i just wanted to let everyone know what a great class we had with Mark Aspery. We mostly concentrated on making tools to fit our projects--a rose and a wizard head. But Mark worked with each of us to help at whatever level we were at, he can explain things at the most basic level, or with the most technical metallurical terms, whatever you want to know. As for me, one of the most valuable things I took away was learning proper hammering technique. I have pretty severe arthritis, and at every class I've taken the evenings were spent icing and taking Goody's powders for the pain. After much gentle nagging, I was actually able to hammer all day without pain and this means I will probably be able to hammer away through my dotage.

Mark is also a great guy to hang out with and drink a few beers with--we did a lot of that. You won't find a more interesting person.

So, if you have an opportunity to take a course from him, take it. It will be well worth your time.

And thanks to Alfred for organizing it and to Eddie Rainey for hosting.

Linda