The main interest of this part of our web guide is on metalworking in crafts or art.
Metalworking emerged more than 5,000 years ago when early societies discovered the benefits of heating and shaping metals into various tools. The resulting transition from stone to metal tools marked the Bronze Age (3300-1200 BC), driven by copper-tin alloys that offered superior strength. By the Iron Age (1200 BC), advancements in smelting and forge techniques enabled the widespread use of iron, dramatically changing agriculture, warfare, and artistic expression.
Across continents, cultures such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, and Celts developed distinctive metalworking traditions.
Metalworking processes include a variety of techniques, from traditional handcraft to high-tech fabrication. These include heating metal to a malleable state and shaping it through hammering or pressing (forging), pouring molten metal into molds to produce complex or repeatable forms (casting), bending, rolling, or stamping sheet metal to achieve the desired contours (forming), the use of techniques such as welding, brazing, and soldering to fuse metal components (joining), and polishing, patination, plating, or texturing to refine surface appearance and protect against corrosion (finishing).
Metal choices influence strength, workability, and aesthetic appeal.
Ferrous metals such as iron and steel are prized for structural integrity and hardness, common in blacksmithing and architectural installations.
Non-ferrous metals include copper (which is valued for its conductivity and warm patina, used in domestic crafts and sculpture), bronze (offering durability and rich color, traditionally used in statuary and decorative objects), brass (noted for its golden hue and acoustic properties, popular in musical instruments and ornamental work), and aluminum (which is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, favored in modern kinetic sculptures and functional design).
Precious metals, such as silver and gold, are central to jewelry and fine metalwork. Both of these metals are prized for their luster and malleability.
The use of metalworking in crafts and art includes jewelry and wearable art, often combining hand forging with lost wax-casting and laser engraving to create unique or custom pieces. Large-scale welding, patination, and electroforming are used in sculpture and installation. Metalworking is also used to form functional objects, like crafting furniture, lighting fixtures, and hardware that integrates industrial materials with artistic vision. Mixed-media collaborations merge metal with glass, wood, and textiles to explore contrasts in texture and form. Digital fabrication, employing CNC machining, water-jet cutting, and 3D printing in metal, is often used in contemporary art.
Recommended Resources
The online resource and digital storefront focus on ready-to-build metalworking plans, including those for people of various skill levels. It provides the design assets necessary to tackle everything from functional weld-up pieces to decorative metal art. Course offerings include downloadable 3D CAD models, detailed blueprints with exploded views and bills of materials, and DXF cutting files for laser or plasma cutting. Software requirements, hardware needs, and skill levels are featured.
https://www.diymetalprojects.com/
Based in Tucson, Arizona, Desert Metal Craft is the only school in the American Southwest dedicated to teaching the ancient art of blacksmithing alongside the modern science of metalworking. It combines hands-on forging techniques with metallurgical principles to give students a deep understanding of material properties and processes. Courses include blacksmithing, blade smithing and knife-making, welding, jewelry and metal arts, and material science. Courses are highlighted.
https://www.desertmetalcraft.org/
TGoM is a Minnesota-based, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the art, science, and skills of metalworking. Its membership ranges from novices to seasoned professionals, and the organization emphasizes hands-on learning, community engagement, and sharing traditions across generations. TGoM hosts several educational and social gatherings designed to draw participants from all facets of metalworking. Membership details, schedules, and contacts are provided.
https://www.metalsmith.org/
Metal clay is a modeling medium made of microscopic metal particles, such as silver, gold, bronze, or copper, held together in a water-based binder that feels and works like clay. Once shaped and dried, it's fired in a kiln or with a torch, burning off the binder and sintering the metal particles into a solid piece. Metal Clay Today is a quarterly online magazine devoted to metal clay enthusiasts, instructors, and writers. Each issue features step-by-step tutorials and feature articles.
https://metalclaytoday.com/
Situated in Mobile, Alabama, Metalcraft Artworks is a focused design and fabrication company specializing in high-end metal art, sculptures, vintage industrial, and modern furniture. Its products and services include custom metal sculptures and wall art, vintage industrial furniture and lighting, modern metal furnishings made to order, and design consultations and studio workshops. Its location, hours, and contacts are posted, and information on commissioning a custom piece is included.
https://www.metalcraftartworks.com/
Society of American Silversmiths
SAS is an American arts organization, founded in 1989, and headquartered in Rhode Island. It is the nation's only professional organization devoted solely to the preservation and promotion of contemporary silversmithing. Member benefits include discounts, a toll-free direct line to the SAS executive director, member news exchange, a career center, referral services, and other resources. An introduction to the organization, SAS publications, and contacts is posted.
https://www.silversmithing.com/
Society of North American Goldsmiths
SNAG is an international membership community dedicated to advancing the field of metalsmithing, jewelry, and adornment. Through education, events, publications, and networking, SNAG preserves tradition while embracing innovation in studio art and design. The organization's mission is to inspire creativity, encourage education, and foster community among artists, practitioners, teachers, and advocates of metalsmithing. Membership levels and benefits are listed, and contacts are provided.
https://snagmetalsmith.org/
WIM is a statewide membership organization dedicated to advancing, enriching, and nurturing the creativity and community of metalsmiths in Wisconsin. The organization welcomes metalsmiths of all skill levels and metal mediums, from professional artists and instructors to hobbyists and enthusiasts. Its membership policies and benefits are discussed, along with schedules and announcements of upcoming activities and events. Contacts and social media links are included.
https://wimetalsmiths.org/
