Monday, June 20, 2011

Sheet Metal Posies

On Saturday I was able to take a class at the Studio at Rush Creek, a coffee shop/art studio near my home. The class was called Metal Ribbon art and was taught by Debbie Isaacson who makes these incredible metal sculptures from metal pipes and sheet metal. At right is an example of her work and the top pic is the piece I made in the class. It was really fun to learn some different techniques and try out some different tools and materials. I learned how to drill holes through metal conduit, how to cut aluminum flashing into shapes, how to use a pneumatic riveter, and how to assemble it all. The instructor is coming back in July to teach a class on Garden Art and I'm going to try to take that as well.
by Debbie Isaacson

What I really enjoyed was using her techniques to make something that incorporates my sense of style. Like any new experience I got all kinds of fab new ideas for my own work. Like sheet metal quilts with stenciled patterns and wire stitching. The beginning part of the sculpture felt a lot like putting a mini art quilt together. Fun new visions of art have been dancing through my head ever since. I spent last night researching how to paint on metal. Spray paint seemed obvious but for a more painterly approach I was thinking I need paint I can mix. Some were using acrylic, some were using oil, but what was really fun looking was the cans of metal Rustoleum I saw someone painting their car with. So we'll see how much it all costs, how much I can figure out, how it will all work, and what I can do with it. But FUN!

I'll keep you updated- but in the meantime I'd like to know if any of you have painted on metal before and if you primed your metal first, if you sanded, what kind of paint you used and on what kind of metal. SO please, if you've any experience with this, please, please, please, leave a comment and THANKS for your help!!!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is very cool! LOVE IT!

TesoriTrovati said...

I actually like yours best!
I use all sorts of things on metal. Lately I am trying alcohol inks and find them to be fab for a great wash of color. You can rough up your metal for some tooth and seal with something sprayed or a light rubbing of Renaissance Wax to seal it in. And you might want to check out the patinas and tutorial that my friend Shannon of MissFickleMedia on Etsy has developed. OUTSTANDING results on metal!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

u.kalyani said...

wow its really amazing :) best of luck for the next class.Keep it up

Cristi Baxter Clothier said...

It looks great, Jen! I'm with Erin, I like yours much better too. I would most definitely hang your piece on my wall. Great work

aMorita-Sa said...

I like your final piece. Wow! Nothing like learning a new craft to get your creative ideas flowing.

Anonymous said...

I love, love, love your new art! I have painted on metal before and I sanded and primed. Always sand at least, usually advised on anything you paint but especially metal or the paint will peel off. I like painting with enamels on metal but I don't like the clean-up. They have alot of new paints on the market now so experiment some. I love your wire art too and I am just now giving it a try. I spent all day making birds and my hands are sooo sore. Keep up the great art! Connie :)

Cindy said...

What a fun class, I've never seen anything like it! Your work iin progress looks amazing already!

Cynthia Lloréns said...

Wow!!!!I´m in love with your blog...I just love evrything in here!!!!!You are so talented....I love..love..love.....all you have created!!!!!
I try to be follower but I couldn´t...I will try again.
I will like to make a invitation to you...
So I will send my email and you write to me.
cynthia.renaud@gmail.com
Kisses and huges from Brazil
Cynthia

scrapwordsmom said...

What a fun new experience. I am so nervous to try anything like that. Maybe some day I'll go outside my comfort zone:)

Jen,
Thank you so very much for your kind words on my blog regarding my pain. It meant so much to me. After another 24 hour migraine I am slow today but on the mend. I have also decided to take my health in my own hands and find some relief.

Thanks again!

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