Sweet & Savory Spoons: Forging and Fabrication by Brian Weissman & Erin S. Daily

Let's take a closer look at the wonderful & ubiquitous spoon. In this workshop we will heighten its attributes by designing it for your greatest indulgences - from ice cream to gravy!

In this 2 day course you will learn how to make your very own dessert spoon and small ladle. Two different spoon types will be taught. We will begin by designing a dessert spoon and then sawing out and forming the metal bowl. The handle will be shaped to your specifications and then soldered in place.

The second spoon will use a differently shaped and deeper bowl with the option to pull a small pouring spout. The handle attachment will have its own use considerations, and be forged from bar stock using stakes and hammers and a rolling mill. Through these basic introductions of simple forming and forging a spoon will be created.

Design embellishments such as carving with files and decorative stamping will be covered.
Spoons will be completed with various finishing strategies and polishing.

The shaping and forming of the bowl of the spoon will be taught with the use of mallets and dapping punches in forming blocks. This method is called sinking and is very easy to control to create the desired effect. The edges of the bowl will be filed and sanded smooth.
The handle can incorporate step rolling and speed tapering to be finished with a planishing hammer or files as well as forging and twisting techniques. This element will be fitted to the bowl and soldered.


Techniques: sawing, filing, forming, forging, dapping, planishing, hammering.
Processes: drawing, pattern making, design transfer, working with metal.
Price: $500. Membership Price: $450

Procedures:

• Cut out bowl with jeweler’s saw
• Form bowl by dapping and sinking
• Finish edges with filing and sanding
• Form handle
• Soldering handle to bowl
• Forging & milling

Supply list for kit
- 18 ga sheet 3 x 3” - Sterling silver (possible 6x6”option)
6” 6.5mm square bar - Sterling silver
-or-
6” 1⁄4 square bar - Copper or Brass

- 18 ga sheet 6 x 6” Copper or Bronze

- #2/0 saw blades - 1 pkg.
- Sandpaper - 1 sheet of 220,320,400 & 600
- Sanding sticks
- 6” of hard silver solder wire
- Black square edge silicone wheel and mandrel

Materials - students to bring

• Jewelers saw frame
• Split mandrels and other flex shaft attachments
• Hand files and needle files
• Sketchbook
• Graph paper
• Fine point Sharpie marker
• Closed toe shoes
• Safety glasses
• Hair ties for long hair
• Shop apron
• Shop towel

Optional:
Please bring your favorite spoon for show and tell!

To register, contact jewelrystudiomendocinoartcenter.org



About the Instructor:
Erin Daily: Trained as an artist Erin is engaged in creative practices across disciplines with an emphasis on non-ferrous metalsmithing. Erin’s curiosity about materials and their cultural connections to the made world influences their art practice. Flatware and tools for the table, items that fit in the hand and reevaluate utility, are often subjects for investigation. Traditional goldsmithing practices from alloying, milling, forming and fabrication are worked alongside sculptural explorations in both jewelry and larger format objects. From the physical act of making to that of wearing and handling, Erin finds jewelry and metalsmithing a captivating art form that encompasses their love of metal and interest in the human body’s relationship to objects.
Erin has a great love for colored gemstones and has worked extensively with the Robert Bentley Company. This has fostered an ongoing interest in minerals and the sourcing of precious materials from across the globe. Erin pursues teaching with the same interest and vigor as their investigations into making and showing art. They have taught extensively at schools including 92Y in NYC, University of the Arts in Philadelphia, SUNY New Paltz, Parsons School of Design, and currently at Brooklyn Metal Works. Erin’s artwork has been exhibited internationally and continues to be shown throughout the country. Erin received an MFA in Metal from SUNY New Paltz, and a BFA in Metal from the University of Kansas. Since 2011 Erin co-owns and operates Brooklyn Metal Works and in 2019 opened Specific Gravity.

Brian Weissman: received his MFA in Metal from SUNY New Paltz and his BA in Technical Theater and Art studio from SUNY Geneseo. In the past Brian has taught at the University of the Arts, the 92nd St. Y, SUNY New Paltz, The New England Craft Center and at The Fashion Institute of Technology. Brian’s artwork has been exhibited both nationally and internationally and his work can be seen in Silver Magazine, Metalsmith magazine, 500 Judaica and most recently the 16th Silver Triennial catalog. Brian enjoys working with traditional metalsmithed objects to examine how their socially, politically and culturally inherited meanings and values can be distorted through a constantly changing world. Through these explorations he tries to find the humor and beauty in the objects he creates.


About the Mendocino Art Center:
Nestled on the rugged Northern California coast, the Mendocino Art Center is a historic hub for artists and creatives of all disciplines. With professional studios and sweeping ocean views, it offers an unforgettable setting for focused creative work.