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.

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.

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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Our 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.

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

Save the Date: Evelyn Markasky Class “Enameling Lab: Sharing an Obsession”

Two cut out figures by Evelyn Markasky

We are excited to announce MBMAG’s upcoming workshop: Evelyn Markasky with a 2-day class, Enameling Lab: Sharing an Obsession.

The workshop will be held at Creator Haven in Watsonville and the cost will be $180 plus a $40 kit fee to be paid in class.

Experimenting with different enameling techniques and processes will be the emphasis of this class, having the opportunity to fuse enamel onto copper with both a hand-held torch and the kiln. Alter metal with color and texture using sifted and liquid enamels. Specific techniques include sgraffito, stencils, graphite, foils, how to add images with iron oxide decals, plus some other rather unconventional materials. Whether you are new to enameling or more experienced, you will learn ways to push the limits of your artistic thinking.

Registration will open at 10:00 am on May 18.  We expect this to be a quick sell out, so mark your calendars.

You must be a member of MBMAG to enroll in this workshop. Not a member? Join today!

Alison Antelman Workshop – Feb 3-5 – Registration now open

Alison Antelman workshop

Registration Now Open!
Alison Antelman Workshop
February 3-5, 2017

We are excited to announce Alison Antelman in a 3-day workshop, ‘Engineering Your Way Out”, MBMAG’s first workshop of the year.

Develop your ability to solve jewelry fabrication problems and learn solutions to common design and fabrication challenges. Design and create a hinged bracelet or necklace. Students create a “map” of their project, learn to make irregular shaped bezel settings for unusually shaped stones, add hinges and where to place them for irregular shapes and using stainless steel wire, solder sterling terminations to the steel, add a hook clasp and complete your project.

Antelman workshop image
Click the image to register now

Students are guided through the process along with discussion, case studies and actual examples of problems as well as their solutions. We will explore the interplay of movement and functionality in jewelry and the approach from the wearer’s point of view (ie: does it sit funny on the neck, is it too heavy, does the pendant flop over). The real benefit to this class is learning how to engineer your jewelry projects as you discover solutions to common design and fabrication challenges. Step-by-step handouts are supplied along with samples. Basic fabrication and soldering required. Continue reading “Alison Antelman Workshop – Feb 3-5 – Registration now open”

REGISTER NOW: Nancy LT Hamilton Workshop – June 4-5, 2016

Click on the image to see a brief video about what we will be doing in the June 2016 workshop.

Click on the image to see a brief video about what we will be doing in the June 2016 workshop.
Click on the image to see a brief video about what we will be doing in the June 2016 workshop.

We are excited to announce Nancy LT Hamilton (YouTube Metalsmith Queen), June 4-5, 2016.  The workshop is ‘Riveted Portrait Pendant’, the price has been reduced to $225 plus a small kit fee.  Register now, space is  limited.

Students will learn to permanently transfer photographs or any image onto polymer clay and encapsulate it with rivets between sheets of textured metals. Students will also make a handmade chain for the pendant.

You must be a member of MBMAG to enroll in this workshop.

Need to join MBMAG now MBMAG, or renew your MBMAG membership?  Do it now, and you’ll automatically receive advanced notice of upcoming events, via email announcements with the payment links included.

Sign up Today! Surface, Patterns and Texture at Cabrillo!

A new 8 week class started this week; Surface, Patterns and Texture in the small metals department at Cabrillo, taught by Payson McNett that you haven’t taken yet! We need 7 more students to keep the class from being cancelled. It meets Tuesday/Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. There’s a 3D printer involved 🙂

We have until Friday, January 30 to fill those 7 spots! (Cabrillo Code: ART-40JG-88212 (88212) Surf,patterns & Tex)

Call me today if you’re interested! Tese: 831-600-6732