METAPHORS IN METAL AND MORE

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During this workshop, participants will learn and try various soldering techniques and forming metal for the construction of small objects and structures for jewelry making. Utilizing a variety of colored metal sheets, students will explore the graphic possibilities of multicolored designs. Cutting, scoring, folding and soldering inlay techniques will be utilized for the creation of dynamic forms for jewelry. Found objects from nature will be included in all work and through varied finishing techniques, we will open the door to a great variety of aesthetic possibilities to enhance ideas for design considerations. 

 

Note: This workshop is designed to improve fundamental technical skills, confidence and precise metal fabrication. ALL LEVELS. 

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TECHNIQUES STUDENTS WILL LEARN

• Solder and Fabrication techniques

• Surface Embellishment and Texture Techniques

• Inlay and married metals

• Scoring and Bending

• Alloys and Ingot making 

• Forging

• Coloring and patination

• Finishing techniques

 

MATERIALS STUDENTS WILL WORK WITH

• Sterling silver sheet & wire

• Copper sheet & wire

• Brass sheet & wire

• Nickel silver sheet & wire

• Bronze sheet & wire

• Shibuichi

• 10 grams of Fine silver

• Found objects from nature

 

We recommend bringing various size of sheet and wire. Take a look at his photos, which exhibit varied color metal treatments and texturing. https://www.jccaballerostudio.com/jewelry

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WHAT WILL THE STUDENT TAKE AWAY FROM THE WORKSHOP 

• We will focus on processes such as roll-printing, hammer texturing, chasing and stamping, fire texturing and the use of the flex-shaft as a texturing device.

• Students will learn and try various soldering techniques and forming thin metal in the construction of small objects and structures for jewelry making.

• We will utilize scoring and folding techniques for the construction of dimensional metal forms and objects.

• Students will compare different soldering surfaces, talk about various type of fluxes and holding devices to ensure a successful soldering experience. 

• Basic forming and forging techniques will be implemented as well in the creation of these metal objects and/or jewelry.

• Students will explore various finishing techniques, opening the door to a great variety of aesthetic possibilities to enhance ideas for design considerations. 

• We will utilize various techniques of cutting and soldering inlay using sheet for sterling silver, brass, and various alloys of copper including bronze, brass, nickel silver and Shibuichi for the creation of a dramatic visual effect. (Gold is optional)

• We will compare different ways of achieving color patination for a rich and exciting resolution. 

 

STUDENT SUPPLY AND TOOLS LIST

• Sterling silver, Copper, Brass, nickel or silver sheet 20 or 22 gauge for exercises; 6” x  6” minimum

• Copper, brass or Sterling silver wire: round or square; 12, 14 and 16 gauge if possible.

• Silver solder – easy, medium, hard (silver or gold if using gold)

• Any other tools or metal you may want to bring and gems, pearls or stones of your choice are welcome.

 

TOOLS

• Sketchbook for paper patterns

• Bench Pin

• Saw frame: fine saw blades 4/0; 3/0; 6/0

• Set of pliers: chain nose, cutter and round nose

• Plastic or rawhide mallet

• Steel bench block for small forging

• Scissors

• Safety glasses

• Dust mask

• Square ruler

• Files ½ round or flat and set of small files

• Flat ruler

• Burnisher

• Sand paper or steel wool

• Planishing hammer

• Cross peen hammer or Goldsmith hammer

• Flux and brush

• Tweezers for soldering

• Soldering pick

• Silver solder – easy, medium, hard (silver or gold if using gold)

• Metal scissor

• Flexible shaft & flex shaft attachments for cleaning and scoring

• Small mandrills for carbide cutting wheels and silicon sanding Wheels (white or gray) and polishing Wheels (pink or blue)

• Head visor or loop

• Setting burs (hart, round)

• Buffing wheels for flex shaft

• Silicone carbide slim cut-off wheels 7/8”, 1’diameter and .030, 033 thickness

• Steel hart burs 45-degree angle one or two 6 to 7mm for scoring

• Center punch or scriber

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