Electroforming & Plating for Jewelry & Small Objects
with Jennifer Stenhouse, March 14-15, 2026

Saturday-Sunday, March 14-15, 2026  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm, PDT

Instructor: Jennifer Stenhouse 

Metal doesn’t have to be poured to be formed! This one-day live online workshop introduces copper electroforming and electroplating as a flexible, home-studio-friendly alternative to lost wax casting and other equipment-heavy processes. Students will learn how to build copper directly onto organic materials, wax models, stones, and non-metal forms to create lightweight, hollow, three-dimensional jewelry.

Working with an affordable DC power supply, we’ll cover safe studio setup, surface preparation, and how to control voltage, amperage, and time for clean, even copper builds. The workshop also includes a demonstration of gold pen-plating, showing how to add subtle gold accents to electroformed pieces without the cost of working entirely in precious metal.

The class is designed specifically for home studios, using an affordable DC power supply, simple tools, and accessible materials. We’ll cover how to safely set up an electroforming station, prepare objects for copper buildup, and control voltage, amperage, and time to achieve strong, even metal layers.

In addition to copper electroforming, the instructor will demonstrate gold pen-plating as a finishing technique. Pen plating allows for selective gold accents on electroformed or fabricated pieces, offering the look of gold without the cost of fully casting or fabricating in precious metal.

Safety is emphasized throughout the workshop, with clear guidance on handling solutions, understanding electrical basics, and working responsibly in a home environment - no industrial equipment or foundry access required.

What You’ll Learn

• How electroforming compares to lost wax casting and other traditional processes
• Setting up a safe and effective home electroforming station
• Preparing organic, stone, and non-metal materials for copper electroforming
• Building durable, lightweight copper shells
• Understanding voltage, amperage, and time for consistent results
• Finishing, refining, and patinating copper surfaces
• Gold pen-plating techniques for selective accents (demonstration)
• Troubleshooting common electroforming issues

Who This Class Is For

This workshop is ideal for beginner to intermediate jewelry makers, hobbyists, and professional metalsmiths looking for a lower-cost, flexible alternative to casting. No previous electroforming experience is required.

Format

• Live, one-day online workshop
• Students work in their own home studios
• Instructor demonstrations, step-by-step guidance, and live Q&A

By the end of the workshop, students will understand how electroforming can replace or complement traditional casting methods - opening up new possibilities for sculptural jewelry while keeping costs, equipment, and studio requirements to a minimum.

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

Use the links below to purchase any supplies you don't already have for your class. 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 Materials

Required Equipment

• DC Power Supply. I prefer a 120V model. I got one on Amazon. This will give you options to be able to anodize and etch as well.
• Adjustable voltage up to 120V and amperage
• Digital readout strongly recommended
• Alligator Clip Leads
• Red and black, insulated
• Electroforming Container
• Plastic or glass (never metal)
• Copper Anode
• Copper sheet, pipe, or coil
• Suspension System
• Bare copper wire (18–22 gauge)
• Plastic rod, dowel, or chopsticks for hanging work

Chemicals & Solutions

• Copper Electroforming Solution- this is available online from Rio Grande and other suppliers, including Amazon. We will discuss homemade options as well.
• Commercial copper electroforming or copper sulfate-based solution
• Distilled Water
• For mixing and rinsing
• Degreasing Cleaner
• Unscented dish soap, TSP, or dedicated electroforming cleaner
• Surface Prep Cleaner
• Isopropyl alcohol or acetone (used sparingly and safely)

Conductive Materials

• Conductive Paint
• Copper or graphite-based (water-based preferred)
• Small Brushes
• For applying conductive paint
• Graphite Powder (optional)
• 3000 mesh
• India ink
• For enhancing conductivity on organic materials

Objects for Electroforming

Students are encouraged to bring a variety of small objects, such as:

• Organic materials (leaves, seed pods, twigs, shells)
• Stones, crystals, or ceramic pieces
• Resin, wax, or 3-D printed forms
• Small metal items (copper or brass) for practice

Finishing & Surface Refinement

• Fine Sandpaper or Micro-Mesh (400–1500 grit range)
• Brass Brush or Soft Steel Wool
• Burnisher or Polishing Cloth
• Patina for Copper (optional)
• Liver of sulfur or alternative copper patina

Safety Equipment (Required)

• Nitrile Gloves
• Safety Glasses
• Apron or Studio Clothes
• Dedicated Work Area
• Well-ventilated, away from food and pets
• Paper Towels & Spill Tray

Gold Pen-Plating Demonstration (Instructor Demo Only)

These items are demonstrated by the instructor; student purchase is optional.

• Pen-plating power supply is available from Otto Frei, Pepe Tools, and Rio Grande
• Gold pen-plating solution (several metal options are available)
• Plating pen and tips
• Masking materials and fine brushes

Helpful but Optional

• Digital Scale
• Notebook or Log Sheet
• Plastic Measuring Cups
• pH Strips