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Intro to Creative Metal Forming

Explore synclastic forming, anticlastic forming, and spiculums, while learning to hammer comfortably and with control. In this live, virtual course, students will create concave and convex curves to transform a flat piece of metal into elegant fluidity through domed synclasts, saddle-like anticlasts, and tapered tube spiculums. 

Emphasis will be placed on the jewelry scale during this workshop to save time. Demos will be followed by in-class work time, with the instructor available for real-time assistance. Students will need two devices: laptop, desktop, or tablet for watching demos, and phone or tablet camera for instructor to see and help during work time.

Hammers, stakes, metal and other tools will be sent to each student in the form of a materials kit to use during the workshop and may be purchased or returned after the workshop ends. Please read the Materials & Tools tab

This course will consist of three sessions. Each session will consist of the following:

  • Demonstrations and work time from 10:00AM to 12:30PM
  • Off-camera lunch break or independent work time from 12:30PM to 2:00PM
  • Demonstrations and work time from 2:00PM to 4:30PM

There will be one week between each class session to allow students ample time to practice independently or rest. Class will be held live via Zoom during the designated time frames. A link to the Zoom meeting will be sent via email. 

Meet the instructor

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Whether using hammers and stakes, or hydraulic press tools, Cynthia's sculptural jewelry and hollowware shows her focus on exploring the fluidity with which metal can be moved, formed, and joined.

Cynthia Eid co-authored the book Creative Metal Forming, with Betty Helen Longhi, published in 2013 by Tim McCreight's Brynmorgen Press. In his foreword for the book, Michael Good says the authors "have succeeded in assembling the first comprehensive textbook on synclastic and anticlastic forming." (More about the book available at www.creativemetalforming.com.)  

Cynthia and Betty developed a set of anticlastic stakes, and Eid also works with Knew Concepts and Bonny Doon to help make tools for jewelers and metalsmiths. Lee Marshall has dubbed Cynthia Eid "Godmother of the Knew Concept Saws" since it was her idea for him to produce these saws for jewelers.

Excited about working in sterling silver without the problem of firescale, Cynthia has been working with Argentium Silver since 1999. After meeting Peter Johns (the inventor of Argentium Silver) in 2003, Eid has participated in AS's development. Argentium International, Ltd recognizes her as a Pioneer.

Cynthia Eid's metalwork has won awards for creativity and design, been featured in many publications, and been exhibited internationally. With a BS in Art Education and MFA in Jewelry, Design, and Silversmithing, she has previously worked as a bench jeweler for fine goldsmiths, a model-maker in a gold jewelry factory, and on private commissions. Her work is in museums in the US and UK. Currently an independent metalsmith and educator, she teaches weekly classes at Metalwerx in Massachusetts, and workshops and short courses in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Materials & Tools

There is a $533.85 materials kit for this workshop available via AllCraft. You can locate and order the materials by clicking HERE. Kits will be mailed to students through AllCraft.

Students should bring

​​​​​​You will need a laptop, desktop computer, iPad, or tablet as well as a secondary video device with a tripod or holder (such as a smart phone) connected to the Zoom meeting so that the instructor can see and assist you. If you have any questions regarding tools, you can reach Cynthia Eid at [email protected].

Students will be responsible for providing the following common studio items. Some suggested vendors have been linked (click red text):

  • 1 x torch - capable of annealing 2"x6" 22g metal (Cool Tools)

  • 1 x fireproof torch area - steel baking sheets will work (Amazon)

  • 1 x gas for torch - butane if using Blazer Big Shot (Amazon)

  • 1 x soldering board - 12"x12" recommended (Rio Grande)

  • 1 x crockpot - for pickle (Amazon)

  • 1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (Rio Grande or Amazon)

  • 1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)

  • 1 x large bench vise - mounted to sturdy stump or bench (Amazon)

  • 1 x half round file - #2 cut (Rio Grande)

  • 1 x magnifiers - optional as needed (Rio Grande)

  • 1 x half round steel/plastic pliers - optional (Rio Grande)

  • bowl of water - for quenching after annealing

  • ventilation system or fan and open window

  • sink or bucket of water - for rinsing after pickling

  • Scotchbrite pads - for scrubbing metal

  • old towels - to dry metal

  • bolts, screws, or c-clamps for fastening vise 

  • 22g-24g Argentium or sterling silver sheet - optional

  • well fitting gloves - to protect hands - optional

  • hydrogen peroxide (3%) - for pickle solution - optional

 

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