Techniques
Wire
Wire actually comes in a variety of shapes - round, half round, square, but for our purposes at PCHS, we use round wire. All wire is classified by gauge - which refers to the thickness of the wire. The larger the number, the thinner the wire; the smaller the number the thicker the wire. The wire used in our studio ranges from 28 gauge - very thin and flexible, all the way up to 6 gauge, very thick and not malleable at all unless properly annealed. Wire can be cut with many different types of tools, but for the cleanest cut, you will want to set up your work space, including your c-clamp and bench pin, and cut your wire with your jeweler's saw, making sure to hold it at a 45 degree angle!
Sheet Metal
Cutting a piece of sheet metal, whether it be copper, silver, brass, or gold is an essential skill for any jeweler. Setting up your work space properly, holding your saw correctly, even the amount of pressure you apply are all essential skills for mastering the art of cutting sheet metal. Check out the video link below for how to do a basic cut and back cut, featuring our very own "Uncle Joe" King!
Metal connecting
Color
Copper in and of itself is beautiful, but many artists are drawn to color. In our Jewelry Studio, there are two ways we can change the color of copper - through patinas and through enameling.
Each of these processes have different skills and techniques required for their success. But they each have one thing in common - they should be the very last step in the creative process. Putting color on a piece of copper is the last finishing touch in the creation of a work of art!