Eric Burris - Master Series 2017 Workshops - Denver School of Metal Arts

Mokume Gane, or wood grain metal, is a traditional Japanese technique in which two or more different metals are meticulously cleaned, alternately stacked, compressed and heated to a high temperature. The result is the fusing of all layers into a solid block or billet. After thinning, the billet can be made into patterned sheet metal and utilized in jewelry or functional objects.
Through a series of demonstrations, participants in Eric Burris' Masters Series Mokume Gane workshop will learn a low tech, low cost, efficient method in making traditional Fusion Bonded Mokume Gane. Students will learn how to fuse a 15 - 17 layer billet which will then be forged into patterned sheet metal. Eric Burris will instruct the class on how to fabricate a seamless Mokume Gane band ring using the washer method and typically enough material is leftover to make multiple rings or use in other jewelry projects.
In Advanced Mokume Gane Patterning, students will focus on patterning using pre-made copper/brass/nickel silver billets. There are endless possibilities when making a piece of patterned Mokume Gane sheet. The shape of the tool often dictates the shape of the final pattern and subtleties in technique will result in a unique piece every time. Participants will learn four different patterning techniques: drill press cutting, flex-shaft carving, bull-nose chiseling and bump/grind. After demos, participants have ample time to practice and then create a final patterned piece with provided copper/silver billets.
For more information on these fantastic Master Series workshops, please check out the Denver School of Metal Arts website at www.metalartschool.com or give the school a call at [phone].