Keum-boo Basics

In this live, virtual workshop students will learn to add high karat gold to fine, Argentium, and sterling silver through the ancient Korean gilding technique of “keum-boo”, a process of applying thin 24k gold to silver using heat and pressure. Class will focus on learning and practicing the keum-boo method on fine and Argentium silver, and a video demonstration on sterling silver preparation will be incorporated into the course for students who have access to a torch and wish to work with sterling in the future. The keum-boo pieces that students complete in class can easily be turned into finished jewelry.

Class will be held live via Zoom during the designated time frame. A link to the Zoom room will be sent via email. 

Each session will be recorded and you will receive a password protected link to the recordings that expire after 30 days.

Please read the Materials & Tools tab! 

Meet the instructor

photo of

"Growing up, I always was mesmerized by sparkling gemstones and metals and I often incorporate something illuminating into my designs. Whether or not I intricately plan a jewelry piece in advance of producing it or just spontaneously fabricate one as I go along, the result is inevitably something that is unique with a contemporary flair that complements, rather than overwhelms, a wearer. When designing jewelry or other metal work, I always think about whether I would wear it, use it, and/or display it. Anyone who knows me sees a reflection of me in what I design.

I produce fine contemporary jewelry and other metal designs primarily in the precious metals of gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. These are often further defined with the addition of texturing, gemstones and other unique lapidary, or resin inlay. I also manufacture photo-etched metal jewelry and etched cover plates that are attached to journals or are framed--wedding invitations, bar and bat mitzvah invitations, baby announcements, and the like. 

In addition to participating in art shows, sales, and doing commission work, I love providing instruction in jewelry design and metal fabrication.  My work can be seen and purchased at galleries and stores, as well as in my own online store.  Designing and fabricating engagement and wedding bands and other jewelry, often with people's stones, is particularly meaningful to me."

-Wendy Jo

Materials & Tools

The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name (in red) to be redirected to a page where you can find the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is strongly encouraged but not required - observers are welcome.

High karat gold foil will be used for course objectives (Below are multiple options, starting with the best priced. You will only need one piece, roughly 3.5cm x 5cm x 0.013mm thick):

  • 24k gold foil - recommended if in stock (Art Clay World)
  • 24k gold keum-boo foil - second best option (Contenti)
  • keum boo gold foil standard GF-1 - expensive but larger (call Tevel at All Craft)
  • 23.5k yellow gold foil - lower karat and thinner foil (Rio Grande)

Metal/raw materials:

  • 1 x pack .999 rounded rectangle -16x12mm - 24g (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x pack Argentium® silver disc - 11mm or 16mm - 22g (Rio Grande)

Hand tools and equipment:

  • 1 x portable electric coil burner (Amazon) 
  • 1 x bent steel burnisher - required (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x knife tip agate burnisher - optional (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x Blue Heron stainless steel precision tweezers (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x piece of 6"x6" brass sheet - 20g (Rio Grande) 
  • 1 x brass brush (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x copper tong or chopsticks or plastic spoon (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x Joyce Chen scissors or other sharp scissors (Amazon) 
  • 1 x Midas Liver of Sulfur - chunks or gel (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
  • 1 x Renaissance Wax or Krylon Clear Spray (Rio Grande or Amazon)

Other/miscellaneous items:

  • clean work surface
  • crockpot or microwavable glass container - for pickle
  • paper punch / craft mini punches of any shapes
  • acetone or isopropyl alcohol
  • fresh pickle solution - mix 1cup water to 1T citric acid
Virtual Course
Tuition
$150.00
Instructor
Wendy Jo New
Level
All Levels
Pre-requisites
No experience needed
Location
Virtual - Eastern Time Zone
Length
  • 0 days
 

Stay Connected