Small Scale Foldforming for Jewelry with Charles Lewton-Brain

"Small Scale Foldforming for Jewelry: Charles Lewton-Brain: April 27-28, 2024: Register by April 13th, 2024: Presented by MBMAG" Workshop Announcement with photo of a blackened coiled copper form

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
Sat Apr 13, 2024, 11:59 pm PDT

THE IN-PERSON WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD
April 27 – 28, 2024
9:30 am – 5:30 pm

@
Creator Haven, 41B Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076

Charles Lewton-Brain invented fold-forming, and the guild is happy to offer this opportunity to learn from him in-person this Spring in Watsonville, California.

Member price: $410
Non-Member price: $455

The workshop is open to everyone. Join the guild now or renew an expired membership now to take advantage of member pricing.


WORKSHOP DETAILS

Quickly form copper sheet metal into wonderful 3-D shapes and textures from sheets of metal without any soldering.

Learn many low-impact  ways to fold metal in this 2 day workshop. You’ll leave with samples and ideas for further exploration. The workshop focuses on using foldforming methods in a smaller scale, aiming for jewelry making, concentrating on techniques that work for jewelry. You’ll learn the most appropriate foldforming approaches for textures, shapes and designs for small work. Bracelets, brooches and earrings are addressed.

Fold-forming uses sheet material, folds it, works it and then unfolds it. Fold forming is a quick, easily learned way of shaping sheet metal with hand tools. It emphasizes forming using the metal’s characteristics.  Shaping is extremely efficient and rapid (many are 3-7 minutes working time). Tools are simple; fingers, hammers, anvil and mill. Complex relief forms are made from sheets of metal often on one annealing.

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WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT

Safety goggles, but you may bring your own if you wish.

Creator Haven has kits with goldsmith hammers, rubber mallets, and other basic metal tools, and we have an few hammers to share. 

Optional things to bring if you have them, but don’t worry if you don’t have them: chasing tools, especially lining/tracer tools, aviation snips, half round ring forming pliers. We have these to share, but you may want your own. Cheap aviation snips are available for purchase at Harbor Freight.

If you’d like to purchase a forging or raising hammer, please let Pat Evans know via the email address in your registration confirmation email. We will be placing an order for the forging hammers Charles recommends. Price TBD. 


STUDENTS BRING THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT

  • Pens
  • Notebook
  • Camera (phone cameras can work well) for recording samples
  • Ear plugs or ear muffs
  • Hammers and mallets, especially forging and raising hammers.

LUNCH
Please bring your own lunch. We have a refrigerator, microwave and convection oven. We provide coffee and  tea. The refrigerator has filtered water. If you don’t want to bring a lunch, there are fast food restaurants nearby.

ONLINE REGISTRATION
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COVID-19 GUIDELINES
Please review the Creator Haven COVID-19 guidelines for in-person students.
For the health and safety our staff and students, students are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted. All workshop participants are required to agree to and execute the COVID-19 and General Liability releases prior to beginning the workshop.

CANCELLATION POLICY
In the event we have to cancel a class, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.

Cancellations more than two weeks prior to class are refundable less a 5% service fee. Cancellations two weeks or less prior to class are not refundable unless there is a wait list for the class and the seat is filled.

By clicking on the “Buy Now” button and by paying the registration fee, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.

More About Charles Lewton-Brain

Charles Lewton-Brain is a master goldsmith. He trained, studied and worked in Germany, Canada and the United States. Charles Lewton-Brain’s work is concerned with nature and structure. His jewelry and research into compositional systems for metalworking have been published internationally. He invented and disseminated foldforming, a system of working sheet metal new to the field. 

Lewton-Brain has been recognized globally for his art work, and received Canada’s highest honor for Craft, The Saidye Bronfman Governor Generals Award. A distinguished Fellow of the Society of North American Goldsmiths, a member of the Royal Canadian Academy and a Fellow of the Gemological Association of Great Britain, he has lectured and taught in England, Germany, the United States, Canada and Australia. He is a consultant on the jewelry field, and has written expert witness reports regarding health and safety in US legal cases. He co-founded the Ganoksin Project with Dr. Hanuman Aspler in 1996, now the worlds largest educational website for jeweler’s information.  Author of nine books and hundreds of articles, he has taught hundreds of workshops internationally.

