Newsletter Sent: May 13, 2014
Share Your Know-How!
Blacksmiths, Artisan Ideas is looking for authors! Whether you've got an idea that needs fine-tuning, shop notes that should be shared, or an unfinished manuscript in the back of a drawer, we want to hear from you. Worried you don’t have enough writing experience? We’re more interested in your practical know-how than your writing skills. Combine your knowledge of the tricks of the trade with our editing and marketing expertise. If we think your idea has sales potential we’ll bring your book to life. We’ll guide you through the whole writing process. We'll edit, print, promote and sell your book in the USA and abroad. You’ll receive above-standard author’s royalties on every sale. Click on the link, provide us with your contact information, and our editors will be in touch with you.
Click here to start your book!
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Click on these images to check out a few of our interesting titles in Blacksmithing:
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Newsletter Sent: January 8, 2014
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The 2014 Metal Design Annual is Now Available!!
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Take this opportunity either to begin your collection or to add this excellent new edition to your library!
Also take advantage of the free blacksmithing PDFs for download or consultation available now for you on our site. Scroll down for more information.
2014 International Metal Design Annual (Metall Design International 2014) by Peter Elgass
The featured artists in this edition are: Paul C. Allan from Great Britain, Michael Budd - Ireland, Igor Cierny - Slovakia, Pippo Contarino - Italy, Fred Crist - the USA , Niklaus Fännick - Sweden, Uwe Hoffmann - Germany, Christian Lanbacher - Germany, Guiseppe Pelleriti - Italy and Paul Reimer - Canada. Click here for more information! |
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Artisan Ideas now has free blacksmithing PDFs available to consult online or download.
We'll be adding new titles regularly to our PDF section so be sure to check back often! Click here to view them on Artisanideas.com
Metal Design Set Offers:
As purchasing the entire set of the International Metal Design Annuals all at once is a bit of an investment (but well worth it if you can) we have divided the annuals up into 3 groups of 5 annuals each and are offering each bundle at a discounted price!
International Metal Design Annual Series: 1999 through 2003 Bundle
The principal feature of these annuals is the great photos but Peter also made the wise decision to publish the books in both German and English on the same page so more of us could read the biographies of the featured artists. Since 1999 over 125 artist-blacksmiths from all over the world have been featured. Since the 2006 edition the photos have been in color. Click here for more information! |
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International Metal Design Annual Series: 2004 through 2008 Bundle
The format has remained the same through the years. Each year the work of about 8 smiths is featured in high quality photos. There is a biography and contact information for all the artists and a brief description of their featured work. Each volume is hardcover, 230 pages long, and measures 8 ¼ inches by 11 ½ inches. Click here for more information! |
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International Metal Design Annual Series: 2009 through 2013 Bundle
Purchasing these annuals is an excellent way of keeping up-to-date with what our colleagues are creating the world over. The photos will inspire you in your own work. Click here for more information! |
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We have added a new category on our site: Books & DVDs About Tools. Click on these images to browse through titles in this new category:
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Browse through our great selection of books and DVDs in various categories:
Blacksmithing-Projects-Techniques -Damascus -Patinas & Finishes -Design |
Leather-Carving-Embossing -Sewing -Coloring -Sheaths, Holsters & Saddles |
Jewelry-Bench Tricks-Keum Boo -Casting -Argentium -Mokume Gane |
Knifemaking-Damascus-Folders -Techniques -Grinding -Fixed Blades |
Armor-Helmets-Visors -Arm Harness -Gauntlets |
Gunsmithing-Hot Bluing-Engraving -Build an AR-15 -Build a Kentucky Rifle -Forging Rifle Barrels |
Machining-Projects-Using Mini Lathes -Milling Machine Operation -Shaper Operation -Making Tools |
Woodworking-Carving-Whittling -Cabinetmaking -Turning -Dovetails |
Pottery-Throwing-Handbuilding -Raku -Glazes -Salt–Soda Firing |
Metalworking-English Wheel-Autobody Soldering -Damage Repair -Beading Machine -Chopper Chassis |
Radio-Receivers-Amplification -Tubes -Experiements -Short Wave |
Welding-GMAW/MIG-Arc -Tig -Torch Cutting -Oxy–Acetylene |
Fine Arts-Gesture Drawing-Children's Portraits -Sculpting -Pastel Landscapes -Oil Portraits |
Coppersmithing-Brazing-Casting -Chasing and Repousse -Sclupture -Patinas |
Damascus-AdvancedPatterning -Forging Techniques -Cable & Striped -Mosaic -Wire Damascus |
Newsletter Sent: December 18, 2013
Happy Holidays to our Artisan Ideas Community!
