Making metal journals is a really amazing thing. Before you start, all you have is a pile of metal, leather, paper, some found objects and some wire. With a few hours work and the right techniques, you create something UNIQUE in the world. Now I capitalize unique because it really is important. The thing that you have made is completely and 100 percent yours and yours alone. There has never been one like it before and there never will be again. It's one-of-a-kind. It’s an heirloom that your children’s children will look back on to connect to their ancestor.
In this class we will focus on the basic techniques needed to create a metal journal. We will be making a complete 3”x5” copper cover journal in the class. Techniques covered include texturing metal, annealing, riveting, hand sewing leather and metal, and binding (using the long-stitch method).
Supply List:
- Found Objects (nothing larger than 3”x5”, the size of the journal cover. We may be able to modify some objects to fit), Awl
Optional Materials:
- Dremel (I will have some for the class to share), Hand tools (jeweler’s hammers, leather mallet, bench block, metal stamps, vice clamps, wire cutters, anything else you may want), Specialty Leather (If you have a certain type of leather that you want to use, bring it along with you. I’ll have leather for use, but it’s the stuff I like to use)
Teacher will bring:
- Hand tools, Dremels, Adventure Metal Journal Kit, Found Objects (I’ll have some stock objects for the class to pick through if they forgot or just need an extra design element)
Kit Fee $15 includes:
- Metal Journal Adventure Kit (2 3”x5” Copper Plates, Leather, 6 3 Page Signatures, 1 Tapestry Needle, and Thread)
A Little About ME
I’m just a guy from New York who has always loved making art. I studied studio art in my brief collage career. A few years after collage, I met Tracy Moore for the first time in person; and was awed by his incredible metal journal. He taught me how to make them on my first trip out to Seattle a few years later. After moving out to Seattle, I started Gearskull Studios, and started cranking out journals. Now a year later I’ve made about 100 journals and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.
