Design Journal

I organized a workshop for our local metal clay guild with Robert Dancik. We explored Faux Bone. Those of you who know Robert know what an incredible artist and instructor he is. We learn so much and Robert went above and beyond the call of duty to show us so many new and interesting techniques. […]

After about 4 weeks of life getting the way, I finally got a chance to get back into the studio and start seeing how far I could push BronzClay. The bracelet above looked great when before I fired it. However, when I got it out of the kiln it had warped during firing. I fired

Susan Shanihan and I organized the display for our local chapter. It was great to see everyone’s work together. It really showed the vast and diverse range of talent from the Bay Area.

At the PMC Conference BronzClay was being introduced to the general public. The workshop was with one of my jewelry heros Celie Fago. When I was first exploring PMC I stumbled across her work and she opened my eyes…”Oh…THIS is what you can do with this stuff!!!!” Until then most things that I saw were

I went for an evening walk along “Celery Bog”. I became obsessed with this bog that I could see from my window in my hotel room. Although the thought of a bog doesn’t really sound appealing, I was captured by it’s striking green color during the day. In the earlier evening it also came alive

A fun thing at this years conference was the Tech Expo were we could attend demos on various topics. Here are a few of what I saw.

Learning new techniques is what keeps jewelry making interesting. Having the TIME to use those techniques is another issue. At conferences and workshops we can take time for ourselves and explore techniques. Although I’ve used granulation in my work before, Yvonne’s method simple and efficient. A new way of thinking about granulation, taking out an

Another one of the benefits of the PMC Conference being in Indiana, is that Indiana is were my father grew up and were some of my relatives live. My father was born in East Chicago a poor working class neighborhood. He didn’t grow up with very much, not much at all. I wanted to take

One of the benefits of the PMC Conference being in Indiana…the only benefit. Is that Steven and I get a chance to see his parents and other family that live in the area. His parents are always very gracious and kind. They arranged for the 4 of us to see the Indianapolis Orchestra at an

The Solo Gallery in Los Gatos is carrying some of my work now. You are all invited to the opening on Feb 9 from 5-8 for the artists reception. It should be a lot of fun with many artists including sculptures, painters, stone sculptures. Plus Los Gatos is such a cute town! Visit their still

So many of you might know that I won the Saul Bell Award 1st Place in the PMC division. As part of my “winnings” I get to be featured in my own ad sponsored by Rio Grande. I just got the proof for the ad and thought I would give you all a preview of

Steven and some friends of ours went to visit Hangar One to see the how Vodka was made. It was pretty cool and I highly recommend it. Even if you don’t drink, it’s fascinating to know how liquor is distilled and at Hangar One how much time and effort goes into making just one bottle.

Club Metal Clay Video for web I can’t believe I finally finished my promo video for Club Metal Clay! To sign up for Club Metal Clay visit my website at www.patriksstudio.com

Today was the our local Metal Clay PMC Guild charm swap to celebrate our chapters anniversary. Everyone made several charms to trade with each other. There were so many talented people who took part. To check out everyone’s charms visit my friend Beki’s website at http://whimbeads.com/misc/charmswap.html One my regular Club Metal Clay students made peace

Just a a quick note. I’m getting ready for a show and sale at Heather Farms in Walnut Creek. The sale is on Oct 21 from 11:00 too 4:00 and is showcasing artists with garden related artwork. There will be painters, jewelry and other artists. Please stop by and say hi! for more info visit

My friend and fellow Saul Bell Recipient, Sherry Cordova, and I were at lunch the other day and started talking about all of the talented jewelry and metal artists there were in the Bay Area. We came up with the idea of putting together a show and sale based on the idea of “Artists on

So today I spent at Nova Studio in Pt. Richmond doing demos most of the day. I’m proud of what Lori Nova has done there. She’s a dynamo! She runs a great business and I always look forward to teaching there. Check out www.thenovastudio.com/4yearanniversary.htm for more info. I also spent the last part of the

My friend, noted interior designer, decorative painter and TV Host, Shannon Kaye is going to appear on a new TV show called Blog Cabin. The premise sounds really cool. The show follows the building of log cabin BUT the twist is that bloggers get to help make the design decisions. Sounds like a lot of