Forged Cuff Bracelet, with Fred Zweig

Forging is one of the oldest and honored methods of shaping metal.  In this class we will explore the plasticity of metal with hammer in hand.  We will also use forging to design fluid shapes which allows us to customize our designs to fit the needs we might have for each wrist size.  We will learn the proper and safe use of a forging hammer to form metal and reduce strain and eliminate soreness through proper grip, body positioning, and movement of hand and wrist. Each student will forge and complete a forged cuff bracelet and make several forged element studies that they can use in their future jewelry designs.

For questions, please contact Jeanne Jerousek @ (520) 837-8244 or email Jeanne.jerousek@tucsonaz.gov

ARTIST BIO

I have been actively working in metal for the last 40 plus years and am constantly amazed at the possibilities of the media.  Plastic and durable, metal can be cast, forged, raised, and drawn into limitless shapes and designs.  Forging and raising are the methods I have chosen to create my artwork.  I like the direct and personal contact with the metal that these techniques allow.  My current body of work includes raised bowls and brooches that involve hand forged elements combined with textured and modified planes of metal.  The surfaces of the metal are textured to give it the quality of stone or the earth.  At times raised plateaus are pushed from behind to provide contrasting polished dots and dimension.  I use the term “Localized Metal Deformation” or LMD to describe this technique. I am also using rivets as decoration in my current work.  My passion for metal and an interest in the earlier craftsmen who have kept metalsmithing alive has led me to study and collect the work of American metalsmiths of the Arts & Crafts Movement.  These understated objects have been my teachers along with the constant flow of books and workshops provided throughout the country.

TOOL LIST

1lb cross pein forging hammer.  Allcraft carries these.

Silicon carbide wet & dry sandpaper (220, 320, 400 grits).

Saw frame and blades. 

Bench pin. 

8” Course half round file. 

8” Mill bastard file. 

Soldering pick 

8” Half round file #4 cut (if you have one)

SUPPLY LIST

12” of 8 gauge round sterling wire. 

24” of 20 gauge round sterling wire. 

12” of 16 gauge round sterling wire. 

2”x6” 20 gauge sterling sheet 

Hard and medium silver solder. 

Cabochon stone 10-15mm 

Fine silver bezel

KIT FEE: NONE