I created my first series of Spirit Protectors during a particularly difficult time in my life and I can’t seem to stop. I absolutely love making these & I would love to share this with you!
On day one of this two day workshop, I will teach you my favorite surface design techniques on metal. We will explore leaf printing, faux etching, texturizing, metal transfers, and I will bring several products that will add solid color to your metal. We will prepare our wooden bases & create cool funky faces for our figures.
On the second day I will share my favorite tips & tricks to achieve balance, contrast & a powerful composition. We will cut up our tin, combine it with the metal that we made on the first day & I will show you how to make beautiful woven pieces out of metal strips. You will learn simple cold connection techniques, no glue here, as well as how to safely & properly operate tools.
Finally we will put it all together to create two figurative assemblages attached to a wooden base.
Each base is approximately 5”x7” which is used for the body only. After adding the head & legs your Spirit Protector can be as large as your imagination can take you!
You will leave with at least one finished piece, however most people complete 2 in this workshop.
No experience necessary, just plan to come & have a blast!
 

Materials Fee $25 cash paid at beginning of class includes:

All hardware, screws, nuts & bolts, nails & wire, paint, glaze, gel medium, clear coat, wax, hanging hardware & most tools.

Supplies Needed  to bring for Class:

Please read the supply list NOW and collect your supplies early. You may have to order some things online, especially the tin, so please allow plenty of time for this. I do not sell extra supplies in class. You may not be able to complete the project in class if you do not bring what is listed on the supply list. If you have trouble finding anything, or if you have any questions, please contact me at least two weeks prior to class at leighannalight@gmail.com.

-2 pieces of wood approximately 4” x 5 1/2” x 1/2”
It can be any kind of wood as long as it is smooth and structurally sound. A rectangular shape is easier to work with than square. I will sometimes find used cutting boards at yard sales that work great for this.
***Please paint your wood with a coat of gesso or white paint.

-TIN SNIPS, Please bring these, which are best for cutting thin metal
http://www.bsueboutiques.com/product-p/tool07900.htm

-Small PHILLIPS HEAD SCREWDRIVER, PH-1

-PLIERS
-FINE TIP SHARPIE that works(!) & A RULER

-EAR PLUGS

-TIN, a variety of sizes & colors. Old, new, plain, printed. I often find cookie tins in thrift stores, antique stores, on ebay & garage sales. I also search online for “vintage tins”. Please bring at least 8 pieces, at least 7 x 6 INCHES, it can be cut flat ahead of time for travel. If you are cutting up whole tins at home, try using a can opener on the bottom of the tin, it makes it much easier to cut. This does not always work, it depends on the tin & sharpness of your can opener.
I will have a small amount of tin to share, Feel free to bring extra to share & trade.

-METAL
2 pieces of brass, 2 pieces of copper & 2 pieces of tin, thin enough to cut with tin snips,
4 x 6 OR larger. You must use must these specific metals or the process will not work, no aluminum please.
Thin brass or sheet metal is available at ACE Hardware, K&S brand...
TIN- http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3693093
BRASS- http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=106613126
COPPER- http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=20974156
K&S measures metal by thickness not gauge and it is listed in the product description before the size. A good thickness is .010. The thickness isn’t super important, you’ll need to be able to cut it with scissors.

-FOUND OBJECTS for arms & legs if you would like to use something other than metal. Please see sample photos for ideas.

-A CHARGED CORDLESS DRILL, CHARGER & 3 tiny drill bits, 1/16”. I will be bringing 2 drills but if it is a large class you might have to wait. We will be using the drill often during the workshop.

OPTIONAL
-A CROP-A-DILE or METAL PUNCH and a & TINY JEWELERS PUNCH if you have one. If not, don’t worry about it.

-STENCILS for Faux Etching, I will have plenty to share but bring your own if you have favorites.