California Blacksmith Ass. Spring Conference

We spent today at the CBA (California Blacksmith Association) Spring Conference which was amazing. Tons of smithies from the state and even beyond, all gathered to teach and work on amazing creations.

There are competitions with some incredibly creative and beautifully executed works. Famous smithies lecture and give demonstrations and then you get the chance try your hand with their input as you go.

Kyle made some chisels and a beautiful leaf. The talent and things that can be created with metal is astounding. One criticism is that there are too many grape vines, but then we do live in California.

I am excited that, as Kyle gets better, all the things he can make for the house. And of course, mom Jo has already made numerous requests.

 

Kyle trying his hand at one of the seminars

 

Hard at it - this is not quick work.

 

This competition entry from THESE guys was amazing and WON!! The rock spins between the metal clamp. The whole thing was made in just over a day.

 

This one was made by THESE guys and this picture doesn't do it justice. The whole thing was made from a pry bar and was NOT cut anywhere, it is one continuous piece. It balances on that big block of steel and the rock is counter balanced by the triangular steel at the bottom.

 

Boy is it windy - so elegant.

 

Here fishy, fishy....very creative and cool.

I have seen it all

You know it is out there, those insane pieces that are just so over the top and come with a price tag to match that only sheiks and billionaire recluses buy for their homes. But you don't think that while on a search for pretty simple, straight forward, reasonably priced door hardware that you would come across one of them.

Enter the $15k farmhouse sink. Yes, $15,000. Shown here in bronze but does come in other patinas. It sure is pretty but this goes up there with those Château Series from La Cornue covered HERE that hurt the purse strings just blogging about it.

Gotta say, even winning Powerball, couldn't bring myself to buy a $15k sink. I imagine I am not alone.