Stone Carving at the Bench: Online Workshop with Ryan Gardner

Three examples of what students of the Stone Carving at the Bench workshop will learn: a pendant with glass cabachone with gold leaf inverse bubbles; a ring with a carved purple cabachon and center cabachon, a carved turquoise stone with an inset round diamond, "Oct 28-29, 2023; 10 am - 1 pm"

100% ONLINE
$215 per student

Workshop Cancelled

Gain a new understanding of working with stone and incorporating it into your designs. Learn techniques involved for carving and drilling stones at your bench without large lapidary equipment!

You’ll be shown a number of different diamond bits to achieve a variety of designs and textures in your stones, alter the shape, drill holes, and how to polish those carvings. Ryan will show students the process for creating laminations as well as his technique for applying metal leaf to the carvings.

The workshop will be entirely online through our private Zoom website. Participants agree that they will not share their login information or the post-class video with any non-registered students. For more information on virtual classes, see our Online Workshop Information pageYou will receive a video of the workshop a few days after it ends so you may review the class and practice along with the instructor. The video will be available for 60 days after receipt of the link.

We welcome beginners.

Tools & Materials List (downloadable PDF)

Prerequisites:
Beginners to metalsmithing are welcome!
Access to Zoom meetings via phone, tablet or computer
Workshop participants must be current MBMAG members (Join or Renew NOW)

Our mbmag.org website, and the traffic to and from the website, is encrypted for your security. Note the closed padlock symbol to the left of https://mbmag.org….The “s” in “https” also means the site is secure.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
Midnight PDT on Sunday Oct 15, 2023

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CANCELLATION POLICY

In the event we have to cancel a workshop, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.

Cancellations more than 4 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 6% service fee.

Cancellations more than 2 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 15% service fee.

Cancellations two weeks or less prior to the workshop are not refundable unless there is a wait list for the class and the seat is filled.

By clicking on the “Buy Now” button and by paying the registration fee, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.

About Ryan Gardner

Portrait of workshop instructor, metalsmith Ryan Gardner wearing a striped long sleeve polo shirt

Participation in the arts was always important to me growing up. A strong arts program in high school influenced my decision to pursue a degree in the arts. At Bowling Green State University, I discovered and fell in love with metals. Michael Boyd became an inspiration for me. Upon graduation I apprenticed for Michael Boyd at his studio in Colorado. The experience turned into an eight year adventure that continues today. With Michael I learned to work with and manipulate stone, adding a new element to my love of jewelry design.

I showcase my work in galleries across the country and on Ryan Gardner Designs. I love combining stone and metal in new ways to create works of art for people to enjoy.

Mad Science: Electroforming Workshop by Patty Lakinsmith

Text details for electroforming workshop with instructor name, dates, times, price, # students, and how to register along with an image showing electroformed glass

NEW EXTENDED DEADLINE

Master the basics of copper electroforming, an incredibly versatile technique. Learn the technique to augment work in any media (e.g., metal arts, glass arts, collage, et cetera). The workshop requires no background in electricity or chemistry. We welcome beginners.

LEARN ELECTROFORMING WITHOUT THE INITIAL EQUIPMENT SETUP COST!!

Instructor supplies all tools and materials except those listed below for students to bring. (No kit fee.)

Prerequisites:
Beginners to metalsmithing are welcome!
Access to Zoom meetings via phone, tablet or computer
Workshop participants must be current MBMAG members

June 28, 2023  from 6:30 – 9 PDT:  2.5 hour Zoom meeting covering essentials of electroforming and information you’ll need for the in-person session. Options and instructions for item prep will be covered in the Zoom session. Seal the organic items you will electroform before the in-person session.

July 8, 2023 from  10 – 5 PDT: Hands on electroforming workshop at Patty’s studio near Summit Rd, Los Gatos, CA. Create 2-3 designs of your choice. Troubleshooting, tank maintenance and much more will be taught. You will learn how to make bails and add embellishments such as gemstones. The electroforming process takes 24 hours and arrangements need to be made to pick up the finished pieces.

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SCROLL DOWN FOR WORKSHOP DETAILS

NEW EXTENDED REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
Midnight PDT on Wednesday June 28, 2023

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CANCELLATION POLICY

In the event we have to cancel a workshop, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.

Cancellations more than 4 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 6% service fee.

Cancellations more than 2 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 15% service fee.

Cancellations two weeks or less prior to the workshop are not refundable unless there is a wait list for the class and the seat is filled.

By clicking on the “Buy Now” button and by paying the registration fee, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.

