In the final safety video, I accidentally call alumina hydrate alumina hydroxy. WTF? This is painful for a nerd like me. I don’t mind the dead tree branch behind me, or the birds chirping; I sat down there, and I love my birdies. But I’m jumpy. I’ve found that either you get the subdued, professional Kate, OR you get the high energy regular Kate, and there is very little in between. And I don’t have the time to find this balance- it’s above my pay grade to train as an actor. Oh well.
In the version that I chose to publish, IMovie glitched out the chunk where I talked about Styrofoam, Styrene, and floral foam, and I went with it. There is a small skip where the missing information was supposed to be; I’m not worked up about that. I mention the materials to avoid in the summary. I had to simply make a decision and move on- it takes a full day, as far as I can tell, for an amateur to produce ten flawed minutes of film, and I don’t have another day to do another version. So for now, I present to you (click play, and then pause, to let it load, so that you can watch it straight through)
And I encourage you to pass it around.
Sue will wish that I had used my body language to calm my viewers, and Ken Thomas will still not be happy with my overactive mouth, but I thank the Lord every day that it isn’t my job to meet his standards. Although I do try. Heaven knows what Diane, and her ilk, will think. Hopefully I have actually (with the help of a handy technical glitch) managed to be completely unoffensive. Even if I can’t sit still (unless I feel like it, in which case I can freeze like a statue) I do really care, and I hope that comes through.
I disabled comments on YouTube, but you can rate the video if you like. Please do! Leave a comment here, on this post- I’d love to have your feedback.
Thanks to everyone who took the time (or takes the time) to watch, and comment, and to people who pass it around with a recommendation. And if it offers anyone options that they hadn’t considered, or been aware of, and they protect themselves a little bit more, then that’s all that I can hope for.
Visit the Beadmobile blog and keep up on the progress of our new book, Geometrics!
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:20 am
You know I’m cut to the quick by the “alumina hydroxy” misspeak. I feel like the tablecloth of my soul was folded with a wrinkle.
Good for my character, no doubt.
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:55 am
Superb. And what a great smile, Kate!
It’s amazing how a few easy little things can make such a big difference in safety. I’m utterly mystified by the fact that anyone might object to this.
And suddenly, I have a hankering for Planter’s Cheese Balls.
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:20 am
Yeah but we always have a hankering for something. May as well be Cheez Balls. And smiling is my superpower. Actually being happy is my superpower and smiling just goes with happy. Why am I so happy? Because my life is encrusted with your fabulous beads.
February 22nd, 2010 at 8:30 am
I love that Jasper was tying to get in on the act at the end!
I thought it was a good introduction for anyone interested in learning more about the books and health and safety issues about clay. I liked the bit about the burnout cores, I haven’t done much hollow work with the clay, except for the one piece I did during the certification course I took. It is good to know there is an alternative to cork clay.
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:21 am
Jasper is in St. Louis with the boys- that was Simon, the Bengalish boy who, along with Miss Fish, lives with me in Tucson. I see Jasper in just a few days, can’t wait to kiss his little white flank, his little pink nose!
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:20 am
Well, I think that was brilliant! You’ve taken on board peoples comments and this version really zings ~ all with positive suggestions and ideas. I love it. Thank you so much Kate. BTW when are you coming to the UK . . . ? *hopeful*
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:21 am
Next summer! Email me, let’s figure out where I should teach!
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:28 am
This version is great, and nothing is lost by omitting the more controversial phrases/references. Well done.
Love the kitty commentary.
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:36 am
Thanks Kate!
You did a fantastic job, as I would expect from you.
I will pass this on to all my Metal Clay friends and use you as a reference.
You have a very warm communicative style with with purposeful intent.
I always enjoy listening to you.
Smoke it, Baby!
Susan
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:19 am
Close to perfection is good enough for me. I was once told that Native Americans will purposely put a little flaw in their handcrafted pieces, because no one can achieve perfection except for God. We are, after all, human. You’ve done a fine job, Kate.
Going forward, whenever I’m asked about metal clay classes, I’ll tell whoever is inquiring to do themselves a huge favor, and to take a look at your YouTube video, and to purchase your DVD first. Certification classes can come later for discounts, if they prefer, but only after they fully understand what is is they’re working with, and how to work with it safely. I believe it’ll be a much more pleasant experience once they’re armed with much needed facts.
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:23 am
It would indeed be wonderful if people approached their certification classes with a lot of information.
I’m doing a companion video on full firing that I think will be very helpful as well, explaining what’s really going on, and showing clearly the difference between under-fired work (it breaks) and fully fired work (you can forge it.)
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:36 am
Brilliant Kate! Just brilliant! x
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:45 am
Imperfection?
“There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” — Leonard Cohen
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:52 am
I believe this final is more comprehensive than the trial. The changes actually got in more useful, pertinent info. This one flows in a more natural progression. There’s a bit of your bio for qualification and your own personal teaching philosophy, a more complete comment of unsuspecting fetuses. The “miner’s canary”, “straw that breaks the camel’s back” content is thought provoking and, of course, legitimate. I liked the suggestion for proper disposal of toxic waste which is often hard to do responsibly. The alumina hydrate is spoken of both in the beginning and ending statements, so it certainly dilutes the misspeak, if one even catches it.
