This is an IN-PERSON workshop at the MAGG Studio. Please plan to arrive no more than 15 minutes early to the class.

Prerequisite

Students taking this class should be comfortable with basic jewelry techniques such as using a hammer, pliers, saw frame, files, etc.  It is recommended but not required that students be comfortable with lighting a torch to anneal metal. 

If you do not have any experience, please contact the instructor to discuss the class before registering.

Introduction to Forging

In this class, students will be introduced to cold forging.  They will gain a strong understanding of how metal moves, work hardening, and the importance of annealing.  They will be introduced to the use of different hammers and how to properly utilize them in relation to various working surfaces, as well as how to intentionally control their manipulation of the metal.  This will include discussion on how to be deliberate in the forms we create and how to get creative with the forms that don’t cooperate.

For our project, we will be manipulating round stock into more complex and interesting forms.  A project will be presented for students to copy but, if desired, they will be allowed to modify the design and make it their own.  Students will leave with confidence to further explore these fun and fascinating techniques at home.

This is a one-day class that will alternate between demonstrations and working time for students to reinforce the techniques introduced.  The information will be technically presented but will also be broken down into simple terms for those that are new to metalsmithing.

The instructor’s goal for this class is for each student to be challenged within their ability and that they each go home with confidence on the topics being presented.