copper foldforming

Can't locate Ferric Chloride

Reneewright — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:05:58 -0500

I have been on the hunt for Ferric Chloride to etch some jewelry pieces. Radio Shack used to carry it. Can anyone tell me where to find some?? Or what else works as well? I was told to use Muric acid, but that is a highly toxic chemical and although I have it, I haven't opened it.

new adventure in fold forming

B.J. Severtson — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:27:05 -0500

Boy it's been a while since I've posted. I do however touch base everyonce in a while. I thought a few of you might be interested in my new adventure. Check it out please.. It contains the only pics of me on the web...Once you get there you'll know where to find me.

fantasy flower

B.J. Severtson — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:59:27 -0500

other side. Form is getting close to "angel trumpet" depth will need to increase depth by 50% Brad

Fantacy Flower

B.J. Severtson — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:44:16 -0500

Today's exploration in deep flower form. Flower is fold-formed from one sheet of copper. measures 6" deep 4" wide. Miracle patina 2

fold formed bowls and vessels

B.J. Severtson — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:22:07 -0600

I'll try to answer some fold forming questions. The process is one where I spend most of my time. What is fold forming? Well to begin with just look at the words fold and forming..gee you could do that with a sheet of paper..people have, they called the process origami..those same cultures also did origami with metal, mostly foils. They folded they formed..origami with metal ignores the properties of the metal and treats the resistance of the metal as an obstacle to be overcome. What if we used the characteristics or properties of metal in the process? When we do that, we are doing what today is known as "fold forming"

"Flower vase"

B.J. Severtson — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:25:53 -0600

"Flower Vase" side view Experiments in form series

Flowers vase top

B.J. Severtson — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:20:14 -0600

Top of "flower vase"

bottom of "flower vase"

B.J. Severtson — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:17:26 -0600

Bottom of "flower vase"

fluted, fold formed, copper, shallow bowl, line folds

B.J. Severtson — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:34:05 -0600

This ten inch bowl is fold formed, the center is press work.

Where can I learn about fold forming?

B.J. Severtson — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:35:37 -0500

Where can I learn about fold forming?
Well you started here. How about staying here a little longer? Many of us here do some fold forming, with a wide variety of results, viva la difference. There is much to learn. Hang on here we go!Over the years I've referred to myself as Artist, Jeweler, metal-smith, craftsman, and goldsmith. I've earned those titles. But always found them to be a bit pretentious, Real conversation killers and not very accurate. There needed to be a better term. I found A name for my career field quite by accident. I am a butterfly farmer. It's a difficult career choice to get ones head around. But basically I take something the rest of the world doesn't even see: an egg on the backside of a leaf, a caterpillar, or a piece of copper and I watch it change. When it becomes something cool, beautiful I release it. It's very hard work. but I've found it very freeing. Should you decide that you too are a butterfly farmer then here is my suggestion. Rush (it's the last time you ever have to rush) out and buy a spray bottle that will make a mist. fill with water. Use this to spray your forehead, arms, upper body before anyone sees you working. It helps. Ah you laugh. That's good It's easier to see and learn when we stop taking this stuff and ourselves so seriously. Promise me right now that you'll never tell any one how much fun this is. It's work. Remember that. It's important, you know? For your first lesson you will need A sketch book, If you can't afford that, find a paper bag. The weight of the paper is important. Some Chinese take out food delivered to you in one of those paper containers. The biggest sheet of copper you can buy. Not a foil but just thick enough that you can still bend it with your fingers with a little effort. a pair of scissors and a tin snips are also handy to have. Has the take out food arrived yet? Ok in the mean time we can get started. Make your self a stack of papers about 4" sort of square. Fold one of the sheets in half, open it up easily lay it on the table in front of you and stare at it until you see that it's not flat anymore. Make two folds on another sheet parallel is good, open it up. Bring two edges together. Observe that from flat (bad) and straight (bad)you have made curves good. Take a break..Eat the Chinese food if you must. I don't care I want you to see the paper container that the stuff came in. If yours came in a styrofoam thing that's vacuum forming and will not be covered in this class. Reorder until you get a box thing. Stare at the empty box thing pick it up let your mind digest it. Make one out of paper. It's a 3D solid it's a cold construction, it's origami. Origami is not where we are going. Make yourself some copper rectangles squares circles ect. 3" sort of. Fold one in half. A hammer is a good thing, a mallet good..open it up..That's origani not where we are going Yet. Take one of your pcs of copper Long rectangle is best. fold it in half lengthwise. Hammer the folded edge. don't straighten it out you want it to curve.