Blacksmiths, like all artists, know what they need and have their eye on their next addition to their collection. Why not help them get exactly what they need with the Artisan Ideas Gift Card?
The perfect gift for any Smith looking to learn something new, refine a skill, or simply wanting a book for their personal library. Gift Cards are available for any amount between $5 and $500 and never expire. Furthermore, you don't have to use the entire amount up at the same time. If you purchase a $50 Gift Card and you want to buy a $20 book, you will have the remaining $30 in your account until you decide to use it.
Gift Cards can be sent via email or printed and given in person.
Gift Cards can be sent via email or printed and given in person.
All domestic orders that are recieved by 5pm EST on December 19th, 2013 will be upgraded for FREE to Priority Mail to help make sure your gift recipients receive their items on time. |
Here's a list of our All-Time Best Selling Blacksmithing Books. These books would compliment any Blacksmith's growing or already robust collection. |
Anvils in America
Anvils in America is the single authoritative reference on anvils, their manufacture, history and lore. The early history of anvils starts with European makers, many long gone and now unknown. They are known only by the quality of their work and distinctive styles that are illustrated with photos by the author. Referring to Anvils in America is so common in blacksmithing and collecting circles that it is merely referred to as "AIA". Want to know when your anvil was made? Refer to AIA. Want to identify the maker of your anvil and learn their history? Refer to AIA. Click here for more information! |
The Magic of Italian Wrought Iron
The Magic of Italian Wrought Iron covers an amazing range of subjects including: andirons and fireplace tools, animals, balustrades, clothes hooks, balconies, gates and fences, indoor gates, candlesticks, centerpieces, consoles, door knockers, iron pieces for wells, curtain rods, wrought iron flowers and plants, flower boxes, fountains, gazebos, indoor and outdoor lighting, gratings, signs, beds, benches, partitions, doors, railings, sculptures, mirror-frames, tables, dressing-tables, wrought iron and glass. Click here for more information! |
Ore to Axe: The Process of Smelting Iron Ore into Wrought Iron (DVD)
This documentary film details the process of smelting iron ore into metal and forging it into an eighteenth century-style axe. Follow blacksmiths with over 100 years collective experience as they demonstrate every step in the centuries-old bloomery smelting process. By combining earth, air, and fire, they create that "tool of necessity" used for generations. Click here for more information! |
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Secrets of the Forge: Step by Step in Photos
"This book is one of the most amazing blacksmithing books I have ever seen. I would say that this is a 'must have' book for any blacksmith. It is not a basic “how to" book. There are many of those available already. The last section gives step-by-step photos of a Blacksmiths lock. This by itself would make the book worth having. Throughout the book the photos are the best I have ever seen of ironwork in progress". – Nicholas Marcelja, Red Troll Forge. Click here for more information! |
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Blacksmith's Cookbook by Francis Whitaker, the: Recipes in Iron
This is an excellent reference for the working blacksmith. Francis Whitaker was the grand old man of modern American blacksmithing. In this book, he has included his own formulas and techniques for the common problems invoved in forging ornamental ironwork. Francis thoroughly discusses forges and forge equipment, tools for the smithy, and basic blacksmithing operations and how they are best performed. All this is filtered through his many decades of hand-on experience at the highest levels of blacksmithing. Click here for more information! |
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Blacksmith's Sketchbook, A, by Steve Alling
A Blacksmith's Sketchbook is a collection of the sketches he made while attending meetings and conferences to remind himself of the order used by the demonstrators. The projects included here go from start to finish ending up with a complete item. This is a great book full of sketches, which teach, guide and inspire! Click here for more information! |
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My Life as an Artist Blacksmith by: Francis Whitaker
"My Life as an Artist Blacksmith" by Francis Whitaker as told to Gary Mansfield has his memories of his time with Samuel Yellin, his two years in Germany and then his years in California, Aspen and finally in Carbondale. This is a must-have for Artist Blacksmiths. Click here for more information! |
