Forging and Forming Techniques for Jewelry

Students will learn the basics techniques of moving metal in various ways through annealing (heating) and hammering processes. Skills covered will be learning how to forge, taper, and spread copper wire stock to various shapes and how to scroll the material both with pliers and by hammering. Students will also learn some of the basic shapes for fold-forming with a demo on fold-forming leaves, as well as how to construct three-dimensional flower forms out of copper sheet through the hammering process. Some soldering techniques will also be covered within this course. 

The focus of the class is designed to give students a basic understanding of forging and forming techniques to further their advancement of understanding how metal moves, how often to anneal, how to hammer with accuracy and begin creating more three dimensional forms with metal. Students may also work in fine, sterling or Argentium silver if that is their preference.

For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page. 

Please read the Materials & Tools tab!

Meet the instructor

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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 (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.

Metal/raw materials (copper is recommended for practice and you are welcome to get multiple gauges):

*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: KIT-DP-Forging from All Craft is also an option for a forging hammer and medium weight cross peen hammer. Please call All Craft before purchasing to ensure they are in stock. These are shipped out of NYC and are fully dressed.

  • 1 x medium weight cross peen - dressed face (Otto Frei)
  • 1 x heavier forging hammer - dressed face (Otto Frei)

*Note students should have a solid steel block (4x4) and/or a vise with a flat surface to work on. A vise is helpful to mount a bracelet mandrel in, if the student decides to turn some of the projects into cuffs. Scroll work can also be done on this. A rounded steel stake with a slight curve is also acceptable. Anvils are also a great choice.

Soldering setup:

Hand tools:

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
  • circle template
Virtual Course
Tuition
$230.00
Instructor
Deanna Pastel
Level
Basic and above
Pre-requisites
Jewelry 1 skills required
Location
Virtual - Eastern Time Zone
Length
  • 3 days
Schedule
  • January 24, 2025 - February 7, 2025
    Weekly on Friday
    2:00pm – 4:00pm
Class Dates
  • January 24, 2025
  • January 31, 2025
  • February 7, 2025
 

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