Beginning Metalsmithing

Here are the first photos of projects completed by beginning metalsmithing students at the Lorton Workhouse. Class is taught by Dana Evans and so far students have completed 4 weeks out of a 9-week schedule. More pictures of projects coming soon!

This gorgeous pendant was completed by Sharon. This project uses the 2 main techniques learned so far- saw use and soldering. She balled up the ends of sterling wire to create the bouquet, soldered it onto a brass sheet which she had textured, and then cut-out the edge to form a lovely scallop design. A ball was soldered onto the bail, holes drilled, and voila! A work of art!

These lovely rings by Susan and Sharon also use the 2 techniques learned so far- sawing and soldering. Each strip of silver was sawn-out using a piercing and sawing technique, and then the ends were soldered together to form a ring. The students also learned how to use a mandrel to round their ring, and used various finishing techniques such as filing, sanding and tumbling to complete their projects.

These projects by Tara show her adeptness at using the jeweler's saw as well as soldering. The pendant was drilled and sawed out and a ring was soldered on to attach to a chain. The toggle was made entirely by hand and rings were soldered to the components for use on a chain.

Monique also used learned techniques in class to create these beautiful projects.The pendant was pierced and sawn out, and then textured using hammers. The toggle was also made entirely by hand, even with the addition of balled ends- using a "third hand" to complete. All the pieces were shined up using a tumbler. This pendant is ready to be strung with its new toggle closure.

Nice job everyone! NEW pictures next week- check back!

More Viking Knit Work

The Viking knit weave seems to be addictive! Ann had some leftover lengths of chain and made them into loop earrings. This is a Viking Knit necklace and earrings to match made by Ann- nice work!

The following chains are the first made by students at the Lorton Workhouse enrolled in Dana Evans' Chain-Making Class. The 5-week class will make: Viking Knit chains, Link chains, and a Folded Loop in Loop chain. Class isn't over yet- so stay tuned for pictures of the final chains soon! These sterling silver Viking Knit chains were started in week 1 (Joan and Barbara's chains). The ladies took the chains-in-progress home and worked on them over the next week to complete the desired length. These bracelet chains were assembled in week 2 and oxidized to bring out the contrast in the weave.


Week 2 of chain-making also included learning how to solder. Students made their own toggle clasps from sterling silver! They then assembled the chain with pre-made endcaps and used wire techniques to attach the toggles.

Weeks 3 and 4 were used perfecting soldering techniques while making some mixed-metal (silver, brass and copper) linked chains. It may look easy- but took many hours to attach and solder new rings onto the growing chain. Joan, Ann, and Barbara's chains are gorgeous!

The students even made their own S-clasps for attaching the 2 ends of chain together.

5th and final week: Folding loop in loop chains- check back for pics!