Micro Shell Forming

Instructors:  Andrea Kennington

                       & Les Bryant

April  6 & 7

10 am – 5 pm

Micro forming techniques are very useful in today’s market due to the rising costs of precious metals. Using specially designed tools, metalsmiths can use thinner gauge materials, yet create voluminous and structurally sound forms using one half the typical amount of metal in a micro format. Students will learn the basics of Micro Shell Forming with NC BLACK Company’s new Micro Forming Tools. Make micro sized spiculums with this new scale hammer and forming block. The sinusoidal stake is well known to metalsmiths as the perfect tool for anticlastic raising, but this new tool is adapted to current metals market applications. The size gives you the ability to make pieces just a mere inch in size as opposed to the typical scale of jewelry. The NC BLACK Team will walk students through the benefits of using this micro set and get them creating small, delicate forms with ease.

Two days. Two Instructors. Maximum of 8 students!  All tools are provided for the workshop.  Just bring a 6”x 6” sheet of Nugold (bronze) and 24 ga copper.

Course #: 12467      Course Fee:  $245.

Andrea Kennington is a master metalsmith, who creates art jewelry and small scale sculptures. She has an M.F.A. from East Carolina University and has studied with many recognized artists including Valentin Yotkov, Steve Midgett, Susan Kingsley and Betty Helen Longhi. She is recognized by the narrative quality of her work, as well as her use of texture, color and fine craftsmanship. www.kenningtondesigns.com

Les Bryant is a master engraver, goldsmith and stone setter who began his engraving career at age 13. Along with Andrea and Chuck Kennington, he formed the NC BLACK specialty tool company. He is an in-demand instructor at numerous professional schools across the United States. www.legraveurdevol.com