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
​
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 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.
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"
www.udemy.com/...
2. Intermediate course "Making Beautiful Articulated Hinged Jewelry"
www.udemy.com/...
3. Stone Setting Course "5 Ways To Enhance Jewelry Design Through Stone Setting"
www.udemy.com/...
Follow us on:
Instagram - / onlinejewelryacademy ​
​And, you can support the production of future OJA videos by making a monthly contribution at: / onlinejewelryacademy .

[@kymberlydawn1445]

"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.

[@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. :)

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Jean, Thanks for sharing your point about what sort of hammer or mallet to use with the chisel. You make a very good point. You have to work with tools in a way that protects them. I'm glad you're enjoying shell forming. Keep watching because we have a new video coming out that expands upon the concept. Thanks for your support!

[@tyedye571]

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

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad the OJA could inspire you Wendy. Have fun making forms. Thanks for your support! : )

[@Popnicute]

Nice video, professor :) I enjoyed it!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Popnicute Artisan Jewelry I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching! ; )

[@sherrycastro5989]

Love your videos. Thanks for sharing

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Sherry, Thank you for the kind feedback. I'm so glad you find the videos helpful. Thanks for your support! : )

[@herbanexplorer]

Awesome lesson! It inspired me! :)

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the lesson. I love knowing that the video inspired you. Thanks for your support! : )

[@datgnome000]

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

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+okay LOL. I don't know what dropped at that moment. But, you're comment gave me a big laugh. Thanks for watching! : )

[@melaamericana803]

meraviglioso fantastico tutorial grazie mille maestro

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

mela americana Thanks for watching! : )

[@wonbadood8243]

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

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hey Wonbadood, Yeah, I get ribbed every now and then for that mistake. Oh well, nobody's perfect. Be sure to bookmark the video for times when you need a laugh. Thanks for your support! : )

[@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.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

It's amazing how many skills it takes to successfully make a piece of jewelry. I hope you enjoy this technique. It's fun to make shell forms. If you like this you should definitely check out the anticlastic videos as well. Thanks for your support! : )

[@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?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Nancy Cornett Hi Nancy, The piece of wood I made my forming block from was just a piece of scrap wood I found. I think it was a piece of redwood. But, if you want to make a block that last a long time, I suggest using a piece of hardwood like oak or maple. Unfortunately, the OJA's plans to sell tools has hit a snag. You can find a good pair of metal shears at any hardware store or online. Most jewelry suppliers sell them as well. I suggest shopping around to find the best price. Good luck with your shell forming. Thanks for watching! : )

[@nancyespiritusanto3937]

Yes likes this Thanks

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Nancy, Glad you liked this video. The OJA has some new videos coming out that expand upon this technique that I'm sure you'll like. Thanks for your support! : )

[@tiffanysuikerstok4140]

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

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Tiffany suikerstok Hi Tiffany, The metal used in the video is copper. I used about a 22 gauge thickness. Thanks for your support! : )

[@tiffanysuikerstok4140]

Thank you

[@mountnman100]

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.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+mountnman100 Glad that somebody finally noticed that joke after all this time. Of course you would never hit a baby in the head with a hammer. But, need to hit your metal as softly as you can. Thanks for watching! : )

[@joannanorma]

hahaha yes, I only just viewed this video and thought did he actually say that? Why would someone say that? Also everybody has two pairs of eyes! NOT. But great instructions nevertheless.....as always. Most helpful.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Joanna, Yes, I made both statements. The two pairs of eyes thing was something we missed in editing. And, the other comment was intended to imply that you need to tap your metal as lightly as possible. No weirdness intended on my part. Anyway, I'm glad that I've been able to help you to learn about jewelry making. Good luck with your creative pursuits. Thanks for your support! : )

[@2fun2care]

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

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Sorry, you have to make the baby too. Glad you share my crazy sense of humor. Thanks for your support! : )

[@LAQUESEDOCA]

Gracias desde Colombia

[@onlinejewelryacademy8157]

De Nada. : )

[@melody5437]

Thanks! Is the pink enamel work?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Melody, No. The pink is colored pencil. We have a video on how to do it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3TMloR5bK-VhqM Thanks for your support! : )

[@amblurdunc]

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

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Amber, In the video I was using 22 gauge sheet. I find that it gives me the best results. You should check out the OJA's videos on anticlastic raising as well. That technique is similar and produces more curvaceous results. Thanks for your support! : )

[@e.lycopersicon9720]

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

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Marya DeBlasi Hi Marya, The flared end of the one piece just above the two with pink interiors was hammered over the horn of an anvil. I simply hammered it to curve back at the top edge. I'm sure you can replicate my result quite easily. Have fun making shell forms. And, thanks for supporting the OJA! : )

[@smat2272]

For this different shaped one that you are discussing here.... what was the original shape cut from the copper? Same as the others, or more of a triangular shape to begin with? Love your videos!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

The shape used to make most of the examples in the video is the same: sort of an elongated oval that is pointed at both of the long ends. But, you can work with all sorts of shapes including a triangular shape. My best suggestion is to cut a variety of shapes and experiment. Also, the more triangular shape was also used in the OJA's video regarding anticlastic raising. It's very similar to the shell forming process. You might want to check it out. You can find the complete playlist of videos at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com Glad to hear that you like the videos. Thanks for your support! : )

[@herbanexplorer]

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

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

The OJA has another video that shows how the copper elements were colorized. Watch it at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3TMloR5bK-VhqM Thanks for your support! : )

[@jaimie00]

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.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

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

[@fortpecktim6846]

Two pairs of eyes ?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Nobody's perfect. Hey, I've got two pairs of eyes. Thanks for your support! ; )

[@fortpecktim6846]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy So sorry, I forgot to put lol.Didnt mean to come across sounding like an ass. I have got a lot of usefull information for makeing chased copper cuffs from your channel. Again sorry.