Taught by Guest Instructor Bette Barnett

In this workshop students will learn an innovative new metal fusing technique that was developed by the instructor—Painting with Powdered Metals on Steel. We will take a deep dive into this new approach and learn how to use powdered metals as paint to create colorful hues and shades on steel surfaces. 

You will be able to experiment with a spectrum of colors, textures, and patterns, pushing the boundaries of traditional metalsmithing. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your metalwork and bring your creative visions to life. Enroll now and be among the first to master this exciting new technique! 

WHY STEEL? 

Steel has many practical advantages, not the least of which are cost and accessibility. Steel is strong, malleable, and ductile, making it durable and workable. It is lightweight, making larger pieces of jewelry comfortable. Topping the list of advantages is steel's high melting temperature, which makes it ideal for fusing other metals to it. 

Fusing gold and other non-ferrous metals to steel takes it to another level and results in jewelry that has a modern, urban edge but also feels ancient and rich. As alternative metal, steel has another big advantage—it’s different—and invites you to dare to stand apart and try new things. Steel can serve as a catalyst that opens the floodgates of creativity. 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN 

• Basics of working with steel. Sourcing steel, its characteristics, techniques such as shearing, sawing, forming and soldering steel. 

• Sourcing. All about powdered metals...where to buy them, the metals, alloys and formulas (pure powders, flakes, metal clay, etc.) that are available in powder form and how to grind your own powders. 

• Effects. Understanding how the various powdered metals react when fused to steel. 

• Mixing. How to mix powdered metals “paint” to create your own individual palette of colors and textures. 

• Painting techniques. Painting powdered metals onto steel and fusing them to the surface. Heat and flow control. Troubleshooting. 

• Advanced fusion techniques. How to mix various powdered metals to create alloys both in the “paint” or during the fusion process. 

• Designing. Exploration of design possibilities. 

WORKSHOP STRUCTURE 

Each day will be structured with a combination of instruction, demonstrations, interactive discussion and hands-on work. The instructor will provide individual support and guidance throughout. During the workshop, you will have the guidance and opportunity to produce at least three completed pieces of steel jewelry. Patterns for these pieces will be included in the course handout and you are free to use the patterns or create your own designs. 

SKILL LEVEL 

Students should be comfortable using a torch and should possess basic metal working skills, such as sawing, filing and forming.

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