Hand form metal + glass workshops in Toronto

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Our Metal + Glass course teaches you how to hand fabricate (pierce, saw, file, solder, finish) your own designs in copper, bronze/brass and sterling silver. Learn how to bezel set cabochon stones, basic prong settings, work with vitreous enamel, carve wax towards lost wax casting, construct a ring band out of sterling silver, make your own findings and more! 

METAL + GLASS 4wk: Next course starts up Monday July 24th – runs Monday & Wednesday- Learn basic Goldsmithing. Choose afternoon or evening start time:  12pm to 3pm or 6:30-9:30pm (other date options listed below)

evening #1: First evening: working with copper: safety, drilling, sawing. Adding textures.

evening #2: Construct a ring out of silver (stamp, hammer finish, roller print, etc.)

evening #3: Working with wax create pieces w/the lost wax technique- to be cast in Sterling silver or bronze/brass.

evening #4: Finishing wax projects, Cuttlefish casting (lo-tech) in house.

evening #5: Kilnworked glass. Fuse several glass pieces (buckle, pendant, cabochon for setting later!).

evening #6: Enameling copper projects, forming, how to make your own basic findings.

evening #7: Bezel settings cabochon stones or fossils or crystals, or an enamelled or Fused glass piece.

evening #8: Finish up projects

No experience necessary!

Copper, wax, glass, and some sterling silver are supplied*.  A list of local suppliers is included.   Questions concerning this course? Please see our FAQ’s

What is included: 

Approx 3″ x 3″ piece of 16 to 18 gauge copper & *16 ga Sterling silver sheet & wire/15 gr casting grain

Sterling silver for 1 ring band, approx 60mm in length and 1.5mm thick (6mm wide)

Wax

Solder

1 dozen 3/0 saw blades, *1 gross selection of Jeweller’s saw blades

Glass powders/Frit & sheet for Fusing *Approximately 1kg of Lead crystal towards a lost wax casting.

Bezel wire for 1 setting

Use of tools & equipment *Bench pin and saw frame to take home

Students are encouraged to supply their own cabochon cut stones, crystals, rocks, etc. However there is a small selection of stones for students to choose from.

Start-up July 24th ($275pp) afternoons 12pm-3pm or evenings 6:30pm-9:30pm * please leave the date you wish to start on along with afternoon/evening choice in a note when making your deposit. 

 

 

August 21st Start-up

MAKERS FAIRE: Pâte de verre workshops

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MAKERS FAIRE: Pâte de verre workshops – noon to 3:30, Saturday or Sunday, July 15, 16 or 23rd -12 student max.  $85pp 

Participants learn how to fill a pre-made mould of a small bowl with glass paint, glass powder and fine glass -frit-, the moulds are then fired and participants return to the studio to divest and finish their bowls. 
Materials included, no experience necessary!  
 

Students learn the basics of pâte de verre from start to finish while making a thin-walled, kiln formed bowl. Students have access to a broad palette of coloured frit (crushed glass) and samples to help predict and understand fired qualities. Demonstrations include various techniques of working with glass powders against the mold, working with color reactions, as well as how to back-fill a packed mold to support the walls of the piece during firing. 

July workshops: 15th, 16th or 23rd  

Register above and add the date you would like to attend in a Paypal note or I will email you to confirm. Thanks! 🙂 

Jackalopes & Bunnicorns in Toronto

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Student piece from 2015

Saturday, January 27th, 2018  12pm start – Jackalope & Bunnicorn shoulder mounts
Limited class size of 8 people, $340pp •  Early bird discount = $300 until October 2017 when paid in full 
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This class will introduce students to basic small mammal taxidermy, focusing on the skinning, prepping, and sculpting techniques specific to the face. We will cover splitting lips, thinning noses, turning ears, and other techniques to successfully set a face. Each student is provided with their own specimen which they will skin, flesh, prep, mount, and groom. We will go through the process of carving busts for each mount, how to attach antlers, and will discuss taxidermy techniques that can be used for projects larger and smaller. Carcasses will be used for reference and available to students if they want them. Further preservation processes will be discussed as well; tanning, mummification, wet specimens, bone cleaning, etc. Everything is supplied and students do not need any prior experience for this class. Each student will leave with their own finished piece and the knowledge to create their own in the future.

