Vessel Chasing with Microcrystalline Wax

Using pre-made spun copper vessels this workshop will explore how to embellish the form with designs and textures created using the technique known as chasing, including a variation David calls “hammer chasing”. In place of traditional pitch we will be using a microcrystalline wax, one commonly used in bronze casting. During the course of the workshop we will also cover the basics of making ones own chasing tools, and participants will have the opportunity to make some if they wish to. We will also cover how to finish a vessel edge by soldering on a wire rim.

This workshop will be technique and information oriented rather than project oriented, meaning very few participants actually finish a piece during the time we have. However, everyone should get lots of information about the processes. Considerable time will be spent practicing the techniques while working on our pieces, but due to the labor intensive nature of chasing you shouldn’t expect to complete a piece in class.

In this class there will be one spun copper vessel provided as part of the class cost. If more are available they can be purchased for $35 each.

This workshop is open to all skill levels.

This class is open to students who have already taken the initial vessel chasing workshop. Like the initial workshop we will be working with microcrystalline wax in place of traditional pitch. Students will have the option to explore hammer chasing and/or traditional chasing on their vessels. Material will be on hand for students to make some chasing tools as needed.

This class will NOT have all the long, extremely detailed demos that the initial vessel chasing workshop has. Instead we will have much shorter cursory refresher demos in order to allow most of the time to be spent working on individual pieces with more one on one guidance as the works develop. The class is still technique oriented rather than project oriented. Students are still not likely to finish a piece during class. (Fully chasing a vessel just takes a long time!) Pre-made spun copper vessels will again be available for students to work on.

That metal WILL do your bidding! Learn the basic methods of manipulating copper and other non-ferrous metals. We will be hammering, coaxing, bending, torching and more hammering. This is an ongoing class where beginners start by learning raising, sinking, planishing and progress through increasingly technical skills usually led by artistic whim. Demonstrations will rotate through the class and new skills will be added each month: Urban Metal provides the tools and the know how. You bring your ideas and a willing spirit. Purchase materials in class or bring your own.

Cast leaves, twigs, seeds and anything else mother nature creates that will burn out at 1250F degrees Fahrenheit. All findings for pendants, rings, earrings can be added with wax before casting or soldered on at a later date. Most plastics, woods, papers and fabrics burn away at 1250F degrees leaving very interesting textures on your cast jewelry or small sculpture.

Interested in stretching your artistic imagination? This lost wax casting class will provide a changing variety of projects using found objects. Cast leaves, twigs, seeds, found plastic soldiers, dead scorpions and anything else mother nature or humans create that will burn out at 1250 degrees Fahrenheit. Open for beginners to advanced artists.

This is an ongoing beginning skills class that you can join at any time. The focus covers shaping, sawing, filing, soldering and finishing. You will make.a variety of projects like rings, bracelets, earrings cabochon setting and more while building your jewelry vocabulary. You are signing up for 6 Wednesday evenings and these can be consecutive or non-consecutive (if you need to miss class for some reason).

All tools required are provided for your use in class. Materials are available for purchase during class.

Email info@urbanmetalstudio.com with any questions.

Cast leaves, twigs, seeds and anything else mother nature creates that will burn out at 1250F degrees Fahrenheit. All findings for pendants, rings, earrings can be added with wax before casting or soldered on at a later date. Most plastics, woods, papers and fabrics burn away at 1250F degrees leaving very interesting textures on your cast jewelry or small sculpture.

$75 per hour, by appointment. For appointment times please email info@urbanmetalstudio.com. Please include your contact info with basic details about your project and goals.