Homemade Patinas
In this demo-focused virtual workshop, you will learn how to create and apply patinas safely using only household products on copper, brass, and silver. Participants will learn to create various patina recipes using common household items such as salt, ammonia, and vinegar. The course will cover the preparation and cleaning of metals, factors influencing patina results such as environment, types of metal, and application methods. A variety of application methods will be explored including brushing, gassing, spraying, wrapping, and burying. Furthermore, we will address the process of sealing patinas once achieved. Additionally, we will discuss incorporating patinas into jewelry designs.
Meet the instructor
Lorena Lazard is a Mexican artist and educator. She studied contemporary jewelry in the USA and holds a Master’s degree in sociology. She is the creator of the school “Atelier Lazard” and also the Coordinator of the Contemporary Jewelry Graduate program at University Centro in Mexico City.
In 2018 was awarded second place at the Latin America Contemporary Jewelry Biennale and in 2021 third place at the FIO Competition in Brazil. Her work has been shown in Schmuck Munich, SOFA Chicago and Sieerad The Netherlands. As well as in various museums and galleries worldwide. Her pieces had been published in Metalsmith and Ornament magazine, and in several books including the 500 Lark books series.
She has participated in various curatorial works including in 2018 co-curating “La Frontera: Encounters Along the Border” at the MAD museum in NYC and in 2024 La Frontera at the Mingei Museum and CECUT México. Since 2024 she is part of the Board of Directors of Art Jewelry Forum.
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 (NOTE metal can be obtained from any distributer, such as Rio Grande, Contenti, Otto Frei, etc.):
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10 x 3x3cm copper squares
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10 x 3x3cm brass squares
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5 x 3x3cm sterling silver squares
Patina items:
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1 x ammonia (Amazon)
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1 x white vineger (Amazon)
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1 x clorox (Amazon)
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1 x copper sulfate crystals (Amazon)
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1 x salt - course (Amazon)
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1 x small plastic jars (Amazon)
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10oz x disposable plastic (Amazon)
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1 x ziplock bags (Amazon)
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1 x green scotch (Amazon)
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1 x plastic measuring spoon (Amazon)
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1 x kitchen mortar (Amazon)
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1 x renaissance wax (Amazon)
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1 x acrylic spray (Amazon)
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1 x spray glass bottles (Amazon)
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1 x tupper ware (Amazon)
Hand tools:
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1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 (Rio Grande)
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1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
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1 x half round hand file - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
Other/miscellaneous items:
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hard work surface
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fan and open window - or ventilation system
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safety glasses
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pencil, Sharpie, notebook
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rags/towels
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Small art paint brush
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Cloth samples
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Recycles chopsticks
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Dry Leaves or/and sawdust
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Recycle milk or juice lids
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Apron
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Gloves
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Duct tape
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Exacto knife
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Sharpie