hand engraving - a learning curve (or several)

[Wallace]

I went on a weekend engraving event at 'In the Studio' in Kegworth.

I have loved using my scorpers and gravers ever since I learned to do stone setting the Tony Tigg way. I still use my bull stick, flat, round, and onglette (although the auto correct thinks it should be an omelette) most days for some task or another. Recently I have been using the round one to make lines and curves in metal, but wanted to gain more understanding and control of what I do. I can see the years ahead giving me more learning experiences and in no way will I ever master things, but will be able to enjoy and add to the things I like to make.


I loved the experience and have come away with a new found love of my gravers. Minus a lot of funds, but gained a lot of knowledge on sharpening, polishing and using many gravers. I have a larger collection and still learning different textures. The Tutor was a lively chap called Harry, who was quite firm in his methods. This did pay off as it meant time was not wasted.

this is the result at the end of each day

Attachment 7609Attachment 7610

then there was some post learning at home, making a few sketches with the graver and a trial of an ivy on bark ring the sample of which, went down well with the viewers. I decided to make a whole ring with ivy on it. There is still much to do and much to learn, but it is wonderful to do.

Highly polishing these tools is a new experience and much improved on what I was doing before.

Attachment 7611

[enigma]

Harry is great isn't he? I only got a couple of hours with him, would have loved to do more.
LOVE your pieces! especially the ring, beautiful!

[mizgeorge]

Those are fabulous Wallace - I'm deeply jealous - it's something I'd love to learn to do properly. I might have to start saving some pennies

[caroleallen]

Fantastic work. I really like the ring.

[Wallace]

Harry is great isn't he? I only got a couple of hours with him, would have loved to do more.
LOVE your pieces! especially the ring, beautiful!

thank you for the lovely feedback Sarah. It was a full house of learners, but we all had some plus time - he kept on pushing (pun so intended) to keep going and trying with different tools. I settled on the 60 degree, although loved the 120 and have been using it a little. Terry was fabulous too.

Those are fabulous Wallace - I'm deeply jealous - it's something I'd love to learn to do properly. I might have to start saving some pennies

Thank you, really appreciate your lovely feedback G xx The cost is less on the learning, more on the tools. You know me and GRS

Fantastic work. I really like the ring.

Thank you for the lovely feedback too Carol. I have done a couple of trials to get to that ring, so really am happy it is okay. Have sales on it too, so really, happy.

[Dennis]

You must be really pleased to be well on your way with a new skill Wallace. Look forward to seeing more, Dennis.

[Petal]

Wow, that's gorgeous Wallace, you must be really pleased, especially as its already generated sales too. That's what I love about jewellery, you never stop learning.

[Patstone]

Love the ring, very clever. Would love to own that one.

[Beadjoux]

These are great Wallace, the ring is gorgeous! There is so much to learn and so little time, I do feel overwhelmed sometimes. But isn't it great getting that buzz from doing something new?!

[Tabby66]

What lovely work Wallace!! Glad it's already generated sales for you too