So you want to be a metalsmith?

First, you have to see yourself as a maker.
Below are our top 6 Tips for Becoming a Maker

1. Find something you love to make

What do you want to create or improve? Many people are drawn to specific types of materials or the process. For Kelly, one of our owners and instructors, she knew the minute she picked up a torch that she was going to learn all she could about metalsmithing. You will be devoting a lot of time to what you create, it’s important that you are passionate about it. Perhaps getting your hands dirty is an important component or maybe you absolutely must work from home. Before you get started, it is smart to consider what sorts of things are important to you. For example, if you hate computers, maybe robotics shouldn't be your thing.

2. Get educated

There are so many workshops, in-person classes, online videos, and educational resources out there. Searching YouTube is a great way to get started. When you are ready to pay for education, sites like Craftsy (www.craftsy.com) do a great job of providing a more thorough online education for a small investment. Don’t forget about your local guilds, clubs, libraries, and schools. Often these places are wonderful for learning. 

If you want to learn metalsmithing , obviously we recommend working with us at Alloy: A Metalsmithing Community.  There’s something for everyone.  We offer beginner metalsmithing classes, fun make-and-take workshops, private lessons, PRIVATE make-and-take workshops, DIY wedding band workshops, and a variety of membership options!

3. Buy some tools and materials

This can be a bit daunting. How do you know which tool is right? Do you get the expensive one or the cheap one? In our experience it is really all about your budget. Be honest with what you are willing to commit financially and determine what will work best for you. Metalsmithing is one of the more expensive crafts. Kelly started out with the cheapest tools and materials because that is all she had the money for. Some of these tools are still operational today and some have been upgraded and replaced. It is always a work in progress. That said, great tools can really make a difference in saving time and making a task much easier.

To take out some of the guess work for new metalsmiths, we offer a beginners tool kit with everything you need to get started! Every metalsmith has their favorite finishing tools and these are ours. Need materials? We’ve got you covered there too with our practice materials kit, which includes all the basics for practicing and creating a ring with a cabochon stone.

4. DO IT! And Practice!!

Don’t be scared, you have nothing to lose. Besides, how will you know if you like it if you never try? Seriously, you have to start somewhere. Dive in head first and don’t be afraid to change your mind. Once you have found something you enjoy, you HAVE TO practice. Many crafts and mediums are difficult to master and often take a lifetime to fully learn. YOU WILL FAIL but don’t be discouraged. Keep on trying and you will see with just a bit of practice you will be able to easily do something that you found difficult initially.

5. Find AN Expert, and become their best friend

Experts and fellow makers are typically happy to share and pass along the knowledge they have. One of the best ways to get help from and expert is to offer to help them. I don’t know a single maker who couldn’t use an extra set of hands. When Kelly was first starting out she helped a fellow metalsmith haul and set up her booth for a large art show. It was the perfect way to get first hand knowledge about the process without being an inconvenience or time suck for the other metalsmith. When you are just starting out it might be difficult to help a maker with their actual craft, but if you have other skills like photography, writing, etc you can offer those services in exchange for some advice and guidance. It is hard to beat the first hand knowledge that you will get from seeing another maker or metalsmith create and run their business.

Sometimes just a quick call can really steer you in the right direction. We offer an AMA call. Yup, for a small fee you can talk to Louise or Kelly who both have been metalsmithing for over 20 years and ask them anything.

6. Support other makers and get inspired

Go to a craft fair. Go to meetups. Join a Facebook group. The maker community is a welcoming place full of knowledge and inspiration. Show support with your presence and if possible, your dollars. These people work hard, and by supporting them you are fostering an environment where makers are respected and can continue creating.

Remember, a maker is simply a person who makes something 

Have fun, explore, and most importantly create what YOU want.