231474059_247136493873953_3886382808850002582_n.jpg

EMBOSSING METAL

The art of embossing (repoussé) is the process of creating a raised design on a malleable piece of metal, using basic hand tools. Pewter is a metal alloy consisting mainly of tin, to which copper and antimony are added to strengthen and harden it. It has been around since the beginning of the Bronze Age, being used for tableware before the introduction of porcelain.

WELCOME TO METALLIX

Metallix is a pewter embossing studio in the trendy quarters of Balsall Heath, Birmingham. In the studio I create hand embossed pewter items such as journals, keepsake boxes and original mixed media canvases. These are ideal gifts that can be personalised with names or images of your choice.

I draw my inspiration from architecture and sculptural forms and work from photographs that I have taken on my travels. Here are a few snippets of artworks showing the broad range of styles that can be used with embossed metal.

The ancient craft of metal embossing has traditionally been used on copper and pewter, in the making of platters and drinking vessels. In modern times we still use these metals but also add craft metal shims and foils in different colours, giving the traditional look a modern twist.

Texture is added to the metal with texture tools and simple rubbing plates and stencils. It is then darkened by using a liquid acid patina, which gives it an aged appearance, by leaving the darkened liquid in the recesses of the embossed piece, while the raised areas are polished to a high gloss.

This gives the artwork a 3-dimensional appearance. TheColour can be added with various inks and waxes.The artwork is then glued to a background…a canvas, a board, jewellery box or a journal. If It’s flat, I can pewter it.

The finished artwork is then varnished to prevent tarnishing. My works are sold at craft fairs, independent shops, on my Etsy store and by private commission.


FACE TO FACE WORKSHOPS, TEAM BUILDING, ONLINE CLASSES AND CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS. CLICK ON THE LINKS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THEM OR TO BOOK.

If you are looking to find a new skill or improve your existing crafting ability, come and try one of my face to face workshops. All workshops are for adults, age 16+. No artistic ability is required as we work from tracings and stencils and you will have step by step tuition…from the piece of sheet metal to the finished product.

As well as the in-person workshops, I am offering online classes , with a craft box sent to your door with everything you need for the workshop, and a live zoom on your chosen day and time. These can be individual bookings or with friends and family across the UK. These online workshops will continue into the future.

Mental health is a huge factor in the productivity of your staff. Doing some form of craft is known to be a great stress reliever, even for those who are not artistic at all. I offer workshops for team building and training, with all equipment brought to your office space or come and use mine. This offer is for Birmingham and surrounding areas, OR I can do an online team-building class.

Christmas will be here soon, and along with that comes family crafts, tree decorating ideas and just relaxation to take your mind away from the stresses of the festive season. Unwind, along with friends and family and book a craft session.These sessions are available for craft groups, community groups and private groups, as well as individual sessions . There is no minimum number of people as I will run the class regardless .

CLICK ON THE LINKS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THEM OR TO BOOK A WORKSHOP

FACE TO FACE WORKSHOPS

ONLINE WORKSHOPS

CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS