Metalsmithing 101

Last week was the metalsmithing class at Peninsula Art School that I'd been waiting for since spring, when I was lucky enough to have gotten a scholarship for the class, just by being a full time resident of Kewaunee County, can't beat that!  The class was taught by the very competent Sylvia Youell, by clicking on her name & reading that interview you'll get a good idea of who she is.  As stated in the article: "Youell is a stickler for understanding silver, the required tools, and the fundamentals of working with both. Meticulous attention should be given to craftsmanship at all times. To her these are very important aspects of silversmithing and she strives to pass on that importance to her students."  And this is the truth-nothing less than that was going to be accepted from her!  And here she is, listening to a student's question.  You can't help but respect this woman, she's comfortable in her own skin, extremely skilled in her craft, and will settle for nothing but the best from both herself & her students.  My only class experinces have been at Valley Ridge, where we are treated with kid gloves and treated like queens, and who wouldn't love that!  Well, there wasn't much of that in this class, we were there to listen, learn, and create-straight up, no pussy footing around that issue!  Don't get me wrong, we certainly weren't treated badly, just a whole different kind of experience.  And it was good-we made good use of our time in the well equipped classroom, and Sylvia had her hands full trying to stay one step ahead of us and save us from ourselves:)  No time for chit chat, too much too learn and not enough time!Then soldering station was set up so that at least 4 could be soldering at once.  Having never soldered anything before, it was all new to me, at least I didn't have any bad habits to break!  My first attempt I melted the silver a bit, second time around I melted my bezel wire-oops.  Never used a torch before either (obviously!), having gotten carried away with it on those first attempts, then I was afraid to get the flame too close again & couldn't get it hot enough.  Lots of "firsts" for me during this class, my sole experience with metal was drilling some holes in metal a few times.  When we walked in, we were each handed a bench pin/anvil to attach to our station, were handed jewelry saws & blades & instructed as to how to assemble & use them.  If you've ever wondered why jewelers saw blades are sold by the gross, just talk to me, I found out in a hurry!  First assignment-we were given a rectangle of silver sheet & told to draw a design so we could cut out pieces (sawing & piercing) and then reattach them (applique & soldering) into a cohesive design, without wasting a speck of the silver.  But I was still in awe of my surroundings, equipment that I didn't recognize, 2 walls of windows to the ceilings, huge workstations, anything was possible-once you learned how to use it all-details:)  Here-ck this out-- There were 11 of us in class, ranging from students returning for the 4th or 5th times, art teachers, professionals, a 16 year old (who was the most patient, polite, respectful kid I've ever met!), and then there was Gary & I-not knowing a damn thing about anything!  But check out the work that was produced in thay 5 days-amazing!  Everything from rings, bracelets, pins & pendants. Some of my favorite was done by an art teacher from Cedarburg, Patrick Doughman-totally different & unique from the rest of the class and he did it all in only 4 days!  Love the use of mixed metals and subject matter-now why didn't I think of that! And there's the pieces that Gary & I did.  Probably shouldn't show you all, but I will-so I have something to strive for, so I can improve & post something wonderful made out of metal one of these days-one can dream, right?  Mine are the top 2, Gary's the bottom 2.  Nothing spectacular, but a beginning.  Before I went to class, I had never sawed, torched, soldered, pierced, appliqued, made a bezel, set a stone, filed or buffed.  But the most important thing I walked away from was feeling like I learned from one of the best.  The kind of teacher that's full of little tricks of the trade that you only know about if you've done it a gazillion times.  And we got a wonderful first impression of Peninsula Art School, will absolutely take another class from Sylvia and who knows what else.  Get on their mailing list & come visit-it's only an hour drive from here.  And now to switch gears & start thinking about getting ready for Nina's class in a few weeks, and I have a ton to do between now & then!

Comments

[rivergardenstudio]

What a wonderful class you have shared with us. I love your photographs of the class room itself, the tools and the students. You have made me want to take a metalsmithing workshop! And your pieces look great! roxanne

[jes]

Looks like a blast! I could use a class like that myself!! I love all of the treasures everyone produced! HOW COOL!

[Tammy Vitale]

and you got a scholarship! I think I have to move to where you live: the Flying Pig AND scholarships to stuff like this! Your work is awesome - I am so jealous!

[Debbie Overton]

Yes walking into that room may have been overwhelming, and both you and Gary did a great job! I can't wait to see more from you!

[Stephanie St. John]

your pieces look great, especially having never done this before! sounds like you and Gary had a pretty intense week and learn quite a lot.

[leah]

the work you created is beautiful!! way to go! i tried to email you in response to your comment, but the email bounced back to me. no worries, i only wanted to wish you luck on your journey as well! xoxo

[Miz Carla]

Wowee you have been one busy girl! Love the metal pieces you and the G-man made!

Have a little prezzie for you over at my blog.

kiss kiss
C

[Sylvia]

Sue,
Thanks for the plug for the PAS. Students with your enthusiasm are always a pleasure to teach and to get to know. You did a great job as a beginner. Hope you come again.
Sylvia

[Kathy G.]

Great stuff! I LOVE metalsmithing and have been learning now for over 4 years. Thanks for sharing!

Kathy