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Texture Development and Tool Making

In this virtual workshop students will focus on a variety of different ways that texture can be created both on the surface of metal and in a 3-D format which offers physical and visual depth. Come explore the attributes of carbon steel with Jesse Bert, and see how it can be used to manifest dynamic hand tools with easy, straightforward applications.

In addition to covering more traditional styles of tools artisans and jewelers have implemented for generations, the instructor will explain and demo less common tools, while imparting the value of exploring form and design to develop unique, specialized tools that will enhance, embellish, and personalize each metal creation that leaves your bench. The texturing tools in this class will be made by grinding, filing, or cutting with the jewelers saw. During the workshop students will learn a 2-step heat treatment process so that the tools will last a lifetime.

For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page. 

Please read the Materials & Tools tab! 

 

Meet the instructor

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Jesse is a studio artist creating primarily sculptural jewelry which crosses the boundary of mediums by incorporating many different dynamic materials and techniques. In addition he has a strong interest and appreciation for fine hand made tools, spending a good portion of his time creating unique tools and equipment that help give the works distinction with delicate texture and design.   

 

 

Over the past 14 years Jesse has taught metalsmithing and jewelry techniques on a regular basis, to students of all skill levels in his private studio in San Miguel, as well as annual workshops in Mexico and other countries around the world.

 

 

 

 

Some recent exhibition venues include: The Palace of Iturbide, Mexico City; The amber Fair Legnica, Poland; The museum of Mining, Pachuca, Mexico; Alchemy 925, Massachusetts; Velvet da Vinci gallery, San Francisco; Museum of Art and Design, New York City.

 

 

 

 

Originally from the U.S, Jesse relocated to Mexico in 2006 after the completion of his MFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from East Carolina University in North Carolina. "When I am not teaching or working on new pieces, I love to be outside. I tend to my bees and cactus collection or spend time exploring the Mexican countryside and hiking in the mountains." 

 

 

Materials & Tools

$40 partial supply kit will be sent to the shipping address listed on your Metalwerx account by November 30th. If you register after this date, a kit cannot be sent to you. Please contact us if you reside outside of the US, as your shipping cost may differ and may need to be expedited.

Unless you already own most of these items, the kit is highly recommended as you cannot order the prepped quantities reflected below through other vendors. Kit includes the following items:

  • 1 x 3"x3" x oil-hardening O1 tool steel - 1/32" (McMaster)
  • 4 x 4" square stock W1 tool steel bar - 3/16" (McMaster)
  • 1 x 4"x6" x copper sheet - 20g (Rio Grande or Contenti)
  • 2 x 4"x6" x copper sheet - 26g (Rio Grande)
  • 3 x drill bit - #55 or 0.052" (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x shipping

The following supplies will also be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name (in red) 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 strongly encouraged but not required - observers are welcome.

Torch setup:

  • 1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon)
  • 1 x torch - Smith mini, Silversmith, etc. (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
  • 1 x largest torch tip possible (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x Tillman welding gloves - well fitting (Amazon)
  • 1 x tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing

Hand tools:: ​

Other/miscellaneous items: 

  • big thick black Sharpie marker
  • safety glasses
  • apron
  • closed toe shoes
  • dust mask
  • X-acto knife with blades
  • thick paper for pattern making
  • scissors
 

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