Walk into the metalsmithing shop and you will find a large variety of hammers and mallets which are used in the shaping and texturing of metal. How do you choose which one you need? In this class we focus on the use and purpose of different hammers and mallets. We will discuss the difference between chasing, planishing, and riveting hammers and learn when to reach for a brass or rawhide mallet.
You will have plenty of hands-on time to experiment with different hammers and techniques and gain experience with how the placement, angle and force of each hammer blow can be used to transform your metal. Metalsmithing tools that are typically used in conjunction with a hammer or mallet, including the disc cutter, dapping and swage blocks, and decorative stamps, also will be introduced with the goal of learning to use them properly and with confidence. With instructor support and guidance as you practice, you will form 2 or 3 copper cuff bracelets from both sheet and wire, cut out copper discs that can be transformed into flat or domed pendants and/or earrings, and use stamps or texturing faces to add patterns and unique finishes.
This class is the second in a new series of classes teaching foundational metalsmithing skills. While each class will be designed to be taken independently, completing the entire series will introduce the student to a core set of knowledge that will serve as a solid foundation for independent work.
Please read our Class Attendee Policy, which includes our cancellation policy, prior to registering.
Location: Downstairs Metalsmithing and Jewelry Shop
Class Size: 3 - 6
Age Group: Adults and Youth 16+
Registration Fee: Non-members $75 Members $67
Non-members will need to sign our General Waiver at the beginning of class if they do not already have one on file. Youth under 18 will need a Youth Waiver signed by a responsible adult party at the start of class.
Materials Fee: $10 payable by cash or check to instructor at time of class for copper sheet and wire in a variety of gauges.
In addition to materials provided in class, students are asked to bring:
- Sketchbook (optional)
- Hair clips or ties, if necessary, to safely pull back longer hair
Instructor: Kristin OhlmannKristin learned the foundations of metalsmithing in courses at RIT’s School for American Craft and the Memorial Art Gallery Creative Workshop, both in Rochester, New York. After a move to New Hampshire, she earned a Post‑Baccalaureate Certificate in Studio Art from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. And, a two week summer session at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts was an especially transformative experience. While at SMFA, Kristin was introduced to enameling and is excited about the recent addition of a kiln at the Makers Mill.
Before pursuing craft, Kristin served as a college physics teaching assistant, practicing instructional skills that now inform her studio teaching. She particularly enjoys thinking about design, the process of handwork, and problem solving - including learning from her mistakes! Her favorite metalsmithing activity, which she finds to be extremely contemplative and relaxing, is using a jeweler’s saw to cut sheet metal. She believes that objects made by hand are special, a conviction she hopes to pass on to her students as they design, iterate, and embrace the challenges along the way.
