ANTICLASTIC RAISING | METTE O'CONNOR

ANTICLASTIC RAISING

Course Summary

Join master jeweller Mette O'Connor from Amok Jewellery for a fascinating introduction to the ancient art of anti-clastic raising. In this course, you will learn to transform a flat sheet of silver into a beautiful, three-dimensional flower pendant. Mette guides you through the entire process with a calm and encouraging approach, making this intricate metal-smithing technique accessible and enjoyable.

You will start by designing and cutting your unique floral shape, then discover the magic of shaping metal using hammers and specialised stakes. Mette emphasises an intuitive and organic process, teaching you how to "listen" to the metal as you create curves in two opposite directions. By the end of this workshop, you will have not only a unique piece of jewellery but also a foundational skill in a traditional craft, empowering you to create elegant, sculptural forms from metal.

Course Preview

METTE O'CONNOR | ANTICLASTIC RAISING
€75.00
Every month


✓ Cancel anytime
✓ Over 20 mins of high-quality video
✓ Watch anytime, anywhere
✓ Progress at your own pace

Course FAQ

    • Design & Layout: How to draw and transfer an organic, floral design onto a metal sheet using a marker and scribe.

    • Precision Cutting: The technique of using a jeweler's piercing saw to safely and accurately cut out your metal shape.

    • Preparing the Metal: How to file sharp edges for safety and comfort before the shaping process begins.

    • Adding Decorative Texture: How to use different hammers to create patterned textures on the flat metal before raising.

    • The Core Technique: Anti-Clastic Raising: The process of using hammers and stakes to create smooth, three-dimensional curves in two opposite directions.

    • Shaping & Forming: The methodology of starting with gentle curves and progressively working towards tighter, more dramatic shapes without buckling the metal.

    • Organic Design Refinement: How to twist and adjust the metal by hand and hammer to create a natural, flowing final form.

    • Finishing & Texturing: How to use a scouring pad to create a matte finish that provides contrast and highlights the form.

    • Metal: A thin sheet of silver (0.5mm is ideal) or copper.

    • Design & Cutting Tools:

      • Permanent marker and a scribe (a very pointy needle/awl).

      • Jeweller's piercing saw and blades.

      • A jeweller's bench peg or a piece of wood to cut over.

      • Files for smoothing edges.

    • Shaping Tools:

      • A selection of hammers (e.g., a polished steel hammer for texturing, a plastic/rubber mallet, and a steel hammer for finer shaping).

      • Anti-clastic raising stakes (or any rounded, hard surface like specific anvils).

    • Finishing Touches:

      • An old scouring pad or sandpaper for adding texture.

      • (Optional) Drill and wire for assembling into a pendant.

  • Suitable for all levels.

  • The course is composed of one video, a total of 23 mins. Enjoy the benefit of being able to watch and follow along at your leisure for the duration of your access.

About Our Artists