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Intro to Chasing and Repousse
Chasing and Repousse is an ancient art form, involving the use of a hammer, steel tools, and a malleable substance called "pitch" to create three-dimensional reliefs on non-ferrous metal surfaces. The process of repousse is using these tools to push from the back, whereas chasing is the process of adding definition to the form from the front.
This virtual class will begin with students learning the chasing and repousse fundamentals, starting with filling a pitch bowl, transferring images onto metal, setting the metal into pitch, and then executing the hammering process with chasing tools to create a simple yet informative design for practice that will be provided prior to class. Once the ground work has been laid, this process can be applied to any project of choice during or after the class sessions.
This class will focus on hammer control as well developing the ability to push the metal back and forth during the chasing process to create additional "lift" and three-dimensionality. The instructor’s chasing and repousse style is a mixture of Eastern and Italian techniques, focusing on organic subject matter. Students who are new to the process or looking to expand their knowledge and skill set are welcome in the course and will have the ability to ask questions and request specific demos.
For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page.
Please read the Materials & Tools tab!
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 instructor has arranged for the following items to be included in $99.95 (+ $15 shipping) materials kit through All Craft. Unless you already own most of the items on the list, this value packed kit is highly recommended, as you cannot order in the small quantities reflected below through other vendors. Click here to order the kit, which includes:
- 2lbs special blend california red pitch (only available at All Craft)
- 5" pitch bow and rubber support pad
- 1.25" chasing hammer
- 1 x straight line chasing tool
- 1 x curved line chasing tool
- 1 x oval embosser chasing tool
- 1 x square planisher chasing tool
Optional chasing tools students may find helpful during or after the class:
- 1 x thin oval embosser - 3/16" and/or 1/8" (SC Studios)
- 1 x tear drop planisher - 3/16" (SC Studios)
- 1 x shallow round embosser - 1/4" (SC Studios)
Students will also want the following items for course objectives. Some suggested vendors have been linked for reference (red text).
- 3"x3" min. x copper sheet - 22g dead soft (Rio Grande)
Torch setup (note any items that get pitch on them cannot be used for soldering):
- 1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, bricks, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
- 1 x torch - MAP gas or standard butane (Home Depot)
- 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
- 1 x tweezers or pliers - old ones that will get pitch on them
Other/miscellaneous items:
- silly putty (Craft Store)
- aviation snips or jewelers saw - to cut metal (Harbor Freight)
- acetone or nail polish remover
- Q-tips and/or paper towels - for applying acetone
- butter knife
- fan and open window, ventilation, or out door area
- pam cooking spray or chapstick
- scratch paper or newspaper (to spray on)