Online Workshop. Steel Crash Course by Sandra Salaices

This class will be fast paced covering demonstrations of the fundamentals of working with mild steel, like silver soldering and welding with an Oxygen/Acetylene Smith Mini Torch. Conversations, tips and instructions of enameling on steel, use of pre-enameled sheet, patinas, and more will also be covered.

All of our online workshops are recorded and, with purchase of the seat in the class, you have access to the recording(s) between workshop sessions as well as for 45 days after the workshop ends.


Class Outline:

• Silver soldering mild steel (to itself and non-ferrous metals).
• Forming and annealing steel.
• Welding/fusing mild steel wire with a Smith Mini Torch (Oxygen/acetylene).
• Advantages of using steel for jewelry.
• How to enamel on steel.
• How to use a sprayer with a compressor for enameling.
• Patinas and finishes for steel.

When: 17 and 24 May 2024
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Cost: 145.00 US dollars


Outcomes: 

• In this class, participants will learn a variety of ways to incorporate steel into their work and become familiar with the advantages and possibilities of working with this versatile material.
• Students who experiment in between sessions and apply the techniques shown during the first class will receive guidance based on their specific needs during the last session.
• Students will have the necessary information to start experimenting with enameling on mild steel.
• Students will feel confident working with steel in their studios and will know how to finish a piece to a high standard.

There will be a Facebook group for students who wish to participate where they can post their progress and specific questions.
*Knowledge of basic metalsmithing skills is required to make the most out of this class.


About Sandra Salaices:
Sandra Salaices holds a BFA in Jewelry and Ceramics from The University of Texas at El Paso. She was the Artist-in-Residence at Southwest School of Art from 2017-2018 where she taught and kept a full-time studio practice. She founded her own studio in 2018 and now works and lives in México. She has taught at institutions such as Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, The University of Texas at El Paso, the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, MX, and virtually at Metalwerx and Pocosin Arts.


>> More information about the workshop and the Materials List HERE