Saturday, April 12, 2025
10:00 am - 1:00 pm PDT
Instructor: Jennifer Stenhouse
Reticulation is the surface treatment of metal using heat from a torch to create a wrinkling and crackling texture. This can be used alone or in combination with a number of other treatments like granulation and Keumboo, to make uniquely beautiful work. Reticulation (or “samorodok” in Russia) has been used as a surface treatment dating back to the 19th-century Russian and northern European metalsmiths - like Fabergé - on things like cigarette cases, boxes, and flasks. Reticulated metal can be soldered and treated like other patterned stock metal. There are several metal alloys we discuss, including sterling, shibuichi, brass, and stock purchased Reticulation sterling. Bring your scrap sterling and brass, if you have it!
All classes include the video recording, which you will have access to for 60 days after the class. The Zoom link, handouts, video(s), and other important information can be found by clicking on the individual class link on the "My Courses" page. The Zoom link and handout (if any) will be available 24 hours before the class starts.
You also get 1 free session of Open Studio Access (OSA) in the month following your class, the Zoom link can be found on the course video access page.
The class supply list is below and contains links to buy the supplies you need.
Supply List for Students
The links below will take you to RioGrande.com or other suppliers. To see prices for precious metal items, you need a free Rio Grande account. Students in the Rio for Schools program enjoy wholesale benefits for six months (instructor code = RFSLMF). This site may contain Amazon and other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases.
Recommended Metals:
Metals that can be reticulated through heat treatment include sterling (or silver alloys containing copper,) gold alloys containing copper, shibuichi (any type,) brass, or Reticulation metal (80% Ag (silver) / 20% Cu (copper)). 18-20ga sheet metal will work well for this class. Any of these alloys will work fine. I recommend sheet that is 18-20ga. It very desirable to work with at least a few inches square. The edges tend to melt unpredictably and /or contract unevenly. To get the best effects, start with a bigger piece than you plan to use, then cut it down to the size you need to make your pieces. You’re making stock patterned metal to work with.
Optional Metals:
Recommended Tools:
