Posts tagged Metals
Charmed

In this beginner's workshop, we will make a series of small metal charms using a variety of introductory skills, including filing, sawing, surface embellishment, basic soldering, and metal finishing. Each participant will make enough charms by the end of day 3 to participate in a charm swap with the other members of the workshop. Participants will leave with a variety of charms that can be used to make a bracelet that is a souvenir of the experience. Exclusive for beginners.

Corey Ackelmire (she/her) is a metalsmith and educator living in Houston, TX. Her work explores the way objects can recall the emotions of past experiences.

Nathan Dube's (he/him) work explores his interest in childhood and play by exploring the relationship between humor, aggression, masculinity, and how contemporary adult male identity is constructed in American culture.

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Second Skin: Leather Jewelry Wearables

For millennia, humans have supplemented the body by constructing wearable implements that aim to repair, bolster, or enhance the body. Participants will design and construct a new body part, extension, prosthesis, or wearable volume using leather forming and metal fabrication techniques. Through digital fabrication, traditional mold-making, and custom “buck” creation, participants will shape unique leather forms. Basic metalworking, cold connections, and leather-working will be taught as participants create a frame or apparatus to integrate their creations with the body. All levels welcome.

Kerianne Quick (they/she), a nationally recognized jewelry artist and Associate Professor at San Diego State University, creates work exploring migration and the role of objects in memory, with pieces featured in major collections like LACMA and MFA Houston.

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Metal Connections

Explore the art of connecting materials with jewelry and metalsmithing techniques. Using non-ferrous metals like brass, copper, and sterling silver, participants will learn effective methods for fastening and joining components. Discover how to enhance objects with striking metal details, create modular structures, and incorporate alternative materials. This workshop focuses on creative cold connections, such as rivets and tabs, which facilitate disassembly, repairs, and repurposing, and is appropriate for anyone eager to expand their artistic toolkit through metalwork. All levels welcome.

Emily Cobb (she/her) is a jewelry and object maker, designer, educator, and enthusiast.

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Set in Stone

Intaglio carving is the process of cutting into the surface of a stone to create an image. This ancient art is a testament to craft and requires a steady hand and a keen eye. In this workshop, participants will hone their skills as they explore the basics of intaglio carving. Starting with glass cabochons, participants will experiment with simple mark-making as they learn to create their own images. The workshop will conclude with setting techniques to turn your gemstone into jewelry. Previous metalsmithing experience required. Workshop includes considerable precision work expected, and participants should be comfortable sawing, soldering, and using a flex shaft.

Erica Bello (she/they) explores traditional metalsmithing techniques alongside modern jewelry design. The result is in her own immediately recognizable work that falls somewhere between classic and contemporary.

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Multiples for Installation, Jewelry + Objects

This workshop will explore both hand and digital techniques to produce molds and dies, allowing for the reproduction of sheet metal components using the hydraulic press. Basics of hand and digital fabrication will be presented between the Metals Studio and the Haystack Fab Lab. Haystack has a limited number of computers, but it is recommended that participants bring a laptop with Adobe Illustrator. Participants will leave with a combination of dies, experiments, prototypes, small projects, and big ideas. All levels welcome.

Lauren Kalman (she/her) is a visual artist, craft artist, and educator.

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The Bedazzled Form

Form, color, and movement unite in this fabrication and stone setting intensive workshop. Participants will learn the fundamentals of hollow form fabrication and stone setting techniques to produce one-of-a-kind jewelry and small sculptures. The workshop will be structured around a series of demonstrations to learn hollow forming using the hydraulic die press, rectilinear forming, and fabrication methods. From there, a variety of traditional and alternative settings will be used to embellish your forms. Chain, brooch mechanisms, and other kinetic parts will be demonstrated to add movement and function to your pieces. Participants will design and fabricate their own unique, bedazzled objects. Whether you have years of experience or have never touched a rivet hammer, this workshop will enhance the practice of both beginners and seasoned makers. All levels welcome.

Adam Atkinson (they/them) is a metalsmith, curator, and educator.

Everett Hoffman (they/them) is an object maker and light enthusiast.

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The Art of Metal Utensils: Function Meets Sculpture

This workshop combines jewelry-making precision with larger-scale metalworking to craft unique utensils in brass, copper, and steel.Participants will explore design and creation through cold connections, surface finishing, and integrating materials like wood or bone. Guided demonstrations and hands-on experimentation will inspire the transformation of raw materials into functional or sculptural pieces, blending practicality with artistry. All levels welcome.

Erica Moody (she/her) is a metal craftsman with three decades of experience creating finely crafted utensils, tools, and architectural work. Her work blends artistry with function, earning recognition in exhibitions and collaborations worldwide.

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