-
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.
|
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
|
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
|
-
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.
|
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.
|