About Patty Lakinsmith

Patty makes pieces inspired by nature for creative women who care about the environment and show their individuality through their jewelry.  She works in torch form glass and often embellishes her designs with electroformed items.

View more of her art at The Glass Acorn

WORKSHOP DETAILS

In the Zoom session

Overview of electroforming with examples of its use in various forms. Patty will show a Powerpoint presentation containing a number of examples in her own art and that of others. You’ll receive a copy of Patty’s Mad Science Electroforming tutorial to consult during and after the workshop. Patty will cover the processes and materials involved in electroforming natural materials such as plant pods, bones, leaves, etc. You’ll learn:

  • the versatility of electroforming
  • various techniques used to get different visual effects
  • the materials you need to electroform, including both electronics hardware as well as chemicals
  • the principles involved in electroforming including safety measures
  • how to set up the electroforming bath
  • what to use for sources of copper
  • how to get various visual effects
  • the steps involved in finishing electroformed items, and the supplies needed

You have 9 days to prep and seal organic items on your own before the in person session, using the detailed instructions you’ve been given with your copy of the tutorial to consult. Options and detailed instructions will be covered in the Zoom session during which questions will be answered.

The in-person session includes learning

  • how to apply the conductive paint and set up and run
  • hands on electroforming of your pre-sealed items
  • troubleshooting along the way when problems are encountered
  • techniques for making metal pendant bails
  • how to incorporate items such as gemstones (natural and synthetic) in an electroformed piece. A limited number of these items will be made available for the students to use

While the pieces are being electroformed, we will discuss

  • materials needed to get started with your own setup
  • sources, costs, and ideas for making some of the chemicals yourself.
  • tank and solution maintenance.
  • how to troubleshoot problems

The class will break for lunch at a mutually convenient time in the middle of the in person workshop. There is a supermarket with an extensive deli and outdoor seating 2 miles away (lunch cost not included in the workshop price).

Avifauna and Flora Cloisonné Enamel and Mason Stain Workshop by Darci Shea Bogdan

call for students announcement with image of a gull in enamel and kelp in silver along with the details for the workshop

June 23 – 25, 2023, 10 am – 5 pm daily
In person Fri – Sun @ Creator Haven in Watsonville, CA

The 3 day in-person workshop taught by guild member Darci Shea Bogdan will focus on guided instruction through the cloisonné enamel process with the addition of optional mason stain and painting enamel application. The theme of the workshop will be Avifauna and Flora, also known as birds and flowers, inspiring the students to use the techniques learned to create aesthetic textures such as feathers, skin, tonal gradients, and more.

3 day workshop
$375 per person covers all 3 days
$75 kit fee paid to instructor on 1st day of workshop
Maximum 10 students

THE WORKSHOP IS FULL

ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAIT LIST TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANY STUDENT CANCELLATIONS

If there is a cancellation, we will contact the people on the Wait List in the order in which they’ve signed up to the Wait List.

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Enamel and Mason Stain Necklace by Darci Shea Bogdan

Avifauna and Flora Workshop Description

Students will be introduced to the classical techniques of cloisonné enamel. Through guided demos and instruction students will learn safety protocols and procedures, basic silver wire bending techniques, and proper tool and kiln use. Students will then be taught enamel washing and disposal, enamel application, optional mason stain and painting enamel application, and final grinding and finishing. Once all students are finished with their pieces, they will participate in a group critique/show and tell.

Designs Due Before Workshop

Students will be required to have 3 designs ready before the class that they will email Darci Shea for pre-approval, one of which will be the final class project. These designs should be emailed to me at the instructor no later than 5 days before the workshop. If students do not want to design their own piece, they may follow the guided design by Darci Shea with the express understanding that they may NOT sell the piece as their own.

Prerequisites:
– Basic metalsmithing skills are required
– Workshop participants must be current MBMAG members

Kit Fee:
A kit fee of $75 is due the first day of class and payable directly to the instructor. Use of tools is included. The $75 kit includes the materials for creating pieces in the workshop.

Please review our COVID-19 guidelines for in-person students:
For the health and safety our staff and students, students are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted. Masks are optional unless you are, or suspect you are, sick in which case you must wear a mask at all times. You will be required to sign Creator Haven’s liability and vaccination certification forms.

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • In the event we have to cancel a workshop, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.
  • Cancellations more than 4 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 6% service fee.
  • Cancellations more than 2 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 15% service fee.
  • Cancellations two weeks or less prior to the workshop are not refundable unless there is a wait list for the class and the seat is filled.
  • By clicking on the “Buy Now” button and by paying the registration fee, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.

