Adding dimension to a piece can transform your work. This course is designed to
transform work into sculptural forms. Students will learn seven basic metal manipulation
techniques and then explore how combining them can add dimension and a sculptural
aesthetic to their work.
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 and 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.
Each day will include demos relevant to students chosen projects.
Students will have access to the presented videos for 30 days after the class.
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.
There is no kit for this class. Items in red are required for the class.
If you have trouble obtaining any of the materials listed please let me know immediately: Email me at: lesleyainemckeown@gmail.com
These supplies can be purchased either at Rio Grande, David H. Fell or
Thunderbird Supply.
Materials:
- 24g sterling silver sheet - Dead-Soft, Brushed Finish 4” x 4” Rio Grande - Item No.100124. Note: do not buy Hard sheet or Half Hard sheet or Argentium
- 24g copper sheet 6” x 4” Rio Grande Item No. 132124
- Silver Sheet solder - Hard 2” x 2” Rio # 101702
- Silver Sheet solder - Med 2” x 2” Rio # 101701
- Silver Sheet solder - Easy 2” x 2” Rio # 101200
- Silver Wire Solder - Hard 12” Rio # 101704
- Silver Wire Solder - Med 12” Rio # 101703
- Silver Wire Solder - Easy 12” Rio # 101100
- Sterling Silver 4 X 1mm Rectangle Wire, 12” Dead-Soft Rio Grande Item No. 100541
- Dremel Cut Off wheels - Zoro.co. Item #G2578292
Additional items you will need:
1. 5.5”x 8.5” Sketchbook - ring bound - White unlined paper only. Michaels.com Item # 434735336364720142
2. Mechanical pencil
3. Black fine point drawing pen - Michaels.com Item # 10759518
4. Eraser - Michaels.com Item # 10192256
5. Ruler - Metal - Otto Frei Jeweler’s ruler (super cool!) PART #135.511
6. Black permanent marker -Sharpie. You will need this. Michaels.com Item # 10396737
7. Masking tape
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 - Zoro # G3945657
● 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 Congress Tools, Inc. com
● Sanding Stick - 80 grit soft-core . Nailfilestore.com SKU: 129019
● Hemostats - Harbor Freight PITTSBURGH 5-1/2 in. Locking Clamp Pliers
MASTER SERIES CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICIES
- Once you have enrolled and paid tuition, there are no refunds or credits for Master Series Workshops if you are unable to attend.
- By enrolling in a Master Series 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.
- Check your calendar carefully and choose wisely before enrolling.
- In the event that DJS must cancel the workshop, a refund or credit will be issued.
Lesley Aine McKeown: The Art of Metal Manipulation: Fri-Mon August 14-17,2026
Metalsmithing 1

