Crafting Cherished Keepsakes with Metalsmithing Techniques
In the whimsical world of holiday decor, few projects capture the spirit of the season quite like homemade ornaments. These personal touches transform a bare tree into a canvas of cherished memories, each delicate creation imbued with the love and artistry of its maker. For seasoned metalsmith Catherine Grisez, the process of crafting heirloom-quality ornaments is a labor of pure passion, blending the timeless allure of precious metals with innovative techniques that breathe new life into holiday traditions.
Mastering the Art of Metalsmithing
Grisez first discovered her affinity for metalsmithing during her time at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she delved into the intricate world of holloware – the painstaking practice of shaping sheet metal into sculptural, vessel-like forms. This meticulous process, which involves hours of careful hammering and texturing, laid the foundation for Grisez’s distinctive metalwork style, allowing her to imbue each piece with a unique character and depth of emotion.
“The first technique I got most hooked on was holloware – the very slow process of hammering sheet metal into sculptural or vessel-like forms with a lot of texture and pattern,” Grisez explains. “It’s a very time-consuming labor of love, but the results are worth it.”
By combining this hammered metal technique with other metalsmithing approaches, such as electroforming, chasing and repousse, and enameling, Grisez is able to create a diverse range of pieces that capture the essence of her artistic vision. Whether it’s a captivating sculptural work or a delicate, jewel-like ornament, each creation is a testament to her mastery of the medium.
Elevating Ornaments to Heirloom Status
Grisez’s passion for metalsmithing extends beyond her larger sculptures and vessels, spilling over into the intricate world of ornament making. By applying the same level of care and attention to detail that she brings to her other works, Grisez transforms simple metal forms into treasured keepsakes that can be passed down through generations.
“I want your kids and grandkids to be able to enjoy these pieces, for them to be passed down generations along with the stories your family creates to go with them,” Grisez emphasizes.
To achieve this heirloom-quality finish, Grisez relies on a range of specialized metalsmithing techniques. One particularly captivating process is electroforming, where Grisez carefully carves wax forms and then coats them with conductive paint before submerging them in a chemical solution. This allows copper to be drawn from bars onto the wax, resulting in stunning, hollow copper shapes that she then combines with her hammered metal work to create truly unique ornaments.
Grisez also incorporates the art of chasing and repousse, which involves using hammers and steel punches to meticulously etch patterns and textures onto the metal surface. This intricate process allows her to infuse each ornament with a sense of depth and character, transforming simple shapes into true works of art.
Customizing for Cherished Memories
Beyond the technical mastery required to craft these heirloom-quality ornaments, Grisez also places a deep emphasis on the personal and emotional connections that can be forged through her work. By offering customization options, such as adjustable chain lengths or the incorporation of antique stones and recycled materials, Grisez ensures that each ornament becomes a unique reflection of the recipient’s individual style and preferences.
“Since I make everything by hand, besides ensuring very high quality lasting objects, I can also customize some aspects to best suit your world,” Grisez explains. “For example, I made this necklace with an adjustable 18-20″ chain, but I’d be happy to shorten or lengthen it according to your needs.”
This attention to detail and personalization transforms Grisez’s ornaments into more than just holiday decorations – they become cherished family heirlooms, each one infused with the stories and memories of the people who display them.
Inspiring a New Generation of Metalsmithing Artisans
As Grisez continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with metalsmithing, she also finds joy in sharing her passion and expertise with others. Through her work, she hopes to inspire a new generation of artists and craftspeople to explore the rich, tactile world of metalsmithing and discover the unique joy of creating truly one-of-a-kind holiday treasures.
“It’s a pleasure to get to use my skills as a platform to bring unique art to your life,” Grisez says. “I’d love to hear what you think!”
Elevating Vintage Ornaments with a Festive Flair
For those who prefer a more nostalgic approach to holiday decor, the art of creating vintage-inspired ornament wreaths offers a charming and personalized way to deck the halls. As a pioneer in this craft, Georgia Peachez has spent over a decade perfecting the technique, sharing her wealth of knowledge and inspiration with DIY enthusiasts across the globe.
Assembling a Stunning Ornament Wreath
Crafting a truly remarkable ornament wreath requires patience, an eye for design, and a sizable collection of vintage and new ornaments. Peachez recommends starting with a 14-inch wreath form and gathering anywhere from 75 to 150 ornaments in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials to ensure a visually captivating final product.
“Depending on the size of your wreath form, on how packed you can or want to make your wreath, and on whether you count tiny balls, a Christmas ornament wreath can take from 75 to 150 ornaments,” Peachez advises. “I typically use a 14″ wreath form, and will really fill my wreath, and generally lose count after 125.”
In addition to the classic glass ornaments, Peachez encourages incorporating a range of unexpected elements, such as vintage Christmas weebits (small decorations like knee-hugger elves, wooden ornaments, and ceramic figurines), floral picks, and even reflector ornaments to add depth and visual interest to the wreath.
Mastering the Layering Technique
One of the key techniques Peachez has perfected over the years is the art of layering ornaments to create a visually striking and balanced composition. She typically starts by gluing the larger, standard-sized ornaments around the perimeter of the wreath form, then gradually works her way inward with progressively smaller ornaments to fill in the gaps and create a sense of depth.
