Nancy Mēgan Corwin teaches traditional and non-traditional chasing and repoussé classes which include the most common approach such as using pine resin pitch as a base for punching sheet metal up from the back (repoussé) and for chasing (detailing and texturing the front surface); and the non-traditional approach of using dies for repetitive forms and outlines.

Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced class descriptions:

1. Chasing and Repoussé — A Modern Approach with a Traditional Base: A beginning class in which students start out learning to use the tools and equipment, such as the pitch bowl and chasing hammer, for chasing and repoussé, while experimenting with the effects of these tools on sheet copper. The traditional approach of lining the front of the metal and punching out from the back is next. Finally the students learn texturing and refining techniques. Making a tool is included in three-day or longer classes only. Beginning classes are process oriented. Resulting pieces are considered samples. Mēgan brings lots of her own samples, finished pieces, and a selection of tools for students to use during class. Recommended textbook: “Chasing and Repoussé: Techniques Ancient and Modern” by Nancy Mēgan Corwin, published by Brynmorgen Press, which can be purchased through Amazon.com and through many jewelry tools and equipment supply companies.

2. Using Dies for Multiples: In this intermediate class the student uses pre-made dies for forming the metal (useful in making multiples in a series or pairs of earrings, etc.); and dies for simple lining.

3. Chasing and Repoussé in Silver: This is an intermediate/advanced class in which the student works exclusively in silver. Students are excepted to bring design ideas to the first class.

4. Gold Keum-boo on Chased and Repoussé Silver Jewelry: One week course only—learn how to apply 24k gold foil using the keum-boo technique to chased and repoussé irregular surfaces. Follow a step-by-step process of making one or two chased and repousse jewelry items in silver, then apply the gold sheet for contrast. The emphasis is on resolving the technical challenge of applying the gold onto a variety of textures and forms. Students will leave with one or two pieces of jewelry and a basic understanding of how the process works including how to problem-solve in your own studio.

UPCOMING CLASSES 2022:

IN PERSON:
January 29 & 30, 2022
Chasing and Repoussé—Form and Texture with Nancy Mēgan Corwin
Boulder Metalsmithing Association
www.bouldermetalsmiths.com

Virtual Two-Part Demonstration Workshop using the Zoom Platform
9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Class Fee: $345 for BoMA members; $375 for non-members

This two-day workshop will introduce students to the exciting processes of chasing and repoussé.
The term repoussé refers to forming sheet metal from the backside with rounded steel, brass, plastic or wood punches to create raised areas on the front side in low to high relief. Chasing refers to detailing the front side of the piece using tools with specific shapes and sharper edges to texture, stamp, undercut and refine the surface. Students will learn traditional (working the metal in pitch—
a pine resin-based material) and non-traditional methods using simple dies. This class is process and skill development focused. Many students turn their samples into finished jewelry and/or non-wearable art.

PREREQUISITES: Basic metalsmithing is helpful. The class is open to those with prior experience in chasing and repoussé as well. MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION HERE

IN PERSON:
February 19–21, 2022 (three days)
Chasing and Repoussé Cuff Bracelets with Nancy Mēgan Corwin
Danaca Design
www.danacadesign.com

In-Studio at Danaca Design
10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Saturday–Monday)
Class Fee: $560

Intermediate chasing and repoussé artists, this class is for you! Learn to make a cuff bracelet in silver, jeweler’s brass or copper. I will share with you the tricks to bending the embossed surface around a wrist without distorting the exciting work you have done. You will go home with a finished piece of jewelry and plenty of information for making more!

I recommend that you bring a few drawings or design ideas that fit the cuff shape with a half inch clearance all around. We do not have a printer in the studio, so you will not be able to print enlarged and decreased versions of these designs in the lab. The designs may be anything you like, but please keep them simple! The goal is to finish the bracelet at the end of class.

PREREQUISITES: beginning chasing and repoussé, soldering (see requirements above).
MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION HERE

VIRTUAL:
February 18 & 25, 2022
Beginning Chasing and Repoussé with Nancy Mēgan Corwin—
Make a piece from beginning to end
Pocosin Arts School of Fine Crafts
www.pocosinarts.org

Virtual Two-Part Demonstration Workshop using the Zoom Platform
3:00 – 5:00 pm ET (two Fridays)
Class Fee: $125

This workshop will introduce students to the exciting and long established processes of chasing and repoussé. The term repoussé refers to forming sheet metal from the backside with rounded steel, brass, plastic or wood punches to create raised areas on the front side in low to high relief. Chasing refers to detailing the front side of the piece using tools with specific shapes and sharper edges to texture, stamp, undercut and refine the surface. Megan will take you through the step-by-step process of creating several versions of a design using these techniques. Each version will have a different textural surface, and an undercut edge which creates the illusion that the design is separate from the background.

RECOMMENDED: basic jewelry/metals experience. MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION HERE

VIRTUAL:
March 4 & 11, 2022
Intermediate Chasing and Repoussé / Die Forming for Repetitive Repoussé
and Unique Chased Textures with Nancy Mēgan Corwin
Pocosin Arts School of Fine Crafts
www.pocosinarts.org

Virtual Two-Part Demonstration Workshop using the Zoom Platform
3:00 – 5:00 pm ET (two Fridays)
Class Fee: $125

Die forming for chasing and repoussé is the process of pressing or hammering metal into a cut-out design in a hard, resistant material. The result is a puffed-out shape that can be repeated many times. The die is then flipped over, filled with pitch, and chased from the other side for making uniquely textured and designed hollow forms, multiples and mirror image designs. The main die material we will be using is a non-toxic PVC that is easy to cut and can be hammered without cracking. Using a hydraulic press and acrylic dies will also be covered.

There will be a lot of instruction in chasing the resulting die-hammered forms, including making finished pieces. MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION HERE