 

Fascinators, Victorian Bird Hats: Wearable Taxidermy Sunday

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Fascinators, Victorian bird hats; Wearable taxidermy workshop, Sunday July 9th 12pm start 906 Queen Street West @Crawford   $150pp includes materials! Reserve your seat today.   

 

 

Perfect for beginners, experts, or anyone in between, this class will provide students with materials and instruction to create a totally unique piece of wearable taxidermy! The class will begin with a short illustrated lecture on wearable taxidermy, from prehistoric speculation, to shrunken heads, Victorian hummingbird jewelry, and a modern day discussion of ethically obtained animal products in art and fashion. Students will then design their piece and bring it to life using the guidance, tips, tricks, and techniques advised by Divya, Morbid Anatomy taxidermist in residence whose wearable taxidermy designs have been featured in NY Mag’s “The Cut” and various “Top 10 of NY Fashion Week” lists. Her past life as a commercial footwear and accessory designer lives on in her passion for wearable art!

In addition to a number of small heads, paws, pelts, and wings, a selection of jewelry findings and hardware will be provided, along with beads, crystals, ribbons, and other decorative flourishes. Students will have the choice of skinning, cleaning, preparing and preserving animal parts, or using the readily prepared pieces provided. Students are also welcome to bring their own special findings or pieces for use in class. A great place to let your creativity truly run wild! Each student will leave class with a finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future.

It is recommended students bring a small bag or box to transport their pieces.

Divya Anantharaman is a Brooklyn based artist whose taxidermy practice was sparked by a lifelong fascination with the intersection of natural mythology and science. After a journey through self and professional training, she has found her calling in creating sickly sweet and sparkly critters. A trophy winner in the 2013 Philadelphia Alt Taxidermy competition, she has been profiled in numerous publications as varied as National Geographic, The NY Times, BBC Science Radio, Vice/Fringes, and on hit Discovery/Science Channel TV show Oddities. Divya was a resident taxidermist with Morbid Anatomy Museum. She is also a member of the M.A.R.T. (Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists) and the G.S.T.A. (Garden State Taxidermists Association). You can find out more at http://www.friendsforevertaxidermy.com  

Bambi (still born deer)
Bambi (still born deer)

Stuffed Animals book signing party Toronto

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Tune into Global TV at 8:40AM (EST) July 6 & see Divya’s approx 5-10 minute live TV interview on The Morning Show, hosted by Jeff McArthur & come to our party this evening for taxidermy demos, tarot readings, Roadkill Revival & more!
Toronto’s Carnival of Taxidermy Book Signing event!
Join us tonight! for a wildy wondrous celebration replete with stop-motion films, taxidermy demonstrations, signature punch, oddity vendors, fortune telling and more…
Immerse yourself in an evening of wonder and revelry at this carnivalesque gala of oddity, art, and science celebrating the release of a fascinating new book on the art of taxidermy by Brooklyn taxidermists Divya Anantharaman and Katie Innamorato. Come discover the secrets and stories of this resurgent craft at this illuminating and enchanting celebration.
 Divya is teaching special workshops all weekend long!
2-Headed Chick workshop (2 seats remain!)
Fascinators/Wearable taxidermy workshop (Reserve your seat today!) 
Oddity vendors include:
House of the Sacred Heart
In their new book Stuffed Animals, Anantharaman and Innamorato demystify the practice of taxidermy, shatter the gross stereotypes, and make it accessible to anyone. Committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing. The authors are part of the vanguard of young taxidermists who bring a sense of fun and experimentation to this old-school hobby. Join us to celebrate the release of the book!
Cash bar & Raffle – Wheel of fortune spin!
Guests have a chance to spin the wheel & win a trick or treat!
Some of the items up for grabs:
A seat in the Entomology workshop, Friday July 7
A seat in the 2-headed chick workshop, Saturday July 8
A seat in a Ring band making workshop
A beautifully bizarre jellyfish pendant
and more!
Pre-order your book and have it signed at the event! Link below.

