Foldformed Copper Shapes: A YouTube Favorite

Recommended Tools & Supplies:
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Bench Block;
22 ga Copper Sheet;
Rawhide Mallet;
Metal Cutting Shears;
Multipurpose Torch Tip;
Annealing Pan; and,
Copper Tongs
Purchases made using the Amazon links on the OJA website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com, help to financially support the OJA. On our website you'll also find links to products from Durston Tools that we have reviewed. Or, you can access Durston's website at durston.com/oja.
In this video, Professor John Ahr of the Online Jewelry Academy demonstrates basic foldforming techniques using copper sheet metal. This is an easy technique that can be used to add variety and interest to your jewelry. Yes, this is the original video that became a KZbin favorite.
In addition to this video the OJA playlist includes a number of other foldforming project videos. These other videos explain how to use foldforming techniques to create jewelry and home decor items.
If you like this video there are many more like it included in the Online Jewelry Academy's playlist. You can find the OJA's videos organized by category on our website at: www.onlinejewel....
Subscribers to the OJA's KZbin channel have the option to receive regular notification of new OJA video releases. So, why not subscribe now? Be sure to click on the bell next to the subscribe button to turn on notifications.
The OJA offers complete courses on Udemy.com.
1. Beginners course "Colorful Silver Jewelry"
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2. Intermediate course "Making Beautiful Articulated Hinged Jewelry"
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3. Stone Setting Course "5 Ways To Enhance Jewelry Design Through Stone Setting"
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[@barbaraleavitt5324]

your love of your work comes across the computer screen. I love your calm voice. The excitement shows in the twinkle of your eyes. Your whole face glows with sheer enjoyment and I can feel that transferred to all us copper lovers. thank you friend b

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Barbara, Thank you for such a sweet compliment. I'm glad that you enjoyed the video. Thanks for your support! : )

[@lynettemckone918]

Hey John, I'm a long-time subscriber and supporter: I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your videos. You always project a cheerful disposition and I think you're possibly the only chanel I subscribe to where virtually all of the comments are answered: I like that. Lynette.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Lynette, I'm so glad that you are enjoying the videos. Some are better than others. But, I try to share my knowledge in a way that will help viewers learn the craft of jewelry making. I often say that I try to be the kind of teacher that I always wanted in school. Thanks for your support! : )

[@sandrahayley961]

I made the remark about your demeanor today that I was concerned you might not be feeling well and you sent a reply which I promptly lost when I tried to access it, so I didn’t get to read all of it, but suffice it to say I read enough to know all is OK and this is an old video before you took a friend’s advice and livened things up. Good advice because it’s one of the things that makes your. Ideas not only very informative but entertaining to, which helps me remember what you say and do better, fr some reason. I’m soooo glad because I would be totally bummed if you stopped doing this for any reason. I’ve learned so much from you and could watch you all day and half the night without getting tired. Between you and Soham Harrison, I’m becoming more and more accomplished and I’m grateful for the wonderful education. He’s awfully quiet, but still a good teacher - but you brighten my day! I feel like I’m getting a frat rate education in the art of working with metals and silver. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Wow Sandra! Thank you for such a nice comment. I'm so flattered that you enjoy my presentations so much. Thanks for your support! : D

[@p.e.zaccardo5578]

I have taken a number of classes and I have been a teacher (not jewelry) . This is wonderful! Thank you.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+P.E. Zaccardo I just saw your comment from 3 months ago. Thanks for the compliment. Thanks for watching! : )

[@lostsheep5234]

I am 29 years old and wondering why I didn't find your videos sooner. :< What have I been doing with my life up until now! Great videos and you're super knowledgeable. Thank You

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad that you're enjoying the videos. Thanks for your support! : )

[@qzcai7029]

Thank you John! This is definitely the best jewelry making channel I found online. Very helpful!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Thank you for the compliment. Be sure to visit our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Thanks for your support! : )

[@GB58able]

This is a very good tutorial, thanks much. I am new to metal working, which I have wanted to do eversince I started stringing beads. I am so ready to jump into this now! Hope to view all of your videos!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Gloria Borrero Hi Gloria, I was working on the OJA channel site and I came across your message from last year. I'm so sorry that I missed it when you first sent it. Anyway, I'm happy to learn that the OJA videos have inspired you to work with metal. I hope that you have had the chance to review our complete playlist on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com Thanks for watching! : )

[@lynnperez1363]

Hi John! Can't tell you how much I love your videos. This particular one has inspired me so much. I love working with wood, and now metal. I never realized how much could be done with metal. I basically just always thought metal working meant oxyacetylene, mig, or some big rig with tanks. Was I wrong! Small map gas or butane torches and sheet metal in copper, or sterling in sizes that don't require a gantry crane to handle. Thank you so much for opening the doors to a new type of heaven. I'm fast becoming addicted to your videos. I'll start to feel a bit sleepy and wonder why, only to glance at the time and discover it's 2 AM. LOL. Thanks again for sharing 💕

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Lynn, I'm so glad that the OJA videos have inspired you to pursue your creativity. Thanks for letting us know. Thanks for your support! : )

[@deby7821]

Very cool, I love working with copper.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Deby, Glad you enjoyed the video. The OJA promotes the use of copper for both experimentation and the creation of wearable jewelry. I hope you'll visit the OJA's website and check out the complete playlist. You'll find the website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com Thanks for your support! : )

[@deby7821]

I subbed to you, I will check that out for sure..Thank you.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Thank you for subscribing. We appreciate your support! : )

[@mikealman63tab]

They are beautiful and the potential for variety just as autumn leaves ( yours remind me of copper beech ) is limitless, Thanks for taking the time to make and share your talent and as someone recently captivated with metal working ( particularly copper) it's been a great help and will definitely check your other vids out ;-)

[@onlinejewelryacademy8157]

I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video. I hope that you find the other videos on the channel just as interesting and helpful. Thanks for your comments. And, thanks for watching! : )

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Mika B Sorry I didn't see your comment sooner. But, I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video. I hope that you have had the time to watch some of the newer videos as well. Thanks for the great feedback and thanks for watching! : )

[@godisinfinite6730]

I really enjoy your videos, I am new to sheet metal and am trying to learn how to make a heart pendant so your channel has some amazing tutorials that are so helpful 😊Thank you for sharing your amazing talent! Blessings from Texas, Cristal! 💛💛💛

[@tristanhouston7140]

instablaster.

[@opnhed]

Thank you very much for specific and valuable information!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you liked the video. You'll find more videos like this one on the OJA's website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com. Thanks for your support! : )

[@jamieanderson8478]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing your skills with us :)

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Jamie Anderson Hi Jamie, Glad you liked the video. Be sure to check the OJA's full playlist for more fold forming videos. You can find the full playlist here on KZbin or on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com Thanks for your support! : )

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

Thanks for video. Can’t wait to try the technique!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Have fun playing with this technique. 😀

[@carollindsay4196]

Very informative and unique end results

[@leebreen3982]

Thank you, keep up the good work.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for your support! : )

[@elenarubiotirado]

Great tutorial!!!! Thanks a lot!!!!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Elena R Glad you enjoyed the video Elena. Be sure to check out the OJA's form folded copper projects on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com Thanks for your support! : )

[@johncline3033]

very nice, again. thanks for posting.............

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video John. Thanks for your support! : )

[@tremillopink12]

Love the ideas

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for your support! : )

[@normaconstanzamanjarrezgar2704]

Maestro muchas gracias por su vídeo logré corregir la técnica muy amable

[@guloguloguy]

Hey John, Thanks for all of your AWESOME tutorial videos!! Recently I have bought several old (junk) pieces of old "silver-plated" bowls, plates, etc., from a local Salvation Army/Goodwill store. I was thinking of trying to make some cheap cuff bracelets, necklace pendants, etc., out of this sheet metal (it looks like nickle-brass, with silver plating on both sides), and ought to be worth salvaging into some affordable jewelry, that will look like "Sterling silver", at a distance. Would you consider doing a video on working with such materials?!... Thanks!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I'm sorry to say that I won't ever do a video on that topic. Working with plated material is a real mess. If you try to anneal the metal you will loose the plating. And, if you try to bend plated metal items, the plating will often crack and peel off as you go. I'm sort of a materials snob. I prefer to work with new sheet metal and wire. Thanks for your support! : )

