Raising and Forming @ Peters Valley School of Craft
Join Glen Gardner for a hybrid raising and chasing course, employing both Western and Eastern methods and tools. Through a series of demonstrations and hands on time, students will be introduced to several methods of raising and forming copper sheet metal. Topics will include: raising basic forms, hammer planishing, using chasing tools, and various coloring methods (patina). All experience levels are welcome.
This workshop runs from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday – Sunday
Lunch is included for all participants
**We plan workshops 6-12 months in advance and make every effort to accurately calculate material costs. Due to fluctuating costs of materials, we will notify you 2 weeks in advance of the start of your workshop if the price has increased. Typically this will be a marginal fee of $10-$50.
Sign up: https://petersvalley.org/workshops/silversmithing-from-ingot-to-implement/
Raising Red Metals @ Touchstone
All Levels TBD Materials and Studio Fees*
This hands-on workshop focuses on innovative methods for raising, forming, and coloring copper. Throughout the course, students will explore hammer raising, as well as the patination and tinning of copper. Time will also be devoted to designing and making related tools. The techniques taught in this class introduce a Western approach to Japanese-style metalsmithing. By the end of the workshop, students can expect to complete one or two small projects and/or custom tools.
*Materials and studio fees are charged to students based on studio usage and materials Touchstone is providing at the request of the instructor. Additionally, some instructors may also require that you bring certain materials and tools with you, in which case a list will be provided. Final cost of these fees will be posted at least two weeks ahead of the workshop to be paid in full prior to check-in.
Sign Up: https://www.touchstonecrafts.org/workshop/raising-red-metals-w-glen-gardner/
Introduction to Copper Smithing - Copper Bowl @ Rivers of Steel
This class is an introduction to the basic methods and hand tools used to form sheet copper into decorative and functional objects. Participants will learn the methods used to create a unique copper tray, dish or bowl to take home at the end of the class. Topics covered will include basic principles for hammer forming and raising sheet metals as well as methods for texturing and coloring copper. All skill levels encouraged. These sessions are led by local artist and metalsmith Glen Gardner (aka GSG Studio) along with Rivers of Steel staff.
Sign up: https://riversofsteel.com/event/introduction-to-copper-smithing-copper-bowl/
Blacksmithing: Twists & Turns @ Contemporary Craft
Join Glen Gardner for an evening in the forge to explore and exploit the plastic qualities of hot steel. Learn the techniques of bending and twisting. This is a course for beginners to advanced blacksmiths, that would like to learn and refine their techniques.
Tuition: $80 + $15 materials fee
Note: We really want you to join us in the studio! Full and partial tuition scholarships are available to offset some of the financial burden of attending a class.
Just a Spoonful @ Contemporary Craft
Learn raising/sinking techniques to make this coffee scoop spoon!
7-Hour Workshop
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 10am-5pm
Description: What makes certain objects stand out from the ordinary? Why do we often favor one tool or one device over all others? This class seeks to answer these questions by encouraging work that embodies the design principles of durabilty, utility and beauty. Making a copper spoon is an excellent way to develop a combination of design and metal smithing skills. Let’s create some favorite things!
Class topics: raising, sinking and forming, pattern development & template making.
Tuition: $115 + $30 materials fee
Materials: All materials will be provided
We really want you to join us in the studio! Full and partial tuition scholarships are available to offset some of the financial burden of attending a class. Please fill out the application here; you can expect to hear from someone on the CC staff within 2 weeks. If you have any questions, email Allison Jones, Director of Programs & Residencies, at ajones@contemporarycraft.org, or leave a voice message for her at 412-465-1633.
Copper Cookware | Rivers of Steel
This 2-day intermediate-level workshop is an excellent way to build your copper smithing skills focusing on developing, raising and forging techniques. Working primarily in copper and steel, participants will explore methods for creating functional copper cooking pots and pans. The project will focus on producing a copper omelet pan with a forged steel handle. Topics covered will include forming and raising copper, forging steel pot handles, riveting and how to tin coat copper surfaces. Some experience with forging and metal forming is highly recommended. These sessions are led by local artist and metalsmith Glen Gardner (aka GSG Studio) along with Rivers of Steel staff.
October 18-19, from 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. daily.
A $75 materials fee is included in the cost of registration.
Japanese Style Raising @ Contemporary Craft
Learn Japanese Style Raising and make a copper bowl or cup!
7-Hour Workshop
Date: Saturday, September 27th
Time: 10am-5pm
Description: Japanese style raising methods emphasize a bold and direct approach for transforming flat sheets of metal into vessel forms. Similar but different than Western style methods, this introductory class will explore the fundamental process. Students can expect to complete a bowl or cup during class. Intermediate to advanced metalsmithing experience required.
Tuition: $115 + $40 materials fee
Materials: All materials will be provided
Location: Contemporary Craft – Raphael Building (5645 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201.
Forged Copper & Silver Cuffs @ Contemporary Craft
Take basic forging skills to the next level by making cuff bracelets – start with copper and then silver!
5-Hour Workshop
Date: Saturday, September 6th
Time: 10am-3pm
Description: Shaping metal with hammer & anvil is the earliest known metal working process. Working with silver and employing simple tools, this class will build upon the basic principals of forging metals. Students will develop their hammering skills by creating one silver bracelet.
Tuition: $85 + $70 materials fee
Materials: All materials will be provided
Location: Contemporary Craft – Raphael Building (5645 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201)
Raising Copper, Japanese Style w/ Glen Gardner @ Touchstone
Japanese-style raising techniques emphasize a bold and direct approach for transforming flat sheets of metal into vessel forms. Studio time will allow participants to develop foundational raising skills as well as time for forging their own tools. Through a series of demos and projects, you can expect to complete several copper vessel forms as well as a basic set of raising stakes.
Custom Cuffs @ Rivers of Steel
This 3-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create something unique. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to create a steel cuff-style arm band of their own design to take home.
Introduction To Copper Smithing @ Rivers of Steel
This class is an introduction to the basic methods and hand tools used to form sheet copper into decorative and functional objects. Participants will learn the methods used to create a unique copper tray, dish or bowl to take home at the end of the class. Topics covered will include basic principles for hammer forming and raising sheet metals as well as methods for texturing and coloring copper. All skill levels encouraged.
Just a Spoonful? – Spoon Forming Workshop @ Contemporary Craft
What makes certain objects stand out from the ordinary? Why do we often favor one tool or one device over all others? This class seeks to answer these questions by encouraging work that embodies the design principles of durabilty, utility and beauty. Making a copper spoon is an excellent way to develop a combination of design and metal smithing skills. Let’s create some favorite things!
Class topics: raising, sinking and forming, pattern development & template making.