Students must be guild members: Join or renew your membership now to register for the workshop.

Guild members are offered seats in the workshop before the dates are announced to the public. Anyone anywhere in the world can join the guild now.

About DARCI SHEA BOGDAN

Darci Shea is an artist and cloisonné enamelist who focuses on creating work that mirrors the majesty and magic of the natural world. With over a decade of maritime experience as a USCG licensed captain and 15 years as a professional illustrator and jewelry designer, Darci Shea has married her two passions to create work that focuses on wildlife, nature, and storytelling.

You can see more of Darci Shea’s original expertly crafted art in the member gallery here on the guild website and on DarciShea.com. See works in progress, Darci Shea’s creation process and finished pieces on Instagram.com/darci_shea

Sea Otter Necklace
Cloisoneé Enamel using Mason Stain
by Darci Shea Bogdan
Darci Shea Bogdan wearing her American Jewelry Design Council José Hess Award Winning Necklace

TOOL & SUPPLY LIST FOR WORKSHOP WITH DARCI SHEA BOGDAN

INSTRUCTOR SUPPLIED TOOLS

Trivets
Glass Brush
Kiln Glasses
Diamond Grinding Pads
Distilled Water
Double Sided Tape
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels

OPTIONAL TOOLS & SUPPLIES
BROUGHT BY EACH STUDENT

Optivisor and/or Glasses
Diamond Grinding Pads
Apron
Masks
Rubber Gloves / Latex or Nitril Gloves
Kiln Glasses

Designs in Woven Metal: Workshop by Jeanie Pratt

"Waiting List" "Designs in Woven Metal" "Jeanie Pratt. graphic for announcing the workshop waiting list

The 4 day workshop taught by guild member Jeanie Pratt has been filled. Click below to add your name to the Waiting List


April 21 – April 24, 2022, 10 am – 6 pm daily @ Creator Haven in Watsonville, CA

4 day workshop
$450 per person covers all 4 days + $70 kit fee paid to instructor on 1st day of workshop
Maximum 7 students

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Designs in Woven Metal Workshop Description

Create pieces of patterned woven metal for adding a special touch to your jewelry designs. Jeanie Pratt will teach you how to weave small sheets of metal from flattened wire in this 4 day workshop. You will be introduced to a variety of different patterns that can be achieved with weave structures that range from a simple over under plain weave to beautiful flowing undulating twill designs.

There are so many fun ways to achieve different effects in weaving, including the weave pattern itself, combining different metals for contrast and varying the widths of the wire used in the weave structure. Students have the opportunity to create a variety of samples.

You’ll learn a variety of weave methods and patterns, how to prepare your metal for weaving, how to set up a metal weaving loom and how to design your own woven patterns. You’ll also learn to form woven metal in a hydraulic press and, to solder the edges of your weaving. We’ll discuss how to incorporate your weaving samples into brooches, pendants, earrings and beads.

Prerequisites:
– Basic metalsmithing skills are required
– Workshop participants must be current MBMAG members

Kit Fee:
A kit fee of $70 is due the first day of class and payable to the instructor. Use of tools is included. The $70 kit includes the materials to get started, as well as a 30+ page handout covering the workshop, resources and inspiration for future weaving.

Please review our COVID-19 guidelines for in-person students.
For the health and safety our staff and students, students are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted and to wear masks in the studio. You will be required to sign Creator Haven’s liability and vaccination certification forms.

Cancellation Policy

  • In the event we have to cancel a class, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.
  • Cancellations more than two weeks prior to class are refundable less a 5% service fee. Cancellations two weeks or less prior to class are not refundable unless there is a wait list for the class and the seat is filled.
  • By clicking on the “Buy Now” button and by paying the registration fee, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.

Students must be guild members: Join or renew your membership now to register for the workshop.

Dear Workshop Participants,
You will receive a Kit which includes ample amounts of copper wire, 10” each of a variety of gauges of flattened sterling silver wire, the “stuff” you need to set up a simple “loom” to weave your wire and an extensive handout with instructions and weave patterns. In addition, there will be soldering supplies available for use. These have been included in the $70.00 kit fee. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Jeanie

About Jeanie Pratt

Jeanie Pratt works as studio artist on the Central Coast of California. She has been a fiber artist since learning to weave in the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 1970’s and more recently has exchanged wire for yarn as the “fiber” of choice. Her metals education can be described as self-directed as she has sought out workshops and classes with a number of distinguished instructors. She has exhibited nationally in galleries, museums and shows. She currently shows at Mobilia Gallery in Cambridge, MA. You can learn more about Jeanie on her website www.jeaniepratt.net.

