Metal Forming: Leaves and Pods

May 14, 10 am-5 pm.

Learn some basic metal manipulation techniques that will give your metalwork dimension and drama. You will create several pieces that can be made into jewelry or incorporated into other works. You’ll learn how to strike the metal to create different shapes and how to take a flat piece of copper and turn it into a voluminous shape. Our focus will be on creating leaves of different shapes and sizes and pods that range from canoe to curling shapes. You’ll be working in copper, so there are practically limitless options for color on your finished pieces as well. You can use a torch to create a rainbow of color, a chemical dip to create a deep brown or blue color, or shine it up to bright rosy copper.

All materials are provided to make several pendants and one pair of earrings. You will have extra metal to create additional pieces for use as décor or jewelry. $85 MBG Members/$98 Non-Members. Click here to register no later than May 12.

Required tools: cross peen or riveting hammer and steel block. Texture tools, specialty hammers, files, and shears will be shared, but you are welcome to bring them if you have them.  Tools can be purchased directly from the instructor at class time. Please indicate when you sign up for the class if you will need to purchase tools to ensure proper stock.  

• Steel Block: 2.5×2.5 is $12.99; 4×4 is $14.99; 4×6 is $24.99 (any size will work, but 4×4 is the recommended size for most work we do) 
• Hammers: Prices range from $8.99 to $19.99 depending on customer preference. 
• Shears: from $9.99 to $24.99