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Microfolding and Corrugation - Virtual Workshop

In this live, online workshop, students will learn the process of microfolding from metalsmithing extraordinaire Cynthia Eid! Otherwise known as corrugations, the wavy undulations created by this metal-manipulation method add strength to thin sheets of metal and make it possible to create large, yet light and sturdy, pieces of jewelry. This technique offers endless possibilities for creativity through the explorations of texture and form! A wide variety of derivations and textural possibilities will be demonstrated, including fan-folds, ribbon forms, smocking, confirming and pleating, fold forming, and making microfolded beads. Each demonstration will be followed by in-class work time. This course will be process, technique, and design oriented, rather than project-driven. You will need two video devices connected to Zoom for this course. 

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 until 2:00PM
  • Demonstrations and work time from 2:00PM until 4:30PM

There will be a no-class day between each 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. 

Please read the Materials & Tools tab! 

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

Students will need to have the following materials in preparation for this online workshop. If you do not already have them, a suggested item and/or a vendor from which you can purchase these items has been provided below. Click the vendor name (in red) to be redirected to a page where you can find or choose the item. The quantities you need for each item are listed first. Please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. Please order these materials as soon as possible due to longer than usual turn-around times. We recommend not opening the packaging until the day of the workshop.

You will need a laptop, desktop computer, iPad, or tablet as well as a secondary video devices with a tripod or holder (such as a smart phone) connected to the Zoom meeting, so that the instructor can see and assist you more easily. 

  • 1 x smart phone holder or tripod (Amazon)

Microfolding and forming tools. Note: If you do not want to purchase a microfold brake, please contact the instructor at [email protected] to borrow one. The tool will be mailed to your address and you will need to mail it back or purchase it from the instructor, if you wish to do so. Estimated shipping is $13 to $16 each way. 

You will need to anneal your metal throughout this course. The following supplies will be needed to complete this process successfully. 

  • 1 x fireproof work area - steel baking sheet will work (Amazon)
  • 1 x torch - butane or other (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x butane cartridge - if using butane torch (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x Solderite™ pad - soft (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x copper tongs - for pickle solution (Rio Grande)

Sheet metal will be the main material used in the microfolding process. 

  • 1 x pack of 6"x12" copper sheet - 34 gauge (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x pack of 6"x12" copper sheet - 28 gauge (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x piece of 6"x12" rich lowbrass sheet - 28 gauge (Metalliferous)
  • 1 x piece of medium solder - 30 gauge (Rio Grande)
Students should bring

You will also want to provide the following common items: 

  • safety glasses
  • fan and open window - for ventilation
  • bowl of water - for quenching hot metal (avoid plastic)
  • crock pot with water - for pickle
  • pool chemical (like PH Down), citric acid, or vinegar and salt - for pickle
  • sink or bucket of water - for rinsing after pickling 
  • old towels - to dry metal
  • masking tape
  • hydrogen peroxide (3%) - OPTIONAL
 

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