This January, I enrolled in a metalsmithing class at Mission College. This class has 3 levels done in 3 semesters and I’m only in the first level. It’s a big time commitment, requiring 2 nights a week at 3 hours per class, but I had to do it because I felt that I really needed to learn at least some of the basics of metalsmithing. I want to learn its advantages and limitations as compared to casting from 3D printed lost wax models. I’d also like to learn lost wax casting, but that won’t happen until the second semester and I might not take that course until next January. Perhaps at the end of this course, I might be able to enhance a piece created using 3D printing by adding some elements such as a bevel set stone.

In any case, I’ve survived the class so far without burning anything down, although I did whack my finger pretty good with a hammer. The first project involved learning annealing, sawing, riveting, and the use of dyes or patina. We each had to make something using the letters of our names and rivet three layers somewhere in the design. My piece isn’t particularly design-y, but it does poke fun at social media. I used brass and copper and the bottom “message icon” piece is dyed. I’m not great at sawing tiny things, as you can see from the letters, but my riveting isn’t bad, at least on the front side!.

Here’s a photo of my finger a few days ago. The next project will involve soldering, so let’s hope nothing more happens to the finger! I really do like this class. If you’re in the Silicon Valley area and want to give metalsmithing a try, check it out!