Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 09/17/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
Art of Metal Manipulation - Lesley Aine McKeown
5-Day Master Series Course
This is a technique based class. This is not a project based class. Students will be
asked to focus on individual expression and design. Demos will be designed to address
each student's integration into their body of work.
Techniques: All of these will be focused on the use of sterling silver.
● Reticulation
● Fusing -
● Fold Forming
● Shell forming
● Hollow forms
● Chasing - wax technique
● Scoring - several techniques
● Surface treatments - Different ways to finish your piece.
● Patina and other colorants
● Settings - bezel, tube a prong setting. As applies to design.
Schedule - This is fluid and will be adapted to the needs of the students.
● Day 1 - Introduction to reticulation, and fusing - video and demo. Class study.
● Day 2 - Foldform, shellforming, scoring and hollow forms - video and demos
● Day 3 - Chasing, hollow forms and other constructions - demo - Class study
● Day 4 - Work on projects - individual assistance - demos as required.
● Day 5 - Patina and finishing - Continued work on projects - Critique
Each day will include demos relevant to students chosen projects.
Students will have access to the presented videos for 30 days after the class.
Class Fee: $0
Skill level - intermediate. Basic Skill requirements - Basic metalsmithing techniques
including sawing, filing and use of a Smith Handi Heet Jeweler’s Torch (acetylene).
*This is a great class for beginners who can solder but want to increase their
metalsmithing skills.
Materials and Tools List:
There is no kit for this class. Items in red are required.
If you have trouble obtaining any of the materials listed above please let me know immediately: Email me at: [email protected]
These supplies can be purchased either at Rio Grande, David H. Fell or Thunderbird Supply.
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Additional items you will need:
TOOLS: (Tools marked in red are required).
All others are suggested and will make the class easier
● QTY: 2 - two by four pine cut off - 2” x 4” x 6”
● Selection of jewelers pliers, snips and shears
● Hammers: ball peen, chasing and raising hammers.
● Cross-lock tweezers
● Files - #2 flat and a variety of others as you choose.
● Sandpaper CUBITRON II - PRO -220 grit -Link
● Scribe
● Scissors
● Sawblades and Frame - blades 03
● Wooden dapping block
● Steel dapping block with pins
● Assorted Foredom wheels (polishing and grinding)Chasing tools if you have them. Not required, but you will need some to do the demo.
● Sanding sticks - Micro Mesh 180 - 240 grit Link
● Sanding Stick - 80 grit soft-core Link
● Hemostats -Link
● Chasing tools if you have them. Not required, but you will need some to do the demo.
Lesley Aine McKeown
Creating jewelry since 1984, Lesley was raised by two professional artists in an artistically rich environment that molded her aesthetic and understanding of design. Her work reflects a dedication to a thoughtful approach to narrative and excellence in craft. Using low-tech traditional metal smithing techniques and tools, each piece is created in Lesley’s studio in the tradition of the American Studio Art Jewelry movement of the 1940’s through the 60’s, which dictates that the work is created entirely in the artist’s studio. Her work is hand fabricated in precious metals of sterling silver, high carat gold, designer cabochons, gemstones and alternative materials.
Please contact William Holland School of Lapidary Arts if you have any questions.