Engraving is a skill that requires both patience and awareness. In this introductory 6 week course, students will establish a firm understanding of the tools and control that is required for hand-push engraving. We will begin with tool sharpening and graver preparation, then dive into several exercises on flat copperplate. After gaining proficiency in basic cuts, students will be introduced to a selection of ornamental cuts as a way to practice and build a library of their own marks. Methods for holding your work, image making/mark development, design transferring, and general surface finishing techniques will be discussed throughout the duration of the class.
By exploring traditional engraving tools and techniques and looking at their applications within a contemporary practice, students will begin to develop a distinct approach to the techniques, materials, and subject matter of engraving in jewelry. The goal of this course is to help individuals experience intimacy with their work, through repetitive motion and intense focus.
This class is taught by Valerie James whose studio practice involves both hand-push and pneumatic engraving. In addition to her studio practice, Val has taught a variety of jewelry topics, with engraving being her special focus. She usually teaches this topic as a multi-day intensive but we're excited to offer it in a weekly format, allowing the students time in between classes to continue their practice at home.
Students should have prior jewelry experience before registering for this course. They are encouraged to bring their own sketchbooks for notetaking and should expect a small amount of homework week to week.
Class runs on 6 consecutive Tuesdays from November 3rd to December 8th from 6pm-9pm
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IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT THIS CLASS
This class takes a low-tech approach to hand push engraving, using tools and materials you can continue to practice with at home. Because your gravers are custom-fitted to your hand and your toolkit is designed to become part of your ongoing engraving practice, this class includes a separate toolkit fee so that you leave with a customized set of basic hand engraving tools.
The required items are listed below and must be purchased through the studio before the first class. The cost for the complete toolkit is $170
Required:
- GRS Quick Change Collets and Handle
- 120° GRS GlenSteel Graver, RFF Point, 1/8” round shank
- #42 GlenSteel Parallel Flat Graver, 1/8” round shank
- Double Ended Scribe
- 7” Sandbag
- 3M Sanding Sponges Assorted Pack
If you own the last three items and you would prefer to bring them to class please get in touch right after booking and we can remove them from your toolkit fee.
Optional (or use Alloy's/bring your own):
- Curved Burnisher
- Dividers
- Optivisor
- Pink Pearl Eraser
- Scraper
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