Chasing and Repousee

 I love learning new techniques in art and in silversmithing. 

I booked in to a weekend workshop with Bryony Knox, Edinburgh, a few weeks ago and absolutely loved learning about chasing and repousee. As I have just retired from teaching it was brilliant to be a student and learn from an expert. There were five students tapping away in her cosy studio, heating up pitch, setting in the copper and drawing our images, then chasing them in to the metal.

Because I enjoy drawing so much, it is a wonderful extension to be able to raise shapes in metal by tapping stakes and pushing the metal around. 

I also learned how to make my own tools which was a real bonus as this is a crucial part of the process. Bryony is such a calm teacher, nothing was too much for her and we produced a lot in our two days there.

I bought silver when I got home and made two bowls using this technique - for the CraftNI Xmas exhibition, The Gift. I ordered more pitch and worked away on a Thorn bowl and a Japanese Quince bowl.  I also made a necklaces and earrings which have now been hallmarked and are on their way back from the Assay Office in London, having been hallmarked.