iron AND gOLD MASTER ARTIST
cHRIS nelson
PRESENTS three FABULOUS WORKSHOPS!

Chris Nelson is an internationally recognized studio metal artist who has explored the use of iron and gold in great depth and will now be sharing in a workshop situation all that he has learned in working these seemingly antagonistic metals.  See more about Chris Nelson here..

ferrous MUSINGS/FUSINGS I 
introduction TO fusing
Two Sessions!
September 18-20
or
New Session!
September 22-24, 2015

FERROUS MUSINGS/FUSINGS I is a fast-moving 3-day workshop in iron and gold where we will explore the techniques and materials required to create distinctive ferrous jewelry incorporating one gold alloy fused to iron.

WE WILL BE STUDYING AND EXPLORING:
  • A short introduction to varieties of iron/steel and their properties
  • A brief demo of annealing, hardening, tempering a small chisel.
  • Hand and machine applied textures with chisels/punches, and hammer hand piece.  Instructor will bring small chisels/punches or you might bring your own.
  • A demonstration of Galvanic Salt Water etching process
  • Cold forging, cold forming, hydraulic press forming
  • Productive soldering technique
  • Demo of gold alloying and preparation of gold for fusing.
  • A discussion of productive fluxes for fusing gold to iron.
  • Fusing of one gold alloy by hand with a torch. (Instructor provided gold)
  • Alternative fusing method with mini-kiln
  • A brief demonstration of nunome zougan and inlayed rivets.
  • Finishing processes/Patinas

This is a process/technique driven workshop.  The focus is on gaining information, knowledge, practice and skills in working with iron and fusing gold onto iron.  We will be creating a ring, a cuff, a bangle, or a pendant as a class project.

Advanced beginner to intermediate fabrication skills are mandatory for success in the workshop.  There will be high temperature torch work with the fusing process.  We will primarily be using the Meco Midget and Hoke torches for the gold fusing. 

A tool list will be provided.  Students are encouraged to bring their own basic hand tools.  Tools that are used in silver and gold work can generally be used in working iron.

The required Kit Fee of $75 US covers ferrous metal and specialty tools provided by Chris Nelson. Fine metal casting grain (.25 ozt 24kt gold and .25 ozt fine silver) are to be provided by the student--contact the studio in advance for current pricing if you would like us to have these available for you.

NOTE:  Using scrap gold is not recommended. 
Tool List for both classes
FERROUS MUSINGS/FUSINGS
ADVANCED FUSING WORKSHOP
Dates Changed!
SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2015
FERROUS MUSINGS/FUSINGS Advanced 3 day is for students who have taken the introductory course and want to move their work to the next level by exploring design techniques with more definition and intensity, and create a signature body of work in iron and gold.   
Students are asked to bring a variety of iron/fused gold fabric in desired gauges that they wish to work with.

 The intention of this workshop is to guide students to move their work to the next level, with more definition and intensity of design techniques and possibilities. It is advisable that each student dedicate some time prior to the workshop to visualize and sketch what they would like to create whether it be a bracelet, earring, ring, neckpiece.  Please have two sketches prepared and detailed prior to the workshop.
WE WILL BE STUDYING AND EXPLORING:

  • A brief review of the various techniques learned in FERROUS MUSINGS/FUSINGS.
  • An ongoing discussion about design using iron and fused gold pertinent to each student’s individual style.
  • Demos and practice with layering of various metal elements.
  • In-depth instruction of soldering iron and integrated elements in silver, gold, iron fused with gold, shibuichi, and other metals.
  • Demos of hand forming techniques, including a volumetric ring, a few spiculum forms, micro-raising, and other more complex forms.
  • Construction of stepped bezels, asymmetrical bezels, and other complex bezel construction.
  • Integration of complex bezels into volumetric forms.
  • A complete review of finishing and polishing.
  • Exploration of a variety of alternative patina possibilities.
  • A discussion and critique of each students work at the end of the workshop.
 If you would like to alloy more gold, please bring appropriate pennyweights of fine gold and fine silver with you.   This class is limited to 8 students.