Copper Ornament/Pendant Making (Introduction to Metalsmithing)

Come join us at our soft-metals studio in MakeIt Labs, where you'll learn cutting and finishing techniques for any soft metal, such as: copper, brass, nickel, and sterling silver.

This course is open to adults and children ages 12+ (minors need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).

In this in-person workshop, we will be using copper to learn how to pierce an ornament/pendant design out of sheet metal. This course is designed to give you foundational knowledge in cutting and finishing techniques for any metalsmithing project.

In this course you’ll learn how to:

- Prepare your ornament/pendant to be pierced

- Set up and use a jeweler’s saw to cut intricate designs in sheet metal

- Achieve a professional look through proper use of files and cleaning techniques

- Use the polishing and buffing wheels to make your piece truly shine!

When we’re finished, we'll turn your cut-out design it into an ornament/pendant with the use of a simple jump ring.

Duration:

One class | Approx. 3.5 hrs

Included in cost:

· One 2” square of 18g copper sheet (w/ an extra piece for continued practice, if you choose)

· Consumable class materials, such as saw blades, sandpaper, polishing & buffing compounds, etc.

· PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Class requirements:

None. This class is meant to be a beginner class.

What you need to bring:

· You must wear close-toed shoes

· Hair must be tied back, or secured, if it’s longer than a few inches

· It is recommended to wear cotton-based clothes, which you won’t mind getting dirty

· (Optional) Your own PPE such as, safety glasses or a N95 mask (or better)

· (Optional) Leather or cloth apron (you will be getting metal filings/dust on your lap)

Considerations:

*We will be regularly gripping and applying pressure to our tools and pieces. Those with arthritis, might have a difficult time with this, so plan accordingly.

*Minors will have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian