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Filing Boot Camp
Discover how to fine tune filing skills to gain more control over shaping and finishing metalwork. Strong filing skills make cleaning up minor blemishes or uneven surfaces stress-free. Solder seams will not only fit better but also be stronger and, most importantly, your jewelry will look more refined.
Students will start by filing a pierced pattern on a metal sheet to fine tune the design and clean up the pierced edge. Following this exercise, learn how to use files to carve, form and finish metal to a controlled curve or perfect flat surface, whether working on flat stock or a curved piece. Other skills taught include applying a file finish, using files to better prepare work for polishing, as well as proper file care so they last a long time. Good files are an investment worth making!
The day will be spent creating samples in base metals but the techniques apply to any metal. Extra brass and wax practice pieces will be available for purchase during class. All levels are welcome - from beginners to experienced students.
If you'd like to see more of Andrea's work, please visit her website andreazatarain.com
Meet the instructor
I am a Rhode Island School of Design alumni and have been a custom jewelry designer for over 20 years. I have owned my jewelry business since graduating from Rhode Island School of Design in 1996. I create engagement rings, wedding bands and celebration pieces that become especially meaningful for the wearer. Each piece of jewelry contains a story from the owner’s life.
I was a Senior Critic in the Jewelry and Metalsmithing Department and RISD from 1998 until 2011 where I taught Jewelry Rendering. I continue to teach workshops in the North East at various locations.
Most recently, I started Chris & Andy with my husband. We give studio artists more studio time by providing the services necessary to build a strong small business.
Materials & Tools
A $25 - $30, payable at the workshop to the instructor, includes brass sample shapes ready for filing: rod, sheet and two rings.
- Your file collection
- Metalwerx has saw frames and some ring clamps available to use during class. In addition saw blades are available for purchase as needed, but students are welcome to bring their own if they already have them.
- Saw blades
- Ring Clamp or similar
Recommended File List For Student to Bring
- This is the minimum you should have for the workshop.
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- 6" Half round file, cut 0 (Contenti #230-176-1/0)
- One to three crossing needle files (Contenti #231-613-1/0)
- One to three barette needle files (Contenti #231-613-1/0)
*These needle files are the instructor's bread and butter. If you do not want to invest in all three different cuts (0, 2, 4), start with just one barrette and one crossing needle file in cut 0.
- Ideal list of files to own:
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- 6" Half Round file cut 0 or similar
- 6" Barrette file cut 2 or similar (Contenti #230-116-2)
- three 6.25" Crossing needle files cut 0, 2 and 4 (Contenti #231-613-1/0, #231-613-2, #231-613-4)*
- three 6.25" Barrette needle files 0, 2 and 4 (Contenti #231-611-1/0, #231-611-2, #231-611-4)*
- Other useful needle files IF you have them: Square, triangle and round in cut 2 if you already have them but not indispensable for the workshop. (Contenti carries these as well. The instructor likes the Grobet 6.25" needle files)