Our regular May classes are exploring art with metal all month. We began our month with a metal tooling project using aluminum foil, tacky glue, and shoe polish; and, we're wrapping up our month with continuous line drawings turned into wire sculptures! The challenge in working in three-dimensions is that we have to abide by the laws of gravity!
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So excited to share this project with our budding artists in June! Check it out:
Artists will use sterling silver wire in two gauges to shape a bangle bracelet to the correct size. Once the metal is shaped, we'll use a wire-wrapping and beading technique to fill-in the design. Each artist will make one bracelet over the period of two classes.
Tools used: jeweler's pliers, small anvils, and hammers. A beginners tutorial
The bench block is important for making sure that you have a underlying surface that isn't going to "give" when you hammer on it. In absence of a stamping block, try hammering your washer on smooth concrete. We got our bench blocks from Hobby Lobby for around $11.00. The double-sided tape is optional but it really helped to stabilize the washer on the block; the process was tricky enough without having to worry about the washer sliding around on the block.
Step three: Hammer away. You have to hold the post really-really-really firmly on the washer. And then make sure it doesn't move. And, you have to hit the stamp post squarely and with a decent amount of force. In a perfect world, it only takes ONE strike. Ha!
Step four: Once you have your letters punched, use a sharpie marker to color in the grooves. Wipe the excess marker off so that ONLY the deep grooves of the letters are colored-in. Other Metals projects for kids: |
Orange EaselContent inspired by the artists and art created in our studio. Orange Easel began as a small art studio in my basement and continues to grow and serve our community. Read more about our story here.
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