Reticulated Earrings and samples by Laura Chalifoux

Level: All Skill Levels
Requirements: Comfortable with Torch and Basic Sawing/Filing Skills
Program: Winter
Status: Closed
Length: 1 Days
Tuition: $ 125
Materials: TBA
Date: January 08, 2010 - January 08, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Metalwerx

Silver reticulation is a delightful technique for producing beautiful, organic, rippling textures on the surface of sheet metal. In this one-day workshop, we'll explore the alloys of silver that can be reticulated, methods for creating a layer of fine silver at the surface (depletion gilding), and how to use different heating surfaces and torch manipulation to achieve various affects.

Each student will reticulate their own piece of silver (included in the materials kit); a limited amount of additional silver can be purchased from the instructor. As time allows, students will also explore how to cut out and dap reticulated circles or other shapes that can be used for earrings, pendants, brooches, etc.

Students will receive handouts with a summary of the complete process, including how to use a kiln for depletion gilding, recommended alloys and gauges of silver, a list of suppliers, and resources online and in print.

Students must be comfortable and confident with the torch, and able to use it safely -- reticulation is all about carefully melting and manipulating the surface of metal with heat. Don't worry about finesse; that will come with practice. It's hard to make an ugly piece of reticulation!

Materials & Tools

The estimated cost of $40 for the materials kit is payable at the workshop and includes a good size piece of reticulation silver to take home as well as handouts.

Students should bring:

• Note-taking equipment – your choice
• Optional: Your favorite metalworking tools (files, saw & saw blades, sanding and finishing supplies), if you are interested (and time permits) in turning your reticulated sheet into simple jewelry.
• A sense of discovery and fun