My Cluster Jewelry Collection is made of small
components. I saw, file, shape and finish each one separately and then put them
together. For some time I'm in doubt on how to streamline and speed up the
production of these components. See examples:
As I saw the description of Jayne Redman's
workshop: "Making Multiples With Blanking
Dies" it occurred to me that this may be the answer
to my problem. To put it in her words: "One-piece blanking dies allow you to easily cut out
precise duplicate shapes from silver, gold and other non-ferrous sheet metals".
One week ago I have attended the workshop: "Blanking
Dies and Pattern Development" with Jayne Redman. It was
co-sponsored by the National Enamellist Guild and the Washington Guild of
Goldsmiths, Washington, D.C. and took place at Washington ArtWorks, located at
Rockville MD.
Before
I relate to the workshop itself, I want to point out that this was an extraordinary
opportunity to see in reality Jayne's jewelry hitherto I saw only in
photographs. The jewelry is more beautiful, delicate and complex than I imagined.
During the 3 days workshop we learned how to develop patterns for
this process and the method of sawing dies from flat stock tool steel. As promised
in the workshop's description Jayne demonstrated her own inventive methods of
forming, connecting, and engineering. She shared generously with all the
information regarding practices, use of various tools and resources for buying
materials and equipment.
 |
| Finished jewelry and blanking dies - all by Jayne Redman |
 |
| Jayne demonstrating working methods |
Next post I will display what I made at the workshop.
Comments
Post a Comment