Our 3-day metalsmith intensive workshop will focus on working with wire of various thicknesses (gauges) to create rings, earrings, brooches, bracelets, neck pieces, and hair barrettes. We will do this by learning the technique of forging, a basic smithing skill that changes the shape of metal by striking it with a hammer.  You will be encouraged to use your creativity to design unique pieces expressing your individual style while discovering the properties of metal and jewelry making. We will look to the work of Alexander Calder who was a world renown sculptor recognized for his mobiles and stabiles for inspiration.  He explored jewelry as a medium and was famous for incorporating a “spirit of play” in his works.

About the Instructor: Leilani Smith is a 2022 SVA Artist in Residence.  “If my artistic journey had followed a straight path, I wouldn’t be nearly this interesting,” Leilani Smith says, “I consider myself a work of art.”  Her artistic path has wound through a maze of life experiences that flavor her art today.  Through her contemporary studio art jewelry, Smith seeks to make bold design choices embodying relevant spiritual, social and cultural themes….and sometimes she just plays with metal! Follow her on Instagram

SCHEDULE September 9th-11th

9/9 Friday evening (5:30 – 8:30 pm) – We will learn about safety as well as our tools and materials.  This evening will include a basic introduction to metal properties and the wire jewelry art work of Alexander Calder.  Our focus will be on smaller gauge wire and the demonstration will cover the use of hand tools for basic bending, curving and hammering techniques needed to make neck pieces, hair barrettes, rings, cuff bracelets, earrings, brooches, etc.  Students will have approximately two hours to pursue projects of their choice and design. 

9/10 Saturday afternoon (3:00 – 6:00 pm) – Class will resume with a look at the challenges of working with thicker gauge metals.  Our afternoon demonstration will go deeper into forming shapes using mallets and mandrels.  Basic annealing, a technique used to soften metal for forming, will be demonstrated.  Students will have approximately two hours to pursue projects of their choice and design. 

9/11 Sunday afternoon (3:00 – 6:00 pm)  – We will look at finishing techniques including filing and sanding.  In today’s demonstration, participants will be shown how to make use of forming jigs and how to make their pieces shine!  We will also discuss jewelry findings and the differences between working in copper and other metals such as sterling silver.  Studio time will enable students to work on individual projects and the final half hour will be used to wear and share the work we have created with each other.

TOOLS PURCHASE LIST

You are required to purchase or gather the following tools and bring them to the workshop (about $50 + Shipping)

• Round nose pliers $6 https://www.thetoolmanonline.com/product-page/round-nose-plier
• Wire nippers $5 https://www.thetoolmanonline.com/product-page/double-flush-cutter
• Flat nose pliers $5 (Buy two, $10) https://www.thetoolmanonline.com/product-page/ergo-flat-nose-plier
• Chasing hammer $10 https://www.thetoolmanonline.com/product-page/chasing-hammer-regular
• Anvil or Bench Block $10  (There is a $3.00 economy option buying from Industrial Metal Supply) https://www.thetoolmanonline.com/product-page/bench-block (3x3-inch)
• rawhide or nylon mallet $10 - $15 https://www.thetoolmanonline.com/product-page/nylon-mallet OR https://www.thetoolmanonline.com/product-page/rawhide-mallet

Nice to Have

• Beads to add to wire designs
• Wet Sandpaper, grades 220 to 600
• Files and micro files
• Mandrels
• Things to wrap wire around  for forming such as rods, handles, etc.

Metal Choice: Saddleback Church will provide copper wire.  If you would like to complete your projects in another metal such as sterling silver, please bring this to class.

We do have some tools in limited supply for group use.  Please contact us if you need tool support or with any other questions