Authors
MARY HETTMANSPERGERJoin multi-media fibre artist Mary Hettmansperger to explore the concept of incorporating metals on quilts to add dimension, interest, texture, imagery, content using low-tech metalsmithing techniques.|Starting out with metal sheeting as the focus, foils and copper sheeting are explored. Next, Mary demonstrates how wire (in a variety of metals and gauges) can be used to create shapes, images, weaving, and baubles to personalize art quilts and fibre art. Forging, shaping, and texturing sheet metal and wire are covered, along with simple techniques for using a propane torch to add special effects, achieve colour, and obtain distressed surfaces. Surface techniques are explored, and options for designing with metal are introduced. With simple fabric applications, what to do and what to avoid when incorporating metals and found items into art quilts are considered. The final focus is on finishing, with special consideration given to methods of attaching metal embellishments to fibre art.