Details:

Book Signing Carnival of Taxidermy Event, 906 Queen Street West @Crawford, July 6th 5pm – Midnight

Advance book purchase, pick-up during book signing 

Toronto’s Carnival of Taxidermy Book Signing event!

nanotopianLeave a comment
Toronto’s Carnival of Taxidermy Book Signing event!
Join us Thursday evening July 6th for a wildy wondrous celebration replete with stop-motion films, taxidermy demonstrations, signature punch, oddity vendors, fortune telling and more…
Immerse yourself in an evening of wonder and revelry at this carnivalesque gala of oddity, art, and science celebrating the release of a fascinating new book on the art of taxidermy by Brooklyn taxidermists Divya Anantharaman and Katie Innamorato. Come discover the secrets and stories of this resurgent craft at this illuminating and enchanting celebration.
Oddity vendors include:
House of the Sacred Heart
In their new book Stuffed Animals, Anantharaman and Innamorato demystify the practice of taxidermy, shatter the gross stereotypes, and make it accessible to anyone. Committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing. The authors are part of the vanguard of young taxidermists who bring a sense of fun and experimentation to this old-school hobby. Join us to celebrate the release of the book!
Cash bar & Raffle – Wheel of fortune spin!
Guests have a chance to spin the wheel & win a trick or treat!
Some of the items up for grabs:
A seat in the Entomology workshop, Friday July 7
A seat in the 2-headed chick workshop, Saturday July 8
A seat in a Ring band making workshop
A beautifully bizarre jellyfish pendant
and more!
Pre-order your book and have it signed at the event! Link below.

Details:

Book Signing Carnival of Taxidermy Event, 906 Queen Street West @Crawford, July 6th 5pm – Midnight

Advance book purchase, pick-up during book signing 

Carnival of Taxidermy! Special Guest Artist workshops in Toronto

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Toronto’s Carnival of Taxidermy Book Signing event!
Divya will be in Toronto July 6th thru 9th sharing her skills through amazing workshops:
Join us Thursday evening July 6th for a wildy wondrous celebration replete with stop-motion films, taxidermy demonstrations, oddity vendors, and more…
Immerse yourself in an evening of wonder and revelry at this carnivalesque gala of oddity, art, and science celebrating the release of a fascinating new book on the art of taxidermy by Brooklyn taxidermists Divya Anantharaman and Katie Innamorato. Come discover the secrets and stories of this resurgent craft at this illuminating and enchanting celebration.
 In their new book Stuffed Animals, Anantharaman and Innamorato demystify the practice of taxidermy, shatter the gross stereotypes, and make it accessible to anyone. Committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing.
The authors are part of the vanguard of young taxidermists who bring a sense of fun and experimentation to this old-school hobby.
Super excited to announce the artists that will be giving you a horror show during our Carnival of Taxidermy event!
House of the Sacred Heart
Join us to celebrate the release of the book in Canada!
Pre-order your book and have it signed at the event! Link below.

Details:

Book Signing Carnival of Taxidermy Event, 906 Queen Street West @Crawford, July 6th 5pm – Midnight

Advance book purchase, pick-up during book signing 

Vitrigraph Cane & Murrine workshops in Toronto

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New Workshop! Vitrigraph Cane & Murrine 4 student max, $425pp  
July 22-30 10am to 5pm 
Glass cane and murrine have largely been created in the Hot Shop. Think glassblowers in Murano, Italy and roaring furnaces… Similar cane & murrine can be made in small scale studios through the use of a Vitrigraph kiln & Bullseye compatible glass**.  Deposit of half required to reserve seat & purchase materials. 
In 2013 Tosca was awarded the Glass Art Association of Canada project grant toward the research and development of constructing cane and murrine in a small scale studio environment. In 2014 she was awarded an Ontario Arts Council grant to continue work and experimentation in Vitrigraph pulled cane and murrine with the goal of bringing this research to the public through workshops.
In this workshop students will design and make multi-coloured canes and

Vitrigraph pulled glass

incorporate them with other forms of glass into several kilnformed projects. Creating the canes will involve handling and manipulating hot, molten glass. Proper safety equipment will be provided. No prerequisites.

