Stephanie Lee

Handbook of Elements

The earth offers tactile and durable materials for use in artistic expression. Metal and gypsum, both earth elements, are combined in this stout little book comprised of solder-flooded metal covers and plaster pages. In this project-focused workshop, students will learn how to transform and build up sheet metal, adding vintage and found elements to the cover of the book using basic metal-smithing techniques and materials. Students will also learn the nuances of plaster and various plaster-like products to create pages and unexpected journal surfaces to stockpile between the palm-sized metal covers. Various ways to combine paper and plaster pages for writing, painting and collage surfaces as well as knotting and binding techniques will also be taught. Each student can expect to take home a completed or very nearly complete blank journal home with them at the end of class day.

**Solder, fluxes and blackening agents will all be used in this class. All measures will be taken to create adequate ventilation as much as possible. If you have extreme sensitivities to these products, consider this carefully before registering. I recommend bringing a jacket in the event that we are able to open windows for ventilation.

Supply List:

• 2 rolls of 4 inch plaster gauze (available at craft and art supply stores)
• 1 roll of solid wire, lead free solder available at stained glass or plumbing supply stores (DO NOT bring rosin or acid core solder)
• Tin snips (for cutting no smaller than 24 ga. sheet metal)
• Misc metal findings to solder on cover of book
• Shoe box or similarly sized open top container to suspend pages from
• Roll of wax or freezer paper (sharing with table mate is fine)
• Round nose pliers
• Flat nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• Flat or triangular metal file
• Hammer
• Steel block or anvil
  
  Optional Materials:
  
  
• Metal stamps (letters, patterns, etc.)
• Thin, straight objects to use as small spine for each page (thin like a toothpick or skewer…have a collection of old hat pins?)
• Clothing or craft iron that can get plaster on it
• Ribbons, beads, buttons, findings, etc. to incorporate into the binding
• Thimble
• Awl
• Small imagery (no larger than 2 inches square) to incorporate into cover
  
  IF YOU WANT TO ADD CROCHETTED ELEMENTS TO THE SPINE (see sample):
  
• Tiny crochet hook (Number 7)
• One roll of Silk or Perle cotton string
• Beads, buttons and charms to crochet
  
  Materials Provided by the instructor:
  
• Torches and torching surfaces
• Prepared sheet metal for one large or two small books per student (extra kits will be available)
• Spine wires
• Solders, fluxes, patinas, etc
• Binding threads and tools