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Creating and Setting Damascus Steel Cabochons
Pattern welded steel, otherwise known as Damascus steel, is typically used to make all manner of beautifully crafted sharp implements. In this workshop, we will take cut-off sheets of Damascus steel and create stunning cabochons. Students will learn how to cut, grind, shape, and polish high carbon tool steel into cabochons of their own shape and design. Hardening, tempering, and other nitty-gritty elements of steel working will be covered. Stone setting will be touched upon, as well as how to avoid cross-contamination in a jewelry-making studio. At first glance, working with steel can seem daunting if you’re use to non-ferrous metals—however, with a little practice and some patience, it can prove to be a valuable addition to any jeweler’s repertoire. Students can expect to create at least one finished cabochon, or perhaps a finished piece of jewelry.
Meet the instructor
William Vanaria is a Massachusetts based artist with a penchant for oddball materials. His work utilizes traditional metalsmithing techniques and a wide verity of non-traditional materials to produce jewelry which both questions and comments on notions of romanticism, value, fakery, and the hierarchy of materials present within modern day consumer culture. Through his work he pushes for a broader system of value which has been formulated though experience, consideration, and critical thinking.
William received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a concentration in "Jewelry & Metalsmithing" in 2012. Afterwards, he spent time working within the jewelry industry and volunteering as a teacher's assistant for various art institutions. He found that the latter was much more fulfilling, so he went on to further his education within the arts and to pursue a career in teaching. William received his Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts: Dartmouth in 2016; once again with a concentration in "Jewelry & Metalsmithing."
Materials & Tools
There is a $65 materials fee for this workshop that is payable upon registration. The materials kit for this workshop includes 1 pound of damascus steel,various gauges and sizes of sterling silver sheet and wire to set the cabochons, and files and other tools necessary to complete the projects.
- Fine tipped permanent marker
- Sketch book and writing utensil