Metal working
What is it?     What you need     Getting started     Find out more

 

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What is it?

  • There are many different kinds of crafts that involve metal working.  They range from forging and iron founding to silver smithing and jewellery making.  

  • Some metal work is done as part of home maintenance or improvement.  In other cases this is carried out as a creative craft in its own right. 

  • For some crafts, such as jewellery, a wide range of materials other than metal may be used.   

  • As with other crafts, the products of metal working may be exhibited for sale or in competitions, and the activity learnt in free time can lead on to full or part time commercial production.

Find out more

Organisations

British Artist Blacksmiths Association  wuarchive.wustl.edu/edu/arts/metal/News/BABA.html
Bead Society of Great Britain  01638 742024
Guild of Enamellers  0207 636 7014

Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery www.mcsj.co.uk 

 

 

Magazines
We have not managed to identify any magazines that deal specially with metal working.  The following general craft magazines may be of help.

Popular Crafts 
Practical Craft

Getting started

  • Find a local metal working or jewellery group or club (see organisations above).

  • Take a class or course at your local adult education centre.

  • Consult books or magazines on different types of metal working and jewellery.

  • Check in your local library/paper or education centre for more information.

What you need

Skills and people
  • Metal working is a fairly skilled activity but it can be learnt by people of all ages and both sexes. 

  • Metal working can generally be done on your own, and at home providing you have access to the necessary equipment.  

  • Many people join groups or classes to improve their skills and gain stimulus from others.

Equipment or clothing
  • Apart from the basic material and decorative products, heat is often needed for shaping and joining the metal, and special tools may be required for manipulation.  

  • In handling larger items, as in forging, special protective gloves and other clothing may be needed.  

  • The necessary material and equipment may be provided at the class or group to which you go to do these activities.

A place or facilities
  • Small scale metal working, including jewellery and silver smithing can be done at home providing suitable space and heat and tool resistance surfaces are available.   

  • Classes and groups generally work in specially equipped workshops or studios, often in schools or colleges.

Have a go - get started now

 

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