I love to see the connection between an artist’s mind and soul and their hands. Their hands are their instruments and tools they so often use to connect and bring their voice to life in their work. When I meet an artist their hands speak volumes to me of their heart and soul as well as their level of technical expertise. What beautifully expert expressively precise and artistic hands you have my dear.
Besides all that, you look great!
May that “revolution” dream become a reality!
Thanks again and we love you, also. We do!
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:02 am
Thank you, Kate, for an informative video. I love your work, and your caring heart really does shine through!
Best Regards
Diana (and her ilk)
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:17 am
Well, I do feel that you have spoken for your Ilk, and I appreciate that! My goal was not to offend.
Thanks much for your followup comments.
Kate
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Superb, m’dear. For an MC virgin, it is invaluable; for anybody, tis invaluable. Nice to have someone you can trust.
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Terrific, Kate!
Patricia (and her elk)
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:22 pm
[...] It’s actually about all the new stuff Kate McKinnon is cranking out these days, including a nice little video about metal clay safety that she has posted on YouTube. If you are a reader of Kate’s blog, you know she is [...]
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:28 pm
Excellent job! So natural, so much information, so knowledgeable. I think you provided an excellent body of knowledge for folks to consider and done in a way which I think all should be open to receiving this information.
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Thank you, Marcia! We should do a Beading Tips video for CraftEdu, while I am there next month. Kyle is coming prepared to FILM.
I am fairly weak in the knees thinking of how wonderful it will be, to stay at your house with Kyle, have the classes, hang out with Jay. Too bad Jeannette will be out of town!
February 22nd, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Well presented, Kate. Thank you for your immense contribution to MC safety.
I forwarded to my MC chapter.
February 22nd, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Thank you, Ziva, how nice to see your name here.
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:18 pm
I enjoyed your phrasing “this may be new information to you”. I’ve only watched half so far-will watch the rest when I have a longer attn. span.
Its fun to have your voice! I’ve been reading your blog for several years–I think I thought you would sound, I dunnno , “flightier” :-)
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Funny! I’m actually more of an engineer than anything else, by temperament, I mean, not trade.
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:40 pm
This version is excellent; love the message and the way you deliver it.
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Bravo!!!!
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:55 am
Hello,
Found your safety video on Zbeads site.Such a great idea!I do alot of PMC and teach occasional classes. I have found a couple things that are helpful.Using a product like liquid gloves (found in many art supply stores and Avon) can help protect your hands from absorbing metal if that is a concern.Also, there are cotton balls in a variety of sizes that are great to make beads around and burn off safely.They are firm and not like the soft ones we usually see.
Thanks for all your great ideas and happy art making!
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:13 am
Cotton balls… tell me more. Are they anything like felt balls? I used Liquid Glove when I experimented with Bronz and Coppr clays, but decided that they were just too dirty to deal with, the way they are absorbed into the skin, the nasty carbon, the fumes… I don’t find that I need anything with fine silver clay as it’s easy enough to work like a cat, keeping my hands clean.
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:05 am
Amazing video! You did an excellent job of incorporating the suggestions received from the draft version. On a personal note, I loved hearing the birds and Simon in the background – it was much needed as we were having a minor snowstorm here while I watched. Nice to know it’s warm and sunny and birds are singing somewhere in the world.
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:15 am
Meow!
Well, as you know, I think you should be wintering HERE! One of these winters you’ll get cold enough to just do it.
Glad you like the video. The tree is the one right in front of the Barbie Coach. I would rather have been at the breakfast table under the old chandelier hanging from the palo verde, but the sun was too high by the time it stopped raining. We have had as much rain in two months as we had all last year, it’s totally soaked here. Desert wildflowers are going to be off the hook this spring!
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:25 am
Well done Kate!!
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:05 am
Aside from the fact that I have a pitifully slow connection (the video took almost an hour to stream into a flowing presentation), it was really quite good. The tweeting was a bit loud, but most welcome in my part of Illinois on a cold winter day and I much prefer seeing a video shot outside in natural surroundings rather than in front of some awful rumpled sheet that hangs upon a wall as a backdrop. All in all, I think you did a great job! Anyone new to metal clay, as well as those who are seasoned but work with a cavalier attitude, need this information. You go girl!
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:14 am
Yes, the Rumpled Sheet. Even the ironed sheet is fairly dreadful.
My yard is delightfully infested with birds, I encourage them.
I’m glad you felt that the content was good.
xxx
kate
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Great info, Kate!! I was just speaking with a friend who was getting ready to take a PMC class and I warned her to be careful of anyone teaching sanding/filing of Metal Clay. I’m going to forward this to her!!
Thank you for helping to keep us all informed and safe!!
Adrianne
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Thank YOU!
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:33 pm
LOVED this video. Found it a pleasure to watch–even-handed, diplomatic, robust, and to the point. As a recent recipient of your wonderful kit of books and calendar, I’m just getting my head (and soon hands) around metal clay. I’m placing an order for some PMC3 this week, and with your good input will strive to work cleanly! Hope to catch up with you somewhere on your teaching travels, Kate. In the meantime, many thanks, and best wishes!
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:08 pm
It sounds like a very special coffee- diplomatic and robust, with undertones of even-handedness and birdsong…
Glad you liked it, Kate.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:54 am
Whenever I video tape Mike Sherman, he tends to move around too. He rocks. He fidgets. I think it is cute and candid. Nice video! – Sara