Last week I told you about the Ghost that haunts the building where I attend Basic Jewelry/Metals class. This week, I want to share with you what we are actually learning.
We will be learning basic metalsmithing techniques to create a simple linked bracelet. At the end of the 6 week course, we should know about annealing, pickling, stamping, drilling, sawing/piercing, filing/sanding, plier usage, and patina.
Annealing, pickling, what kind of class is this? These terms were so foreign to me. So….I listened, watched and I learned. Annealing is the process of softening the metal (copper, nickel, etc.) by heating it with a gas/air torch. Me -- use a torch?? I don’t even like to light the BBQ grill :)
Pickling is the process of cleaning the soot off the torched or dirty metal from the annealing process. Pickle is an acid (Sodium bisulfate). I had no idea!
We also watched the instructor perform some stamping techniques.
My assignment for the week is to design my bracelet link shape – I didn’t know I had to be so creative already! I guess I will have to look on Etsy for some inspiration.
Note: We are starting with a flat rectangular 4 x 2 piece of metal that will somehow be made into what I hope is a really cool bracelet. I chose Nickel to work with because I love everything silver! Wish me luck!
The above picture contains some of the sample pieces that were made in previous classes
This is the annealing process using the gas/air torch
Some of the tools we will be using for stamping
Free to use tool chest!
We will be learning basic metalsmithing techniques to create a simple linked bracelet. At the end of the 6 week course, we should know about annealing, pickling, stamping, drilling, sawing/piercing, filing/sanding, plier usage, and patina.
Annealing, pickling, what kind of class is this? These terms were so foreign to me. So….I listened, watched and I learned. Annealing is the process of softening the metal (copper, nickel, etc.) by heating it with a gas/air torch. Me -- use a torch?? I don’t even like to light the BBQ grill :)
Pickling is the process of cleaning the soot off the torched or dirty metal from the annealing process. Pickle is an acid (Sodium bisulfate). I had no idea!
We also watched the instructor perform some stamping techniques.
My assignment for the week is to design my bracelet link shape – I didn’t know I had to be so creative already! I guess I will have to look on Etsy for some inspiration.
Note: We are starting with a flat rectangular 4 x 2 piece of metal that will somehow be made into what I hope is a really cool bracelet. I chose Nickel to work with because I love everything silver! Wish me luck!
The above picture contains some of the sample pieces that were made in previous classes
This is the annealing process using the gas/air torch
Some of the tools we will be using for stamping
Free to use tool chest!
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