Friday, December 10, 2010

What Do I Want To Learn Next?

Okay, so what do I want to learn?  Hmm....that is a toughy.  I am already learning so much in my metal smithing class at East Tennessee State University.  This semester we had to do 3 samples - a perfect cube, a river rock, and a 4-sided pyramid. 

The pyramid had to scored and folded into its shape.  I learned that it is not easy to score brass if you have the wrong tools!  It is not quite finished yet - that is this weekend's project as it is due on Tuesday morning.  The rock shape needs more sanding to remove the excess solder.  These exercises were all about soldering and shaping.

So, now, I would like to learn the art of coloring metals!  Whether by colored pencils, paint, or patinas.  I love colors.  So now we need tutorials on different methods of coloring metal!

Asapdesigns has a beautiful example of colors done on etched metal at:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/58605727/.  Go take a look!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63891695/unisex-copper-foldformed-cuff-free.  This one is colored by the use of flame by WabiBrookStudio.

I also really really really need to learn cold connections better.  I am not very good at it and need more work and instructions.

But the biggest technique I need to learn is designing!!  I look at this:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/9023267/doppler-effect
by Joyfulcrow, and realize that I don't know a thing about designing stuff.  So I will be taking a 2-D class next semester in addition to another metal smithing class.

All in all, I want to learn everything there is to learn about playing with metals. Maybe even welding!