Don’t miss this rare, live appearance of master silversmith Randy Stromsoe! He will be speaking at our Center in Los Angeles, February 28—the last day of our “Tools” exhibition.
Randy will speak of training with renowned silversmith Porter Blanchard and his “baptism by fire” in the business and practice of working in silver and pewter in the 70s, when he was first emerging from his apprenticeship.
At the end, Randy will open up for an Antiques Roadshow-style show and tell. You are invited to bring your own silver pieces for Randy to explore and explain. Ask questions about fabrication, form, history, and restoration–learn from his expertise!
Randy will also do a guest demonstration the following day, Sunday Mar. 1 during Tony Swatton’s studio tour.
If you would like to attend, please send an email to [email protected].
Links in bio for both of these events.
@stromsoe.studios@handwork2026 #contemporarycraft #americancraft #craftinamerica #craftinamericapbs #metalsmithing #handmadetools #toolmaker #silversmithing #porterblanchard
✨ Timeless Craft, Local Roots - In his Templeton studio, silversmith Randy Stromsoe turns precious metals into lasting works of art — each piece a reflection of patience, precision, and passion.
EXCERPT:
Once considered a fading art in the age of mass production, silversmithing is experiencing a flicker of revival. From heirloom-quality silverware to bespoke ceremonial objects and fueled by a growing appreciation for craftsmanship and individuality, this centuries-old tradition is stepping out of the shadows and into a renaissance of relevance. At the forefront is one of the few artists who can be called a master silversmith thanks to his generational training, background and experience: Randy Stromsoe is one of the last traditionally trained silversmiths in America.
There is no one quite like Randy. He operates out of Stromsoe Studios, his private studio in Templeton where Highway 46 meets Old Creek Road. “Randy makes each piece by hand. Period,” says his wife and business partner, Lisa Stromsoe, who has seen him design hand-forged flatware and holloware for as long as they’ve known each other.
Words by Scott Lewis
Photos by @moonshipjourneys
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✨Discover the story behind his craftsmanship in this feature from Issue 49 at ediblesanluisobispo.com
We’ll be open this weekend only for the 27th annual @slocounty_arts Open Studios Art Tour - hope you can stop by and see where the work happens!
I’m also honored to be part of Tools of the Trades: American Handmade Implements & Devices, the first exhibition of its kind celebrating beautifully crafted tools made by contemporary toolmakers. Opening reception is this Saturday, October 11, 3:00–5:00pm PST at the @craftinamerica Center in Los Angeles. Grateful to be included among such talented makers in this celebration of handwork, history, and ingenuity.
Links in bio.
#metalwork #handmade #toolsofthetrades #silversmithing
We’re excited to offer intro classes for the month of July. Whether you’re brand new to metalsmithing or eager to try something fresh, each class brings a unique, hands-on experience, with plenty of individualized attention - seats are limited.
◦ Intro to Hand Forging: Tri‑Bangle – July 12–13, 2025 ◦
Forge your own tri‑bangle set while building foundational hammering and shaping skills.
◦ Metal Raising 1: Copper Bowls – July 19–20, 2025 ◦
Start with a flat copper circle and shape it into a functional bowl using classic raising and sinking techniques.
◦ Intro to Anticlastic Forming: Bangle & Napkin Ring – July 26–27, 2025 ◦
Craft a sculptural bangle and napkin ring using controlled anticlastic forming - working the metal in opposing directions.
Click the link in our bio for full details and to reserve your place. We’d love to see you in the studio 🔨
✺ Tools of the trade ✺
Some of these hammers were handed down through at least four generations of craftsmen. They’re still in use and cherished to this day.
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#metalsmith #silversmith #hammersmith
✺ Desert Bloom II ✺
Originally made in 2014, this piece has been featured in several exhibits including on the PBS program Craft in America.
Photo by Ron Bez
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#Silversmithing #Metalsmithing #Silversmith #Handcrafted
✺ Planishing a silver cup ✺ this is the third pass of planishing, a technique use to create a smooth hammered finish. Planishing uses the flat face of the hammer while bouging uses a convex hammer face.
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#silversmith #metalsmith #silverart #craftsmanship #handcraftedsilver
✺ Spinning a copper bowl ✺ I bought this Pryibil lathe around 25 years ago from the Porter Blanchard Company. It originally belonged to Frank Zika Sr., who had acquired it in Chicago in the 1930s.
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#metalsmith #lathe #handcrafted #spinninglathe
✺ Creating a silver centerpiece bowl ✺ This step involves bouging, a process from the French ‘bouger,’ meaning ‘to move.’ Bouging smooths out the surface and corrects any irregularities. The next step is to planish the piece which will further refine the surface of the silver.
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#silversmith #metalsmith #silverart #craftsmanship #handcraftedsilver
