August 8-12, at Metalwerx, in Waltham, MA, USA
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/ep7zbo
Learn to use a hammer to transform a straight piece of wire into
jewelry of elegant fluidity. Forging is one of the oldest and most
useful traditional metalsmithing techniques. Forging makes metal
strong and flexible, rendering it an ideal method for making jewelry
and spoons. By combining the design possibilities of forging with
the advantages of Argentium Sterling (AS), students can create
elegant, unique, and strong metalwork that is highly
tarnish-resistant, fire scale free, and can be hardened in a toaster
oven or kiln! The workshop will alternate between demonstrations of
forging and AS techniques with hands-on work-time.
Participants will learn how to hammer comfortably and with control.
Hammers of moderate weight will be used. Note that the forging and
hammering principles taught in the workshop are the same for larger
metalwork and heavier hammers.
The first day begins with a demonstration of basic forging
techniques, and annealing Argentium Sterling. After participants have
had a chance to make samples, fusing will be demonstrated on AS
forged forms, so that forged silver can be granulated, or forged
elements can be neatly fused together. After more hands-on time and
further demos, AS soldering will be demonstrated, allowing
participants to solder AS, or add findings such as posts, bails or
ear wires.
Cynthia Eid has been working with Argentium Sterling since 1999, and
is the author of the Technical Guide to Argentium Sterling for the
Rio Grande jewelry supply company, and several articles about AS,
published by the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG), and Art
Jewelry magazine.
This class is appropriate for students with basic metalsmithing
skills as well as professionals.
Cynthia Eid