-
Image
-
Image
-
Image
-
Image
-
Image
-
Image
-
Image
-
Image
Forging and Forming 101
Forging and forming are processes of moving and manipulating the shape of metals through heating, hammering, pressing, and rolling.
In this demo-focused virtual workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of moving metal using multiple hammering techniques. Skills and demonstrations will focus on how to taper and spread wire stock into various shapes, how to "scroll" wire using both pliers and hammer methods, as well as S forge, paddling, and tapering on both axes.
This course is designed to lay the ground work of core forging and forming principles with intent to further student's understanding of how metal moves, when and how to anneal, hammer blow accuracy, and 3-dimensional forms. Copper is highly recommended for practice and budget, but students may also work in fine, sterling, and Argentium silver.
Meet the instructor
Deanna Pastel was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2010 she received her BFA in Jewelry/Metals from Kent State University. Upon graduating, she was offered a position as a bench jeweler and trainer at Heather B. Moore Inc. in Cleveland, OH. This is where she began fine-tuning her skills in soldering gold, setting stones and hand stamping on silver and high end gold jewelry works.
In 2012 she landed in Austin, TX, and began her career as one of the main teachers and as the studio director/coordinator at Creative Side Jewelry Academy. She spent 2012-2017 developing the school’s core curriculum, while working closely with other master artists and her students.
In 2018 she was granted an apprenticeship to spend two months working alongside artist Victoria Lansford doing macro chasing and repousse, and became a presence both artistically and professionally for the Society of North American Goldsmiths. For the past three years, she has expanded to teaching at multiple schools and colleges around the Austin and San Antonio area providing eclectic and diverse course offerings at all levels of experience. She also continues to work at her bench in her home studio doing commissions, custom and repair work, as well as her personal artworks.
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 to be redirected to a page where you can view 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 not required - observers are welcome.
Metal/raw materials (copper is recommended for practice and you are welcome to get multiple gauges):
-
24" x round copper wire - 4g and 6g (Home Depot) *bracelets
-
24" x round wire copper - 10g (Home Depot) *earrings
Torch setup:
-
1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
-
1 x Solderite™ pad / pan with pumice (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
-
1 x torch - Smith mini, Silversmith, or butane (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
-
1 x #0 or #1 torch tip - if getting Silversmith (Rio Grande)
-
1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (Rio Grande)
-
1 x soldering tweezers (Rio Grande)
-
1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
-
1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (Rio Grande or Amazon)
-
1 x brass bristle brush (Rio Grande)
-
1 x crock pot or lidded glass container (Rio Grande or Amazon)
-
1 x tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing
-
1 x liquid hand soap - for cleaning metal
Hand tools (note that hammer faces should be dressed with rounded edges. Contact Deanna at [email protected] if you are unsure whether your hammers are the right ones for the job. Both hammers can be purchased from All Craft as a kit):
-
1 x snips / flush cutters (Rio Grande)
-
1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
-
1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 (Rio Grande)
-
1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
-
1 x half round hand file - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
-
2 x drill bits - #60 or #55 for earwires (Rio Grande)
-
1 x center punch (Rio Grande)
-
1 x rotary tool - flex shaft, micro motor, etc. (Rio Grande)
-
1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (Rio Grande)
-
1 x 4"x4" min. steel block (Rio Grande)
-
1 x bracelet mandrel (Rio Grande)
-
1 x medium weight cross peen - dressed face (All Craft)
-
1 x heavier forging hammer - dressed face (All Craft)
-
1 x steel surface (Rio Grande or Harbor Freight or Harbor Freight)
Other/miscellaneous items:
-
particulate dust mask
-
fan with open window or ventilation system
-
eye protection
-
sand paper strips - 350 to 600 grits (Amazon)
-
old tooth brush
-
shop rags/towels
-
Sharpie marker(s)
-
ruler