Students will work as teams, each assisting the other in pulling and cutting canes. Students will be shown how to properly cut and prepare their glass for the vitrigraph kiln. How to set-up a vitrigraph kiln will be discussed and a course outline handed out. **Students are welcome to bring in their own glass for use in this workshop and will receive a discount of $100 towards the class when doing so please, email the studio for details. nanotopia@me.com
 Students can expect to make 30-50 cane and several small plates and bowls (sushi set?)

Fascinators, Victorian bird hats; Wearable taxidermy workshop in Toronto

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Fascinators, Victorian bird hats; Wearable taxidermy workshop, Sunday July 9th 12pm to 5pm 906 Queen Street West @Crawford  Early bird discount $150pp includes materials! Reserve your seat today.   

 

 

Perfect for beginners, experts, or anyone in between, this class will provide students with materials and instruction to create a totally unique piece of wearable taxidermy! The class will begin with a short illustrated lecture on wearable taxidermy, from prehistoric speculation, to shrunken heads, Victorian hummingbird jewelry, and a modern day discussion of ethically obtained animal products in art and fashion. Students will then design their piece and bring it to life using the guidance, tips, tricks, and techniques advised by Divya, Morbid Anatomy taxidermist in residence whose wearable taxidermy designs have been featured in NY Mag’s “The Cut” and various “Top 10 of NY Fashion Week” lists. Her past life as a commercial footwear and accessory designer lives on in her passion for wearable art!

In addition to a number of small heads, paws, pelts, and wings, a selection of jewelry findings and hardware will be provided, along with beads, crystals, ribbons, and other decorative flourishes. Students will have the choice of skinning, cleaning, preparing and preserving animal parts, or using the readily prepared pieces provided. Students are also welcome to bring their own special findings or pieces for use in class. A great place to let your creativity truly run wild! Each student will leave class with a finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future.

It is recommended students bring a small bag or box to transport their pieces.

Toronto’s Carnival of Taxidermy Book Signing event!

nanotopian2 Comments
Toronto’s Carnival of Taxidermy Book Signing event!
Join us Thursday evening July 6th for a wildy wondrous celebration replete with stop-motion films, taxidermy demonstrations, signature punch, oddity vendors, fortune telling and more…
Immerse yourself in an evening of wonder and revelry at this carnivalesque gala of oddity, art, and science celebrating the release of a fascinating new book on the art of taxidermy by Brooklyn taxidermists Divya Anantharaman and Katie Innamorato. Come discover the secrets and stories of this resurgent craft at this illuminating and enchanting celebration.
Oddity vendors include:
House of the Sacred Heart
In their new book Stuffed Animals, Anantharaman and Innamorato demystify the practice of taxidermy, shatter the gross stereotypes, and make it accessible to anyone. Committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing. The authors are part of the vanguard of young taxidermists who bring a sense of fun and experimentation to this old-school hobby. Join us to celebrate the release of the book!
Cash bar & Raffle – Wheel of fortune spin!
Guests have a chance to spin the wheel & win a trick or treat!
Some of the items up for grabs:
A seat in the Entomology workshop, Friday July 7
A seat in the 2-headed chick workshop, Saturday July 8
A seat in a Ring band making workshop
A beautifully bizarre jellyfish pendant
and more!
Pre-order your book and have it signed at the event! Link below.

Details:

Book Signing Carnival of Taxidermy Event, 906 Queen Street West @Crawford, July 6th 5pm – Midnight

Advance book purchase, pick-up during book signing