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Metal Magic: Joining Without Heat
Join us for a unique metalsmithing workshop focused on the art of cold connections. In this demo-focused virtual course, you'll learn how to expertly join metal pieces without the use of heat, solder, or welding. Through hands-on instruction and demonstrations, you'll explore various techniques such as riveting, wire wrapping, and using tabs and slots. Discover the creative possibilities of this ancient and accessible metalworking approach, which is ideal for creating intricate designs and adding embellishments to your metalwork.
This course is suitable for beginner and those looking expand their cold working repertoire. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the limitless potential of cold connections!
Beginners are advised to look the materials and tools tab to get a sense for the studio setup required for this course!
Meet the instructor
Alejandra Carrillo-Estrada is a native of the Ciudad Juárez and El Paso U.S.-Mexico border region. In 2009, she acquired a BFA from the University of Texas at El Paso, graduating Cum Laude with concentrations in metalsmithing and sculpture. In 2018, she received her MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
She explores themes related to identity, border culture, and social justice. Conceptually, she focuses on liminality in both geographical and symbolical contexts to approach the semiotics of adornment. Her overall vision is to understand political problems holistically and provide social commentary through the creations of objects, sculptures, performances, and jewelry.
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:
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6"x12" x copper sheet - 22g (Rio Grande)
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6"x12" x copper sheet - 24g - for manual hole punch (Rio Grande)
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12" x copper tubing - 2.9mm (Rio Grande)
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1 x copper wire round - 20g (Rio Grande)
Hand tools:
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1 x round nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x chain nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x flat nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x snips / flush cutters (Rio Grande)
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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 burlife / bee's wax (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)
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1 x rotary tool - flex shaft, micro motor, etc. (Rio Grande)
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1 x set of needle files - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
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1 x center punch (Rio Grande)
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1 x scribe (Rio Grande)
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1 x ring clamp (Rio Grande)
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1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (Rio Grande)
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1 x riveting hammer (Rio Grande)
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1 x steel block / steel surface (Rio Grande)
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1 x small steel ruler (Rio Grande)
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1 x sheet of sand paper - 220 to 600 grits (Amazon)
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1 x calipers (Amazon)
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1 x dividers (Rio Grande)
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1 x steel riveting block - OPTIONAL (Rio Grande)
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1 x assorted drill bits (Rio Grande)
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1 x miter jig vise (Rio Grande)
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1 x hole punch - if drill press / flex shaft not available (Rio Grande)
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1 x dremel drill stand - if drill press / flex shaft not available (Amazon)
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1 x dremel - if drill press / flex shaft not available (Amazon)
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