Ben Allen
workshopofthemind.bsky.social
Ben Allen
@workshopofthemind.bsky.social
Ok not for work just for me

I'm a crafter and silversmith
Larpers and larp runner (larp award nominated for 2 different projects)
Gamer love a story based single player game. But also think the world needs more split screen co-operative games.
I managed a workshopday yesterday first in a while and this finally got finished. It's a glass bottle so the leaf is curved and stamped silver for the detail. #Jewellery #glasscraft #handmade
May 16, 2025 at 9:09 AM
a month off and I have had time to make things again. New stuff has shown up at work and we move in to spring.

This was a commission wrap a marble that has been sea glassed. It still moves but will not come out without cutting the wire at the top.

#seaglass #silversmithing #handmade #commission
April 11, 2025 at 7:01 PM
And we are back .no this month is still super busy and I have only just managed to finish something but I feel accomplished having finished it. It's very much a prototype and very much made with the last of things. But I like how it came out. Other colours to follow.
March 20, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Reposted by Ben Allen
We ran Darkages on Sunday and it was good.
I was reminded of all the reasons I started hosting a larp. We told a story, took our players on a journey and made something that will be remembered in a good way. Not just by these two scamps in the final encounter. The Tremere Regent and his Gargoyle.
March 12, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Ok this is very exciting. I have my own hallmark ok very geeky but very exciting
February 27, 2025 at 9:16 PM
So no new art or glass this week. I spent a wonderful weekend away from work or crafts before it's 6 day weeks and I'm on my own. Photos taken at the stow Saxon village the home of born of hope lord of the rings movie. With knowledgeable reenactors.
February 25, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Something completely different. I split my nesting partners chain shirt so it can be opened and put on rather than going on like a jumper. I made this shirt 4 or 5 years ago but it was time leather craft kit and some off cut leather.

#larp #armour
February 17, 2025 at 8:09 AM
So this is what I made with the long bars off glass from the first tumble. It's not what I was planning to do but I really like the simple natural of the glass as the focal features rather than being distracted by silver work. It also proves concept and I can make with other colours and shapes.
February 10, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Ok so I have learned some things. Carving is very easy just use lots of water keeping it round is header but not the worst. And you probably need to tumble carve and then tumble again which is an excellent thing to know when things went in to the tumbler today. Also my free model needs a shave.
January 31, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Ok so not a finished product but an experiment.

These fill half a tumbler so I should be able to hopefully if I get an evening or two clear this week we will know more about tumbling ceramics.
January 26, 2025 at 2:51 PM
This is the latest batch of my tumbled glass. I'm really pleased with how they have come out and I'm shocked at how easy it is to carve the glass with a diamond drill. I will do some experiments to see if I can make simple shapes in the glass.
January 22, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Just a quick update on project. It's going well I have more ideas. And silver has been ordered next step is drilling and soldering
January 12, 2025 at 1:46 PM
So I'm doing a project. Over Christmas I sold some recycled glass jewellery I made now I have a glass grinder and I have cut this glass to shape it's getting tumbled now. I'm looking forward to seeing how they come out and starting a new vector of my crafts.
January 7, 2025 at 1:39 PM
I wish to express my deepest sympathy for luigi mangione. as a cancer survivor from the UK left with a long term condition. I can't imagine what it is like to deal with health problems and try to work out how I'm going to pay for it.

Your pain was real your anger justified
December 12, 2024 at 8:46 AM
Spotify wrapped

I hadn't really considered how bad this year had been. after a cancer surgery and recovery I was able to go see @nightvaleradio.bsky.social and it was the highlight of that early year. Spotify wants me to share this track to remind me open.spotify.com/track/4io8Xl...
Minnesota Waltz
Al Olender · Easy Crier · Song · 2022
open.spotify.com
December 5, 2024 at 7:25 AM