METALSMITHING 1: Piercing, Cleaning, & Finishing

Come join us at our soft-metals studio in MakeIt Labs where you'll learn cutting and finishing techniques for any soft metal, such as: copper, brass, nickel, and sterling silver – foundational techniques for creating any unique jewelry or metalsmithing pieces.

In this in-person workshop, we will be using copper to learn how to pierce a pendant design out of sheet metal, clean up the design, and polish/buff the work. You’ll learn how to:

- Drill out areas to be sawn out

- Set up and use a jeweler’s saw

- The proper way to file and sand your piece

- How to use the polishing and buffing wheels to make your piece truly shine!

When we’re finished, you can either hold onto the piece for another upcoming workshop, or we can turn it into a pendant with the use of a simple jump ring.

Duration:

One class | 3.5 to 4 hours

Included in cost:

· One 2” square of 18g copper sheet (w/ extra for continued practice)

· Consumable class materials, such as saw blades, sandpaper, polishing & buffing compounds, etc.

· PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

· Informational packet to help with your metalsmithing journey!

Class requirements:

None. This class is meant to be a beginner class.

Because these are foundational skills for any kind of metalsmithing project, it is highly recommended that you are comfortable with them before moving on to other projects and future workshops.

What you need to bring:

· You must wear close-toed shoes

· Hair must be tied back, or secured, if it’s longer than a few inches

· It is recommended to wear cotton-based clothes, which you won’t mind getting dirty

· (Optional) Your own PPE such as, safety glasses or a N95 mask (or better)

· (Optional) Leather or cloth apron (you will be getting metal filings/dust on your lap)

Considerations:

*We will be regularly gripping and applying pressure to our tools and pieces. Those with arthritis, might have a difficult time with this, so plan accordingly.

*Minors will have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian

Host or Publisher MakeIt Labs