Contemporary Overlay, with Sam Patania

Traditionally, overlay is where two layers of metal are soldered together, one on top of the other.  The top layer usually has a design cut into it and the back is usually textured to provide contrast to the cutouts of the top layer.  Initially, I wanted to add stones to overlay projects.  My use of overlay was to make frames for stones in cuffs, earrings, and necklaces.  I also wanted to make abstract designs.  And then I began to use more texture, repousse, mixed metals, piercing and dimension to push my ideas of what overlay could be. 

In this class, we will make an overlay cuff bracelet utilizing a number of techniques.  We will begin by sketching—not drawing.  Start with the basic size and shape of the cuff in a flat perspective and then sketch designs into the shape.  Adding stones is another option.

Additional Images:

Image 1

Image 2

Image 3

Image 4

Image 5

ARTIST BIO

Apprenticed to my father when I was 15 years old Attended metalsmithing classes with Mike Croft at University of Arizona 1988-89 Took over operation of family jewelry business 1990  Diamond and Gem ID course at GIA 1999 Tucson Museum of Art Three Generation ,” The Patanias; A Legacy in Silver and Gold” Contemporary Southwest Images XIV: The Stonewall Foundation Series show 1999 where jewelry from Frank Patania, Sr. , Frank Patania , Jr., and Sam Patania were shown. Comprehensive catalog family biography written by Joanne Stuhr of the TMA Inducted into the Smithsonian permanent collection at the Renwick Craft Gallery, Washington DC, 2000, one bracelet from each of the three generations of the Patania family were accepted by Kenneth Trapp the curator in charge for the permanent collection. Article in www.modersilver.com, Patanias, 70 Years of Excellence by Shari Watson Miller, Feb-Mar, 2001 Three generations article in the Smithsonian Magazine, March 2002 Ganoksin Orchid forum 2002 to present, www.ganoksin.com

TOOL LIST

• Saw frame and saw blades    I use 2/0 the most 
• Disc cutters of various shapes 
• Pitch pot 
• Texture punches 
• Repousse punches 
• Ruler 
• Divider 
• Files 
• Safety glasses 
• Paper and pencils 
• Scriber 
• Emory sticks 
• Assorted burrs for texture or cleaning up small areas 
• Templates Stone setting tools 
• Assorted pliers: Minimum 2 pairs flat nose, 1 round nose, and 1 chain nose 
• Hydraulic press tools for forming or cutting that you have  
• In short, please bring any hand tools you usually bring to make jewelry.

SUPPLY LIST: 

Silver, copper, and brass are wonderful metals to mix.  Be aware of the effect overheating has when these metals are combined by soldering.  Sometimes, riveting is a better joining method. Back layer: 6 inches by at least 1 inch cuff backing metal 18-22 gauge Top layer:  same size as back layer if a design is pierced into it or made into smaller elements.  This size ensures you have enough material to complete a design and have scrap from the piercing to make smaller elements.  Other scrap metals can be useful. EZ solder.  I use easy for the complete project, especially if silver, copper or brass are soldered together. Hard solder for bezel seams. 14-16 gauge round wire (Silver, Copper, or Brass) if you plan to use rivets. Stones if you want to include in your design.

Kit Fee and what it includes (if applicable): There is no kit, however I will bring my “Sam’s simple mounts” to purchase if you want to try them.  I will bring mounts for 8,10, or 12 mm round faceted stones and 6x8, 7x9, and 10x12 oval cabochons.  These mounts are made of sterling silver and can be soldered onto your jewelry items.  I will also bring a selection of stones for these mounts if you need some.