Simple Copper Shell Forming Techniques

Recommended Tools & Supplies:
Safety Glasses;
Copper Sheet Metal 22 Gauge;
Cross-Peen Hammer;
Permanent Markers;
Wood Chisels;
Ball-Peen Hammer;
Steel Bench Block;
Clamp-On Bench Vise;
Metal Cutting Shears;
Saw Frame & Blades;
Half Round File 8" (2 cut); and,
Wood Block
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In this video, Professor John Ahr of the Online Jewelry Academy demonstrates a simple way to add dimension to your jewelry work. With a minimal number of tools, you can easily make interesting "shell forms".

Shell forming is essentially a process whereby a jeweler can make hollow forms using hammers and a wooden swage or grooved striking surface. In the video, Prof. Ahr works with 22 gauge copper sheet metal. But, you can apply the demonstrated techniques to brass, silver and gold.

Shell forming can add a lot of variety to your designs. The forms can be completely closed or left open in curious and interesting ways. You can use them to trap materials such as wool, seeds, foil, plastic, etc. Or, you can cut them apart to create new shapes.

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1. Beginners course "Colorful Silver Jewelry"
2. Intermediate course "Making Beautiful Articulated Hinged Jewelry"
3. Stone Setting Course "5 Ways To Enhance Jewelry Design Through Stone Setting"

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[kymberlydawn]

"The Meaning of life is to find your gift. The Purpose of life is to give it away." A heart filled Thank You for sharing your gift. <3

[AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

Lol, you're making me laugh today...I just watched the Hammering 'hammered' video and now you're telling me that I only have two pairs of eyes to protect lol!

[PSMITHjl]

Not to sound like some know-it-all troll, but when you hit the end of the chisel, it would be better to use a wood or rawhide mallet so that you don't ruin the handle of the chisel. This is especially important if one borrows the husband or neighbor's chisel for making the wood block tool.

Super demo! I like the simplicity and clearness. Shell forming is quite a lot of fun, thanks for making an easy to follow, easy to DIY project video. :)

[tyedye]

This looks like a lot of fun and you can be very creative with it. I am going to try this!

[Popnicute]

Nice video, professor :) I enjoyed it!

[datgnome]

lol at 10:10 that random crash.. reminds me of living with cats!

[melaamericana]

meraviglioso fantastico tutorial  grazie mille maestro<3

[wonbadood]

at 2.38 "you only have 2 pairs of eye's" All my life, I knew there was something missing ;)

[infledermaus]

OMG! Now I have to be a carpenter, too! Oh, that's it. I give up. I'll never be able to make jewelry. Hahahaha! I just happen to have a beautiful wood chisel. Sharp as a razor.

[Nakico]

Thanks - another great video that was easy to follow. What sort of wood did you use to make your block? I also looked at your site to see if you sold the red shears but can't find them. Can you tell me the brand name, where to get them, etc?

[tiffanysuikerstok]

thanks for your great video. I will try to do it. Can you tell me the name of the matrial copper

[mountnman]

Wow, a year and a half has gone by and no one has mentioned that he said something about hitting a baby in the head with a hammer.

[funcare]

So is there a link to where I can buy the baby or do I got to make it myself like the wood block. :) lol

[amblurdunc]

what gauge is the sheet you're using? thanks for the video!

[e.lycopersicon]

How did you hammer the form that curved away from its open side like a crescent moon?

[herbanexplorer]

how do you tint the copper to make it that orchid pink?

[jaimie]

At 2:34 "You only have 2 pairs of eyes" had me laughing. Where do I get my backup set? ;) Great video, though. I really enjoyed it.