[@crystalfabulous]

Thanks. I am going to make those

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Diane, The technique does make some interesting looking shapes. But, I find that it is difficult to incorporate them into jewelry projects. Be sure to check out the OJA's video on foldformed earrings. Thanks for your support! : )

[@lisskiebeans]

Thank you for your excellent instruction. I’m going to get myself a torch and try this! I’m currently in a Jewelry metalsmithing class and this channel is very helpful!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. The OJA has a video in its playlist that might help you to select the right torch for you. You'll find it on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com. The foldforming process takes time. So, be patient. Please be sure to share our KZbin channel with your classmates. : )

[@clorindadiclementediclemen7853]

hi i don t speak inglish me gusta mucho su tecnica, he aprendido mucho gracias clory

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Thanks for your support! : )

[@kapiranable]

beautiful..wow

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

kapiranable Thanks! It's a really fun process. I hope you'll try it out. Thanks for watching! : )

[@shantiaum5774]

he had me at "interesting and kinda sexy" :D

[@melaamericana803]

bellissimo tutorial grazie di cuore maestro

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

mela americana Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching! : )

[@mary-annkieckhaben5026]

Thank you for shering is a good Video.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. The OJA has a few more videos on this topic. You’ll find them on our website. Thanks for watching! 😀

[@Vikette1000]

Thanks to your video, I've made some pretty leaves and pods. However, despite repeated hammering and annealing it takes very long time for a Rueger-style curve to develop. I'm using 0.5mm copper and a cross pein hammer which looks about the same size as the one you use. Any tips?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Vikette1000 It takes me a long time to hammer the pieces into shape too. It's just the nature of the material and the inefficiency of the human tool. I find that if I work on multiple items at once I get less impatient. Sorry I can't reveal any magical secret. Good luck with your projects. Thanks for your support! : )

[@mehmetkaraqus]

wonderful you are the best

[@RedSpiralHandTV]

I need a pair of those cutters!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

You can probably find a pair at your local hardware store or online. Be sure to look for the best price. Thanks for your support! : )

[@private91205]

Thanks for a another great video. I LOVE your instructions. I trying to make a character costume buckle that can be as strong as a tradition belt buckle. if I used your techniques in this video, can I color and top coat with easy cast resin? Thank you in advance. Also will the resin crack or pop out after use?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+private91205 Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad that you are finding the OJA videos informative and helpful. We have a number of videos on our channel and website that cover the usage of two-part epoxy resin. This one is our most popular kzbin.info/www/bejne/apTFl3lnpryXr8U While I can't guarantee that the resin you apply to your project won't pop off or crack, I can say that it is pretty easy to fix. But, casting resin may be too thin for what you have in mind. Plus, it can get expensive to use on a small project. Check our our two-part epoxy resin videos before you make your final decision. Good luck with your project. And, thanks for watching! : )

[@attiszocs8144]

Thank you!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching! 😀

[@attiszocs8144]

Really, I like all your videos, taught me allot! Thanks again!

[@melissab4710]

LOL....."As hard as you'd hit a babies head". If you hit a babies head with a hammer that hard OMFG. Great video, excellent info. Thanks for sharing. 👍😂😂

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I meant that you should barely touch the metal with hardly any force. The OJA does not condone the hitting of babies. But, we love to make our viewers giggle. Glad you liked the video. We've got lots more for you to check out on our playlist. Thanks for your support! : )

[@elCreaverso]

Love your videos! I don't know if i missed it somewhere, which gauge are you using for this? or which one is better to work on this technic? Tnks!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I recommend working with 22 gauge sheet metal. You can work with thinner or thicker metal sheet. But, you should practice with your materials and see which gauge works best for you. Thanks for your support! : )

[@awhisperinthehallways168]

I have learned so much from this KZbin page. John, you are the Bob Ross of metal jewelry instructions!

[@rosavictoriagalvis4977]

exelente!! gracias

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Rosa victoria Galvis Gracias! Me encanto que queres el video. Y, gracias por cuidando. : )

[@elsaalcocer1]

excellent teacher ...excellent work congratulations ...how can i apply green patina thanks

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Tere, Thanks for the compliments. You can find a number of videos on the OJA website that explain various techniques for applying a patina to copper. You can find the website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com Here's a link to one of the OJA's most popular patina videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aImUZ5uEociSa6s Thanks for your support! : )

[@user-qv1xi5bt3p]

Классно,спасибо! Хоть я и не понимал что говорит, зато увидел как листья делают.)))