“I glued ornaments on the inside ring the first time I made a wreath,” Peachez explains. “But I now always skip the inside ring. ‘Pro’: I like seeing more ‘white space’ inside the wreath — I think the wider open hole ‘frames’ the ornaments on the wreath better.”
This approach allows Peachez to showcase the textural and material diversity of her ornament collection, while also maintaining a sense of visual harmony throughout the wreath.
Incorporating Vintage Charm
For Peachez, the use of vintage ornaments is a crucial element in creating wreaths that exude a timeless, nostalgic charm. By scouring thrift shops, estate sales, and online marketplaces, she has amassed an impressive collection of classic Shiny Brite, Coby, Bradford, Paragon, and Commodore ornaments that lend an authentic, heirloom-like quality to her creations.
“For vintage ornaments, search on ebay, etsy, facebook marketplace, craiglist, estate sales, thrift shops, and family and friends even (if it’s not too awkward),” Peachez advises. “Vintage brands I have identified: Shiny Brite, Coby, Bradford, Paragon, Commodore.”
By blending these vintage treasures with carefully selected new ornaments, Peachez is able to craft wreaths that strike a perfect balance between nostalgia and contemporary style, making them a cherished addition to any holiday home.
Protecting Your Homemade Heirlooms
Once you’ve poured your heart and soul into creating a stunning ornament wreath, it’s important to ensure that your masterpiece is properly cared for and preserved for years to come. Peachez recommends investing in a sturdy, storage-friendly wreath container, which can be found at a variety of retail outlets, to safeguard your creation during the off-season.
“I typically find wreath storage containers made of a strong plastic at Big Lots and Target,” Peachez explains. “Go early in the season, because they do run out. They also can be a bit pricey — but my experience is that the sales prices also launch pretty early.”
By taking the time to carefully store and protect your DIY ornament wreath, you can rest assured that your homemade heirloom will continue to bring joy and festive cheer to your home for many holidays to come.
Crafting Meaningful Memories with Handmade Rings
For those seeking to infuse their holiday celebrations with a deeply personal touch, the opportunity to create custom wedding rings alongside an experienced jeweler can be a truly transformative experience. Stephanie Selle, the founder of With These Rings Handmade in Port Townsend, Washington, has dedicated her career to helping couples craft their own wedding bands, transforming the typically impersonal ring-shopping process into a meaningful, hands-on journey.
Unlocking the Artistry of Metalsmithing
Selle’s passion for helping couples create their own wedding rings stems from her own deep appreciation for the art of metalsmithing. As a skilled jeweler, Selle recognizes the power of handcrafted jewelry to capture and preserve cherished memories, with each piece serving as a tangible representation of the emotions and experiences shared between partners.
“I believe that jewelry has a way of capturing a memory or feeling and allows you to carry it with you,” Selle explains. “I have always loved that something so small can hold so much meaning, but in a very subtle and private way.”
By guiding couples through the metalsmithing process, Selle empowers them to imbue their rings with a level of personal significance that can’t be found in a traditional retail setting. From selecting the materials and design elements to the actual shaping and finishing of the rings, each step of the journey is a collaborative effort that results in a truly one-of-a-kind heirloom.
Forging Lifelong Connections
Beyond the technical aspects of metalsmithing, Selle’s work with couples also provides a unique opportunity to forge deep, lasting connections. As she walks them through the intricate process of crafting their rings, she bears witness to the intimate moments and conversations that unfold, allowing her to become an integral part of each couple’s story.
“I love that I get to spend my days with couples in love,” Selle says. “Every day is different at work since each couple is unique. Looking back it is pretty amazing how big of an impact my clients have had on my life.”
These meaningful interactions not only enrich Selle’s own experience as a jeweler but also imbue each handcrafted ring with a profound sense of significance. For the couples who entrust Selle with this special task, the resulting rings become more than just symbols of their commitment – they are tangible representations of the shared journey they embarked upon, forever connecting them to the artisan who helped bring their vision to life.
Empowering Couples to Create Heirlooms
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Selle’s work is her unwavering belief that anyone, regardless of their artistic background or technical skills, can create their own wedding rings. By breaking down the metalsmithing process into manageable steps and providing personalized guidance, Selle ensures that even the most novice of crafters can walk away with a stunning, custom-made ring that they can cherish for a lifetime.
“My goal is always to pull back the curtain and really let them do the work, but break the steps down small enough to make it very doable,” Selle explains. “I want my couples to walk away and think ‘wow, I made this!’”
This empowering approach not only fosters a deeper sense of pride and ownership in the final product but also allows couples to forge an even stronger emotional connection with their wedding rings. As they carefully craft each detail, they are not just creating a symbol of their love – they are forging a family heirloom that will be passed down for generations to come.
Whether it’s the intricate metalsmithing techniques of Catherine Grisez or the hands-on, collaborative approach of Stephanie Selle, the art of crafting heirloom-quality holiday decor and jewelry offers a captivating window into the power of personal expression and the enduring appeal of handmade treasures. By embracing these specialized skills and sharing them with others, these artisans are not only preserving timeless traditions but also inspiring a new generation of makers to create their own cherished holiday memories.
