HEAVY METAL PAINTBOX - The Art of Painting with Powdered Metals on Steel
with BETTE BARNETT
In this in-depth workshop you will learn an innovative metal fusing technique—Painting with Powdered Metals on Steel. The technique, which was developed by the instructor, enables you to use non-ferrous powdered metals—gold, silver, copper, bronze, brass—like paint to create colorful hues and shades when fused to steel. You will be able to experiment with a spectrum of colors, textures, and patterns, pushing the boundaries of traditional metalsmithing. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your metalwork and bring your creative visions to life.
Why Steel?
Steel has many practical advantages, not the least of which are cost and accessibility. Steel is strong, malleable, and ductile, making it durable and workable. It is lightweight, making larger pieces of jewelry comfortable. Topping the list of advantages is steel's high melting temperature, which makes it ideal for fusing other metals to it.
Fusing gold and other non-ferrous metals to steel takes it to another level and results in jewelry that has a modern, urban edge but also feels ancient and rich. As alternative metal, steel has another big advantage—it’s different—and invites you to dare to stand apart and try new things. Steel can serve as a catalyst that opens the floodgates of creativity.
What You Will Learn
- Steel as a jewelry metal. Characteristics of steel that make it ideal for jewelry. Sourcing steel, techniques such as shearing, sawing, and soldering steel. Forming steel: scoring and bending, curving edges, ribbons, doming and more.
- Design considerations. Exploration of design possibilities using powdered metals paint.
- Understanding powdered metals. All about powdered metals...where to buy them, the metals, alloys and formulas (pure powders, flakes, metal clay, etc.) that are available in powder form and how to grind your own powders.
- Creating and applying the “paints.” Understanding how the various powdered metals react when fused to steel. How to mix powdered metals “paint” to create your own individual palette of colors and textures. How to create alloys in the “paint.”
- Fusing techniques. Methods for painting powdered metals onto steel and fusing them to the surface. Create alloys during the fusion process. Heat and flow control. Troubleshooting.
- Adding perforated steel and wire. Incorporating perforated steel and wire into your painted powdered metals creations.
- Patinating and sealing. Finishing your painted metals creations with a range of different patinas and sealers.
Workshop Structure
Each day will be structured with a combination of instruction, demonstrations, interactive discussion and hands-on work. The instructor will provide individual support and guidance throughout. During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to produce at least three completed pieces of steel jewelry. Patterns for these pieces will be included in the course handout and you may create your own designs.
Skill Level
Students should be comfortable using a jeweler torch and should possess basic metal working skills, such as sawing, filing and forming.
Class Kit $90 (payable to instructor during class)
- Mild steel—two 6” x 12” 20g, one 6” x 12” 24g
- Perforated steel sheet—two 6”x6” sheets in different patterns
- Steel wire
- Powdered metals copper, white bronze, rose bronze, smart bronze and white brass flakes (substitutions may be made as necessary due to availability)
- Brushes and containers to mix paints
- Yellow ochre powder
- Paste flux
- Wool daubers to apply patinas
- Patinas. Gun Bluing, Japanese Brown, solvent dyes (thinner plus dyes in different colors)
- Shofu wheels for flex shaft.
- Metal Waxes in various colors
- Metal Oils in various colors
- Spray bottles with water (Drug Store)
Student-provided Supplies
If you want to fuse gold powder paint (the holy grail) please purchase one or more of the following:
- Gold wire—any shape, karat, length and hardness. At least one inch of 12-14 gauge. The wire will be used for grinding into a powder for creating paint. Available from Rio Grande. (Estimated cost $40-$100)
- Placer gold flour—alluvial gold that is mined and typically is 18-20k. One gram packets available from Gold Fever Prospecting. (Estimated cost $140)
- Gold powder—available in ½ to one-gram packets from Allcraft. (Estimated cost $160-$300. Yes, it is expensive, but it is drop-dead gorgeous and we will alloy it to maximize the value.)
MASTER SERIES REFUND POLICIES
- Once you have enrolled and paid tuition, there are no refunds or credits issued for Master Class Workshops if you are unable to attend.
- Enrollment in a Master Class is for the registered student only. Tuition is not transferable to another individual and may not be reassigned to another student in the event you are unable to attend.
- By enrolling in a Master Class workshop, you affirm your acceptance of our no refunds policy and represent to us that you possess the appropriate skills to comply with the prerequisites.
- In the event that William Holland School must cancel the workshop, a refund or credit will be issued.
- Master Classes are not eligible for Instructor Free Class, scholarships or Instructor family member pricing.
**MINIMUM OF 6 STUDENTS REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS