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Я использую Google Translate, чтобы ответить на ваш комментарий. Я рад, что вам понравилось видео.

[@tommywright7196]

Dang I was at the scrap yard a couple of weeks ago and they had a lot of copper flashing that had nail holes in it I thought about getting it but didn't know anything I could do with it the next time I went by it was gone

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Tommy, I'm sure that you'll find some inexpensive copper to work with eventually. In the meantime, you might want to watch the OJA's other videos on fold formed copper. They are included in the OJA playlist on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com. Thanks for your support! : )

[@CLPINOTTI]

Good morning, I loved your video and I have signed up on your channel. I'm trying to learn how to work with copper sheets and your video appeared to me on the right time. I have a question, could you enlighten me? I wonder if I could use culinary torch to heat the copper? They are smaller and easier to use and find. Thank you very much. ^_^

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Cláudia Pinotti Hi Cláudia, Yes, you can use a butane culinary torch to anneal small copper pieces. You would need a bigger torch to efficiently anneal larger pieces. You can also solder with a small butane torch. Just be sure that it can reach a temperature greater than 1500 degrees farenheight. Thanks for your support! : )

[@katharina...]

Yeah, that is NOT an autumn leaf 😁 Reminds me of this story. A man is being evaluated by a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist shows him a circle and asks: "what is it?". "A naked chick", answers the man. Then the doc shows him a triangle, and asks: "what do you see?" "A naked chick", he says. Finally the doctor shows him a square. "A naked chick". The doctor looks at him and says: "I'm sorry to say, you're a sexual deviant", to which the man replies: "I'm a deviant? You're the one with all the dirty pictures!" 😁 Thanks for that, imma hammer me some dirty pictures too 😆

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Thanks for sharing the funny story. And, thanks for watching. 😀

[@janicedonahue1122]

Great info! Thanks! Just a question about sharp edges on the pieces you are folding. is there any need to sand the copper once it is folded?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Lynne Donahue The edges on the blanks that you start with can be filed and sanded to a smooth finish. After hammering you can touch up the edges. Really you can do anything you want to the finished forms. If you check out the OJA field trip to the plater, you'll see that we gold plated one of the forms. Have fun with this technique. And, thanks for watching! : )

[@milesnagopaleen]

Thanks for the video. Can you please tell us what thickness is 22 gauge in millimeters?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Chris Corbett Hi Chris, 22 gauge sheet nonferrous metal is 0.64 mm thick. Thanks for watching! : )

[@milesnagopaleen]

OnlineJewelryAcademy Thanks John. Your tutorials are great.

[@pinkbabe145]

Wow stunning! For the twisted leaf, how did you get it to curve concave like that? Thank you

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

All I can say is that you have to try it. The process just naturally produces results like the ones you saw in the video. It's a bit time consuming. But, you'll be pleased with the way that the metal just seems to want to curve and be beautiful. Have fun! : )

[@tonyandbevjordan7363]

Hi, I tried it today with sterling silver; . 75mm thick; 10mm wide, 50mm long. So the resulting piece to work on was:1.5mm thick; 5mm wide; 50mm long. I even put it thru my roller to get a good fold, now having difficulty opening it! I doubled it over etc, but after annealing it many times, with the hammering after the annealing, I couldn’t get it to change shape. Was it more difficult due to being so narrow as it was a bit difficult hitting the hammer on the edge of a narrow piece of metal. I’m wondering if I used a wider piece of thinner, pure silver, I may have better chance of it working. I’m very keen to make it in silver. I have seen a photo one done in silver. I understand it is easier in copper, but I’m keen to do it in silver, for a pendant or earings. Your description is very helpful. I have subscribed, Thank you. Bev Jordan, New Zealand

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you liked the video and subscribed. Good luck creating your desired silver piece. 😀

[@ConTheDon187]

were you hammering it when it was hot? Maybe you were hammering hard enough you were getting spots joining together from heat and stress, i dont know? Did you figure it out?

[@esliet]

Love this video. What other gauge would you recommend?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Eslie Taylor It is difficult to achieve a good result with a thicker gauge. But, you can get some nice results if you work with a thinner gauge. Check out the form folded earrings video. In that video I work with a copper foil. Thanks for watching! : )

[@ZeldaTheLegendof]

Great video! Please advise what gauge copper you used in this project. Thanks.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+ZeldaTheLegendof Sorry for the delay in responding. The items in the video were all made from 22 gauge sheet metal. But, you can make them out of whatever gauge you like. Experiment and try some thicker and thinner and see what you get. Thanks for watching! : )

[@Terry2fish]

Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial! I do have a question about the piece that looks like a boat or a pea-pod. Did it start as a folded half round like the one you initially showed or was it another shape to begin after folding and cutting prior to hammering?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Terry Brown Hi Terry, All of the items in the photo for the video started out as folded metal forms that were cut into arcs (with the fold as the base). But, you can work with most any shape that you like. I suggest planning your pieces by working with paper models. Just be aware that as the metal stretches it takes on a new shape. I hope that helps you get what you're trying to make. Thanks for your support! : )

[@Terry2fish]

+OnlineJewelryAcademy Thank you for the information. I saw a picture of a copper piece that I wanted to make a few months ago. I am new to jewelry making. The fold forming process is probably my best bet for making the piece and now the fun starts as I see what I can make the copper sheet do!

[@hermanngottlieb2785]

Lovely tutorial! Where did you get that octoshirt you're wearing?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Anna A Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad that you enjoyed the video. I had completely forgotten that I wore that silly shirt in the video. It was a Target purchase. : ) Thanks for watching!

[@kimlyons8550]

Hello, I know that you called the hammer a goldsmith cross peen hammer. What is a good weight? Love all of your videos.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Kim, Most jewelry designers have a wide variety of hammers with various faces and weights. Goldsmithing hammers are all about the same in size and weight. So, you don't need to worry if you purchase a standard goldsmithing hammer. But, I would recommend that you also purchase a couple of larger hammers for bigger jobs. Glad you like the OJA's videos. Thanks for your support! : )

[@Hammer757]

John, at time 8:34 you use a word that sounds like "rugerfole" to describe one of the shapes. I have tried several spellings and cannot find that word. What is it? Thanks for these very helpful videos.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

***** You were close. The words that I used were "Rueger fold". This is the name of a specific form folded shape that was invented by a Mr. Rueger. Sorry I kind of breezed past that in the video. Good luck with your form folded projects. And, thanks for watching! : )

[@SpikeSputnik]

*****Rueger fold"

[@maureenhouston1026]

Hi - what size blank did you start with? I think I tend to go too wide ... thanks

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Maureen Houston Hi Maureen, The size of the blank is most often determined by the end result you are trying to create. You can make fold formed pieces in any size you like. I suggest that you experiment and practice to determine the size that you require. Generally, I practice with blanks that are about 3.5" long by 1/2" wide (folded). Good luck! Thanks for your support! : )

[@feltthefluff]

Great tutorial! What do you store your pickle bath in? Stay well, all the best from Canada!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

My pickle pot is a crock pot that is clearly marked to warn others that it contains hot acid. The OJA has a video on how to set up a pickle pot. You can find it on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com. It's under the heading of "Bench Tips & Tricks. : )

[@sophielavosgienne4788]

Bjr !! quel épaisseur minimum pour les plaques de cuivre pour réaliser : martelage embossage et la mise en forme du cuivre pour réaliser ces petites pièces ! merci bcp ! Sophie

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Thank goodness for Google Translate. Pour les pièces plus grandes, je n'utiliserais pas une épaisseur inférieure à 22. Vous pouvez utiliser une jauge plus mince pour les pièces plus petites car ils nécessitent moins de martelage. Vous trouverez des exemples sur notre site Web à: www.onlinejewerlyacademy.com Assurez-vous de regarder la vidéo de moi à Paris pendant votre sur le site Web OJA.

[@hazelgriffith4515]

Thank you for this. What do you do so the edges won't be sharp.?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Hazel, You can use a file or sanding sticks to smooth the edges. Thanks for your support! : )

[@hazelgriffith4515]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy You're welcome. Thank you....

[@biriboula]

How did you make the moon shaped metal? How can you curve the folded part?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Each of the items in the photo started as a sheet metal blank. The shape of the blank was an elongated oval with pointed ends. The blanks were annealed and folded in half. Then, they were hammered with a cross-peen hammer along the open edge to stretch the edge opposite the fold. They were reannealed after each round of hammering. Once they reached a point that I liked, I opened the pieces up with a dull knife. As you can see, some were twisted before opening. The moon shape is actually a piece laying on its side. I suggest experimenting with the process. Have fun. Thanks for your support! : )

[@mariadimaio35]

Love bravissimo 😘😘

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video Maria. Thanks for your support! : )

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

What is E coating marketed as? I have been looking for it because I want to donate some fox shaped keyring charms and copper bangles with 'foxbook' which is a closed Facebook group, so they can sell them at the auctions they have to pay for veterinary care for wildlife (foxes and any other wild animals that are brought in). I would obviously prefer not to turn everyone green lol..pun unintended they're already green lol!...but you know what I mean. ..a nice foxy copper colour. I will remember to check back here...I keep having 'senior moments' as another jeweller Nancy LT Hamilton says and forgetting where I asked questions lol...but I will make a superhuman effort here!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Here's a link to a page on the Rio Grande website that might help you: www.riogrande.com/search?q=e-coating&c=&t=1&pageSize=32

[@leebreen3982]

Hello, great upload very informative. How do you remove the darkness from the annealing process, do you use chemicals or a natural process? I'd like to have a go at it myself. Any help greatly appreciated. Regards.... Lee

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Lee, We have a video on how to set up a pickle pot. Check it out under bench tips and tricks on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com Pickling is how you clean oxides off of metal that has been exposed to the heat of a torch. Thanks for your support! : )

[@lbdental1466]

Lee Breen og

[@annalisasiani2147]

Hi, How to do with sterling silver also? Thanks

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Annalisa Siani Hi Annalisa, Yes, you can use fold forming techniques with sterling silver. Be sure to anneal often to avoid cracks. Thanks for watching! : )

[@bobbiehousand5166]

Great Video!!!!!!!!! What brand of hammer is that? Thanks

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Bobbie Housand Hi Bobbie, The brand of the hammer isn't as important as the type. You need a cross-peen hammer to explore this technique. Remember, no hammer comes finished from the manufacturer. So, you'll need to shape and polish the hammer yourself. The best hammers are made in the USA and Germany. You can find a variety of brands and sizes available on-line. Thanks for watching! : )

[@kimlyons8550]

what do you mean by "you have to shape and polish the hammer yourself"? How do we do that?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Kim, We have a video called "Tuning Up Your Hammers" on our website at onlinejewelryacademy.com under the "Bench Tips and Tricks" category which explains it. Thanks for watching and thanks for your support.

[@kimlyons8550]

Thank you. I will check it out.

[@ConTheDon187]

Be careful not to cut your fingers on the sharp edges after using the sheers everyone! Bring that edge down with a file or wear gloves, I have a 1" scar down the center of my thumb from pressing, just pressing lightly on a freshly sheered edge. Haha

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Great advice. Thanks for your comment. 😀

[@nancyespiritusanto2583]

thanks me doing my pendant with glue mix and setup fire on top

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Nancy, Glad you liked the video. Thanks for your support! : )

[@albridges4164]

What's the thickness of the copper? Can you use a copper pipe?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

22 gauge sheet is preferable for this process. You cannot use a copper pipe. thanks for your support! : )

[@MrsGilbera]

Hi, what quitching do you use? simple water?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi MrsGibera, I quench in clear water. Thanks for your support! : )

[@noraramos6679]

me gusto mucho llastima q no esta en castellanp

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Nora Ramos Gracias! Me encanto que queres el video. Y, gracias por cuidando. : )

[@waveoflight]

What is the best way to strike a bug with that hammer?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

LOL! Actually, I'd try to put the bug outside without killing it. Hope you enjoyed the video. Thanks for your support! : )

[@miscsilliness]

How do you seal copper to preserve the finish? And what solder is used to join copper to copper and copper to other metals (say if the 'other' metal was acting as a framework to hold up a display of copper leafs for example) Thank you in advance. SUBSCRIBED and hit the notify bell!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Thanks for subscribing to the OJA. The OJA has a number of soldering videos included in its playlist. You can find the complete playlist on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com You'll find the videos conveniently grouped by topic on the website. One of our viewers recently recommended a product for sealing copper called Everbrite. Normally, I use silver solder to solder copper. If you want to eliminate the solder seams, the OJA has a video on plating copper with used pickle on the website. Thanks for your support! : )

[@2pontos993]

Very beaultifou

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Thank you! The OJA has a few foldforming project videos included in its KZbin playlist. Or you can watch them on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com. Thanks for watching! 😀

[@patallen2004]

What is the solution you put it in after annealing.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Pat, I definitely begin my fold forming projects by annealing the metal. And, I quench the metal in a bowl of clear tap water. I do NOT, however, quench the pieces after annealing while I am working on them. Some people refer to this as working with "black copper." The reason why you don't quench the metal after annealing (or pickle it for that matter) is because you want the interior of folded pieces to remain dry while you work on them. Otherwise, the piece will quirt you with water or pickle every time you strike it. Good luck with your projects. Thanks for your support! : )

[@mohammadfaris8712]

Can i use this technique in gold plate ?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

The forms would have to be finished prior to plating. 😀

[@Atelier_Boutique]

any link for that hammer?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Yes. amzn.to/2WDK358

[@henrycadorette472]

by ,watching what your ,doing ,, i take it that you dont have to ,turn over the leaf ( ,before ,you ,unfold ,it ) ,and cross pean the other side ??

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Henry, Yes, that is correct. One round or hammering only needs to be applied to one side of the piece. But, to hammer the copper blank to the right shape before you open it may take 10 to 15 rounds of hammering. The metal needs to be stretched from a skinny D profile into a C profile. I hope that makes sense to you. Good luck with your projects. Experimentation is the best way to learn how to master this technique. Thanks for your support! : )

[@talginlvl90]

how many pounds/ ounces is the cross peen hammer?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

talginlvl90 I don't know the actual weight of the hammer that I use. But, it's a standard size cross-peen goldsmithing hammer. I generally don't use a larger hammer because the metal pieces I'm working with are rather small. Thanks for watching! ; )

[@infledermaus]

I guess it goes without saying that in terms of safety, one wants to keep one's fingers out from under the hammer blows. ;-)

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Your comments crack me up Steven. You always have something funny to say. I hope you're enjoying the videos. Thanks for your support! : )

[@emmabates9554]

I'm sure I'm being stupid but I can't work out how you managed to get anything but a straight line on a folded edge. You clearly have some curved folded edges??

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Emma Bates Great question! I started with a rectangular piece of copper. I folded it in half. I cut a curve along the open side of the narrow rectangle. Then, I hammered on the open (curved) side. But seriously, try all sorts of experiments and see what you end up with. Be sure to keep notes. Good luck! And, thanks for watching. : )

[@mikew8486]

+Emma Bates Emma, as you hammer the metal it gets thinner. As that metal gets thinner it has to go somewhere. It stretches out and forces the metal to bend into a radius.

[@emmabates9554]

Thanks for your replies. It works!

[@ConTheDon187]

8:50 Mate that's not a leaf, but it's a kind of flower BAHAHAHAHA

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I’m sure you’d agree, that this is a really fun technique to play with. 😀

[@deild0763]

Thank you i will be deoxygenating the statue of librety

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Happy 4th of July. Thanks for watching! 😀

[@metalme2533]

It's actually "Foldforming" not form folding : )

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

MetalMe2 Thank you for pointing out our typo. And, thanks for watching. : )

[@ohyeayea6692]

John, yr shapes are stunning but your video’s volume is awful! U sound like you filmed in an elevator, like its coming from a million miles away

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Some of the OJA's older videos have questionable sound quality. It took us some time to figure out the equipment that we needed to improve the look and sound of the videos. Thank you for watching. I hope the video inspired you to check out this technique further.

[@mrthebillman]

12 minute video, 2 minutes of work.

[@saponedintorni2554]

Lots of explanation, which is absolutely necessary and much appreciated!!!