Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Metalsmithing Workshop

Yes, it has been a long long time since I posted.....shame on me. I have been a busy girl. My newest journey in life is a metalsmithing workshop I started January 21st in New Orleans taught by Steven Donnelly. He is an excellent teacher!!!!!
I started metalsmithing 3 years back...but didn't learn much!!! I have worked with
metal in cold connections for the last 2 years. I always wanted to continue with the metalsmithing and the opportunity came up over the Christmas Holidays.
The ladies I go with to New Orleans is Sheila Smith and Chris Goulet. We have loads of fun finding new coffee shops and restaurants in the Marigny community (right on the outskirts of the French Quarters). I truly am learning more about New Orleans.....I think Marigny is New Orleans best kept secret....anyway, this week I will get pictures of the area and post to my blog.

In our workshop we have some ongoing projects to teach us the techniques.....the second project is what I am working on now. It is going to be a 3 layered pendant or broach....haven't decided yet.



I have sketched out a bird on a limb. You will see this on the first photo.....I still have the tracing paper glued to the design.



At this point I have only broken 12 blades....whooooohooo!!!! I might have set a record!!!



In this photo I have completed the second layer.....the cutting anyway. I will need
to file and sand the edges. This top layer is made of 18ga brass. The bottom layer will be made of copper. I will continue to work on this later tonight.....all the layers are suppose to be cut by Friday. Got alot of cutting still to do.

2 comments:

Yolanda M. said...

How exciting learning a new craft! way to go Gerry. Can't wait to see the final piece!

Mary Harding said...

I'm green. You lucky lady. Looks so fun and exciting. Can't wait to see the pics from your jewelry and New Orleans.