Shell-Formed Necklace and Brooches by Cynthia Eid

Level: All Skill Levels
Requirements: Basic Metalsmithing Skills
Program: Summer
Status: Wait List
Length: 5 Days
Tuition: $ 695
Materials: TBA
Date: June 23, 2010 - June 27, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Metalwerx

Explore the infinite possibilities of synclastic and anticlastic forming. These "Shellforming" techniques allow us to create complex three-dimensional structures from a single sheet of metal, beginning with any shape---square or amoeba, round or long-and-thin---and seamlessly combine concave and convex curves.

Students will learn to use a hammer to transform a flat piece of metal into elegant fluidity. Forming makes metal strong and flexible, making it ideal for jewelry, flatware, and vessels. We'll be working on a jewelry scale during this workshop, to save time, but the techniques also apply to larger scales. Synclasting can create domes for brooches, bracelets, bowls, and more. Anticlasting can be used to create open forms for jewelry or sculpture, as well as spiculums. The flexibility of shellforms also allows two metal forms to be fitted together and soldered.

Through methodical hammering, metal is stretched or compressed, changing its form. Participants will learn how to hammer comfortably and with control. Even people hammering for the first time can learn how to be able to hammer for hours at a time. After each demonstration, participants may choose to practice on samples, or to create finished designs. Tools will be available for use during the workshop, and for purchase if desired.

Cynthia Eid has been hammering and forming metal for over 40 years. She is co-writing a book about Shellforming with Betty Helen Longhi. Michael Good will write the forward; the publisher is Tim McCreight's Brynmorgen Press. If you'd like to see more of Cynthia's work, please visit her website www.cynthiaeid.com

This class is appropriate for students with basic metalsmithing skills as well as professionals.

Materials & Tools

There is a required $60 materials fee for this class, payable to instructor at workshop by check or cash. Kit contents include:

Nugold or 220 bronze (or red brass, Jewelers' bronze, or Merlin’s gold----these alloys that are 85-90% copper and 10-15% zinc have many names)

• 26 gauge 6" x 6"
• 24 gauge- two 6" x 12" (or one 12" x 12")
• 22 gauge -6" x 12"
• 20 gauge 6" x 12"

In addition, each student will be provided with a tool kit for use during the workshop which includes hammers and stakes. Students will have the opportunity to purchase the tool kits at the end of the workshop.

Students Should Bring

A Basic tool kit, including:

Please note: Metalwerx has hand tools available for student use, but you might have to share.

• Scissors, ruler, paper, pencil, fine tipped permanent marker (e.g. Sharpie)
• Abrasive paper and sanding sticks
• Files
• Scribe
• (Hand held) metal shears, such as Joyce Chen (available from Allcraft)
• Jeweler's saw
• Saw blades
• Saw blade lubricant or wax
• Pliers, such as flat, round nose, chain nose....flat/half-round and Flat/round
• Dividers
• A shop towel or two---this can be a hand towel, or larger-- to save on paper towels, wrap work up in, etc.
• Dust mask
• Safety glasses
• Closed toed footwear should be worn in the studio for safety (Hot, sharp and/or heavy things tend to be dropped onto toes)
• Any hammers and mallets, plastic, wood, or steel sinusoidal stakes already owned (additional will be provided for use during workshop, and for purchase)

Additional items that students might find useful, and may wish to bring:

• If you know that you tend to work large, or prolifically, you may wish to bring extra metal in the gauges listed above.
• Students may bring Argentium Sterling or traditional sterling silver to work in if they wish to work in silver. Fine silver can be good for small jewelry or if it is to be enameled.
• Apron
• Rubber bands or barrettes to keep long hair away from flames and machinery
• Camera
• Can be handy: tracing paper, graph paper, carbon paper
• Any of your favorite tools that are not listed

Items that will be available for people to purchase:

• Joyce Chen shears
• Hammers
• Stakes

If you are flying to the workshop:

I suggest packing tools and non-precious metals in a toolbox or suitcase that is checked, and place a note on top describing why you are flying with the tools. It can be helpful to include a printout from the website about the workshop.