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2013 International Metal Design Annual (Metall Design International 2013) by Peter Elgass
The International Metal Design Collection has added Eight Masters. Since the first annual came out 14 years ago in 1999, Metal Design International published by HEPHAISTOS, Germany, has become the world's most comprehensive library of contemporary metal design. All volumes are still available through Artisan Ideas but not all are available from the publisher. Click here for more information! |
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Mastering the Fundamentals of Traditional Joinery by Mark Aspery
The Skills of a Blacksmith, Volume III, Mastering the Fundamentals of Traditional Joinery guides the blacksmith in developing the technical skills and understanding required for forging traditional joints. Mark Aspery’s concise step-by-step descriptions complement over 1,600 crisp photographs that take the smith from developing the tooling through to the completed joinery project. Click here for more information! |
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Samuel Yellin: Metalworker by Jack Andrews
The scale of this work is sometimes overwhelming. There is a complete list of Yellin’s works recorded on job cards – these cards will help researchers in locating samples of this incredible work. Samuel Yellin’s masterpieces remain an important subject to examine, not only for blacksmiths but also for artists, architects, interior designers, historians, and anyone who works with or enjoys metalwork. |
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Click on these images to check out interesting titles from recent newsletters:
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Browse through our great selection of books and DVDs in various categories:
Blacksmithing-Projects-Techniques -Damascus -Patinas & Finishes -Design |
Leather-Carving-Embossing -Sewing -Coloring -Sheaths, Holsters & Saddles |
Jewelry-Bench Tricks-Keum Boo -Casting -Argentium -Mokume Gane |
Knifemaking-Damascus-Folders -Techniques -Grinding -Fixed Blades |
Armor-Helmets-Visors -Arm Harness -Gauntlets |
Gunsmithing-Hot Bluing-Engraving -Build an AR-15 -Build a Kentucky Rifle -Forging Rifle Barrels |
Machining-Projects-Using Mini Lathes -Milling Machine Operation -Shaper Operation -Making Tools |
Woodworking-Carving-Whittling -Cabinetmaking -Turning -Dovetails |
Pottery-Throwing-Handbuilding -Raku -Glazes -Salt–Soda Firing |
Metalworking-English Wheel-Autobody Soldering -Damage Repair -Beading Machine -Chopper Chassis |
Radio-Receivers-Amplification -Tubes -Experiements -Short Wave |
Welding-GMAW/MIG-Arc -Tig -Torch Cutting -Oxy–Acetylene |
Fine Arts-Gesture Drawing-Children's Portraits -Sculpting -Pastel Landscapes -Oil Portraits |
Coppersmithing-Brazing-Casting -Chasing and Repousse -Sclupture -Patinas |
Damascus-AdvancedPatterning -Forging Techniques -Cable & Striped -Mosaic -Wire Damascus |
Newsletter Sent: December 4th, 2013
We will be receiving the 2014 International Metal Design Annual sometime between Christmas and the first week of January. To make sure you receive a copy order it now and we will send you your 2014 annual as soon as stock arrives.
Christmas Gift Ideas: As purchasing the entire set of the International Metal Design Annuals all at once is a bit of an investment (but well worth it if you can) we have divided the annuals up into 3 groups of 5 annuals each and are offering each bundle at a discounted price! Below the Annual Sets are some other Holiday Gift Ideas.
Click on these images to check out interesting titles from recent newsletters:
Browse through our great selection of books and DVDs in various categories: |
Blacksmithing-Projects-Techniques -Damascus -Patinas & Finishes -Design |
Leather-Carving-Embossing -Sewing -Coloring -Sheaths, Holsters & Saddles |
Jewelry-Bench Tricks-Keum Boo -Casting -Argentium -Mokume Gane |
Knifemaking-Damascus-Folders -Techniques -Grinding -Fixed Blades |
Armor-Helmets-Visors -Arm Harness -Gauntlets |
Gunsmithing-Hot Bluing-Engraving -Build an AR-15 -Build a Kentucky Rifle -Forging Rifle Barrels |
Machining-Projects-Using Mini Lathes -Milling Machine Operation -Shaper Operation -Making Tools |
Woodworking-Carving-Whittling -Cabinetmaking -Turning -Dovetails |
Pottery-Throwing-Handbuilding -Raku -Glazes -Salt–Soda Firing |
Metalworking-English Wheel-Autobody Soldering -Damage Repair -Beading Machine -Chopper Chassis |
Radio-Receivers-Amplification -Tubes -Experiements -Short Wave |
Welding-GMAW/MIG-Arc -Tig -Torch Cutting -Oxy–Acetylene |
Fine Arts-Gesture Drawing-Children's Portraits -Sculpting -Pastel Landscapes -Oil Portraits |
Coppersmithing-Brazing-Casting -Chasing and Repousse -Sclupture -Patinas |
Damascus-AdvancedPatterning -Forging Techniques -Cable & Striped -Mosaic -Wire Damascus |
