Anne Bujold of Riveted Rabbit

Those of you who have ever wanted to learn a trade or a skill know that it seems quite daunting. There’s so much to master and it can feel like you’re putting yourself on the line. Take some advice from Anne Bujold, welder and blacksmith. Start small and work your way up to the big stuff.
Anne’s interest in metalwork started in jewelry making. As her skills grew and she became proficient at fabricating bigger and better things, the possibilities continued to grow in her mind. The knowledge she gained in classes and from mentors led her to expand the concepts of what she considered herself capable of doing.
Knowledge is power. The saying may be old and trite, but it doesn’t make it any less true. When you want something, get your feet wet. Learn as much as you can. Keep an open mind and open ears to hear advice and encouragement. Being a woman in what is typically a man’s world may take a little more elbow grease in the long run. Don’t let that dampen your spirit. Use it as fire to fuel the flames of your passion.
One of Anne’s favorite aspects metalwork is the rush she feels as she wields her hammer. Forging hot metal is dangerous and powerful. Keep that in mind as you view some of her finished work above. Don’t let the fanciful nature of her art fool you into forgetting the labor and ingenuity behind each bend and curve.

Anne’s workwear: Carhartt Women’s Zip-Front Sweatshirt, Carhartt Women’s Calumet Crewneck T-Shirt, Carhartt Women’s Clarkston Cami Tank, Carhartt Women’s Relaxed-Fit Canvas Cane Dungaree, & Carhartt Women’s Quick Flex Glove

Kelley Roy of ADX

If you caught yesterday’s post about ADX, you’re familiar with this awesome workspace. If not, I’ll catch you up to speed. It’s a 12,000 square foot facility filled with tools, space to work, and other like-minded folks. Kelley Roy is the mastermind behind this great idea. Through your ADX membership, you suddenly have a wealth of tools at your fingertips. If you’re not quite the pro, don’t sweat it. Take a class or get help from the staff. Surrounding yourself with creative people and those you can learn from keeps the creative juices flowing. Check out Kelley’s work gear as she shows us around the metal shop: Carhartt Women’s Minot Shirt, Women’s Clarkston Cami Tank, Women’s Relaxed Fit Canvas Kane Dungaree. 

Detroit Artist Kate Silvio

Kate grew up playing in her father’s warehouse. Climbing around a world of palates and drawing on reams of paper, her creativity churned. At College for Creative Studies, she was interested in sculpture and welding. Kate also learned to be a metal fabricator. Throwing yourself into the craft helps you create a voice through your work. She now uses her conceptual art to process and better understand the world around her. See more of Kate’s work here. I’m blown away by the forms and beauty she handcrafts out of industrial items.

Like Kate’s Carhartt work outfit? Get it for yourself here: Annapolis Long-sleeved Shirt, Women’s Original Fit Basic Jean, & Wellington Boot

Lisa of Firelight Forge

Lisa of Firelight Forge is a blacksmith from Seattle. If you’ve been in the area, maybe you’ve seen some of her work in the local restaurants. She has created some killer installations. Watching Lisa work is fascinating. She may be tiny, but she can sure swing a hammer. Her work is stunning. Each piece is full of textures and little details. Check out more of Lisa’s work here: Firelight Forge.

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