You can see more of Jeanie’s original intricately and expertly crafted art in her member gallery here on the guild website and on her own website JeaniePratt.net where you can also find a link to her gallery representation or contact her directly.

Ornament Magazine featuring artist member Jeanie Pratt. Cover photo: MBMAG member Carol Holaday
Jeanie Pratt wearing one of her woven and enameled metal creations

Many of the photos of Jeanie’s work in Ornament Magazine were photographed locally with the expert eye of member Carol Holaday. Visit Carol’s member gallery to see photographs of her metal art.

NOTE: Guild members are offered seats in the workshop before the dates are announced to the public. Anyone anywhere in the world can join the guild now.

TOOL & SUPPLY LIST

FOR DESIGNS IN WOVEN METAL WORKSHOP WITH JEANIE PRATT

ARTIST SUPPLIED TOOLS

· Fine brush for applying anti-flux
· Ultra-fine tipped Sharpies in 2 colors (such as black and red)
· Mechanical pencil with .5 mm lead
· Eraser
· Patience
· Sense of humor

SHARED ITEMS AVAILABLE TO USE AT CREATOR HAVEN
BRING YOUR OWN IF YOU WISH

· Soldering pick, brush and tweezers
· Acetone
· Scotch Permanent Double-Sided Tape
· Needle nose pliers
· Wire cutters
· Shears or cheap scissors for cutting thin metal sheet (I like the Joyce Chen Original Unlimited Scissors)
· Digital calipers or wire gauge
· Toothpicks
· Q-tips

OPTIONAL TOOLS & SUPPLIES

· Optivisor
· Honeycomb soldering block (at least 3” x 3”) Rio Item # 502005
· Magnesia Soldering Block 6″ X 3″ X 1.5″ (available at Amazon.com and some jewelry supply stores)
· Leather gloves (for holding wire while flattening)
· Nylon jawed pliers (for straightening wire)
· Simple 1” to 2” hydraulic press acrylic dies (if you want to puff and solder your woven sheet after weaving—some will be available in class to use)

Ornament Magazine Features Jeanie Pratt

Jeanie said “I am thrilled with the article about my life and my work, along with the cover and an Artist Showcase!

We in the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild are thrilled for member Jeanie Pratt! The cover article features her work, tells about her life and is a great read.

The guild and Jeanie are in the process of picking dates for her to teach “Designs in Metal Weaving” as a guild sponsored workshop in early 2022.

Cover photo: MBMAG member Carol Holaday

You can see more of Jeanie’s original intricately and expertly crafted art in her member gallery here on the guild website and on her own website JeaniePratt.net where you can also find a link to her gallery representation or contact her directly.

In the spring of 2021, Jeanie’s work was featured in a one-woman exhibit at Mobilia Gallery

Many of the photos of Jeanie’s work were photographed locally with the expert eye of member Carol Holaday. Visit Carol’s member gallery to see photographs of her metal art.

Visit our Workshops page to check for dates for Jeanie’s upcoming workshop, or sign up for the mailing list to be one of the first to register for the workshop. Guild members are offered seats in the workshop before the dates are announced to the public. Anyone anywhere in the world can join now.

Collecting Jewelry with Jeanie Pratt

Jeanie Pratt collection of bug brooches

Join jeweler and collector Jeanie Pratt as she shows pieces from her extensive collection and the stories behind the individual pieces.

Silvera Jewelry School is hosting a free talk with MBMAG member Jeanie Pratt as part of their Online Event Tuesday series

March 30, 2021 at 2 PM PDT – 3 PM PDT
Price: Free to the public
How: Sign up on the Silvera Jewelry School site via the link below
Duration: 1 hr

Many of us see a piece or jewelry we like and want to bring it home with us; Jeanie has done exactly that and supported many artists from all stages of their careers. As a maker herself, Jeanie brings a unique set of eyes to the idea of developing a jewelry collection- come hear her story and get inspired to start your own collection! If you are unable to attend the live talk, you will receive a link to watch the recording after!

Sign up here to receive email with a Zoom link:
https://www.silverajewelry.com/…/eventID/5129/details.asp#