A life of craft and archaeology
Years ago I was a jeweller and gem cutter. I had a studio with all the equipment, but then one day I decided that I needed to go in another direction.
When you work in crafts, you have a lot of time to think. Your mind can wander, and I began to think about where all this came from. Making jewellery, the tools I used, the techniques handed down by my teachers from their teachers.
Fast forward a few years, and I have a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and have relocated to Sheffield in England to do a MSc and PhD in archaeological metals. I completed those degrees and now travel and work as an archaeologist, not only excavating, but also on collections of ancient metals, and speaking at conferences. I also work in experimental archaeology where I run workshops teaching others to cast bronze and replicate ancient metalworking techniques. Yep, I am living my daydream where I have discovered how the first metalworking was done and have even made and use my own replica metalsmithing tools.
I don’t have much of a home-base these days, since I am travelling around Europe and the US. Being on the road means I have to travel light. While I do get together with others and cast bronze and make jewellery, I regularly pack needlework with me. Working with my hands keeps me sane and gives me something to do while on the road. This last trip I packed more yarn than clothes, but then being in England means I can stock up on some of the finest yarn available.
It shouldn’t be surprising that most of what I do ends up with an archaeological theme, skulls and trowels are always chosen for symbols of archaeology. And while archaeologists don’t dig up dinosaurs, most of us are intrigued by them. The other animals are made on a whim. I’ve always liked unusual animals and have been fascinated with dodos since I was a kid.
As I said in my listings, the items you buy might be posted from anywhere. One month I’ll be in Ireland, another month in England or Italy. I’ll do my best to make sure they get to you quickly and maybe with a postcard of where I am at the moment.
If you’d like to learn a bit more about what I do, check out my website: Ancient Tools and Craft, http://ancienttools.net/