

Kathy Combs said...

Thanks so much for the tip about using the disc cutter for mica. I hadn't thought of that either and now I'm headed to the studio.

Alice said...

Your necklace is beautiful!!!!

I'd love to win this wonderful book. Thanks for the chance to win.

Anonymous said...

Hi Melissa,

I would love to be entered into the drawing for Rice's book! What a surprise to see my name in print on your blog! :-) I hope others find using the disc cutter for mica useful too.

Cheers
Kathy James

..... J ..... said...

I just love Rice and all she writes. Your necklace looks great!

Unknown said...

I would love to add this book to my library. I met Ricë Freeman-Zachary at Artfest when she and her husband were there taking photos for her book.

Karen Isaacson said...

Came over here on the blog hop for a chance to win Ricë's book and OH MY, what gorgeous work you do. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway, and lovely to "meet" you and discover your incredible talent for myself!

enchanted said...

I'd love a chance to win...thanks! Also thanks for all the tips about disc cutters.

Linda said...

I'd love to win a copy of Rice's book! I'll be attending my first Artfest in the spring and can't wait! Thanks for the chance to win!

Jeannie said...

I would love to read Rice book. Her blog is a bright spot in my day and her other books were fantastic. Thanks for the tip on mica! Wishing you a beautiful weekend.

Unknown said...

I love the necklace. Wondered about the round charms, now I know.

Leslie said...

The book sounds great. So wish I could afford to get away more, but my twice-yearly visit with my arting girlfriend Julie will have to suffice until I win the lotto!
Love the necklace...

tutorial girl said...

Waw, like magic...I wish I could have something like that.

indigo heart said...

love the mica tip!

Linda Sadler said...

Thanks, Melissa for a chance to win and for your mica tip. I have your book and love it-thanks for sharing your secrets!
Linda

Jill Zaheer said...

Beautiful necklace that you have in Rice's book. Just super. Never heard of a swanstrom cutter before. Always love learning new things. Would love to win Destination Creativity. Rice is such an inspiration! Glad you're on her blog hop!!

Andria said...

I am enjoying the blog hop, and would love to be considered for a copy of the book! Thanks!

Cinder said...

Thanks for the disc cutting tip!
I have a Swanson and love it! I did start out with one that wasn't so great. I'm so happy with my upgrade.

i'd like to be entered in your book give away.

Thanks!

Cris Peacock said...

Thnaks for the chance at winning a copy of Rice's book! and also for the info on disc cutters--been thinking I need one. Love your new book btw!

Lucid Moon Studio said...

I think I missed the giveaway, but thanks for the mica tip! I have been waiting for over a year to get a Pepe disc cutter, but I think I will just get a Swanstrom. I don't want to wait any longer! I love your necklace also - congrats on being included in the book!

susan in seattle said...

Ackkk! I missed your 10/8 deadline, but so did a lot of other people. Anyhow, if you'd still give away a book, I'd be a great candidate. In fact, your only candidate it would appear.
Love your jewelry!

Gayle said...

I am sooooooooooo sorry to have missed the drawing, It was my bday yeaterday and I didn't get home in time to enter. But let me be the first to congrat the winner, and to say I am happy to have found your blog!

Anonymous said...

The thing I love most about following book tours on blogs is getting to learn about so many cool artists I didn't know before.

The second coolest thing is an opportunity to win a great book--thanks--I'm in!

Melissa Manley said...

Wow! lots of great new connections! As there is no set way to do this I will put everyone's name in a hat and draw later tonight and announce the winner. Keep blog hopping though! I think some of the hosts will be drawing names at the end of the hop. So I put everyone who commented in the hat.

Melissa Manley said...

JB you are our winner!