Fundamentals of Electroforming

Class Fee: 245 CHF (Swiss Franc)

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This class will meet on the following days: (PST – Los Angeles time)

December 2-December 16
Saturday-December 2, 2023 8:30-12:30 Pacific
Saturday-December 9, 2023 8:30-12:30 Pacific
Saturday-December 16, 2023 8:30-10:30 Pacific

 Detailed Course Description

I will be teaching this electroforming class exclusively online for Zurich Glass School. In this initial Terry 1 (Level – beginner to electroforming and refreshers) course I will teach you how to electroform. This is a basic hands-on class that teaches students the fundamentals of  electroforming. The focus of this class is to make the student self-sufficient in the process of electroforming by understanding the science behind electroforming. Students will learn to set-up an electroforming tank and set a DC- power converter also known as a rectifier. We will electroform inert materials such as glass, reactive materials such as a shells, dried leaves and flowers. Proper gluing and sealing/treatment will be discussed and demonstrated. Class projects will include an electroformed bead, flower and shell.  The student will be able to set up their own electroforming tank at home after this class and further explore the process of electroforming.

This course consists of three Saturday morning zoom sessions every week (two sessions of four hours and a final session of two hours)  starting in December, there will be an accountability group where we all meet to show our successes and failures – You will also be signed up to the ‘watch back’ facility on Terry 1 channel on the ZGS website so as you can re-watch any and all of my demos. Once class is over you have exclusive access to her demonstrations for six months to really get those techniques embedded in your minds. Class includes two complimentary one on one consultations over zoom with Terry henry for personal help with the projects. You will also receive technical handouts which act as a handy reminder for the demonstrations.

Required Materials:

Students will be required to supply the following tools for the class. These materials are available in a preassembled Electroforming Kit from Microtools and is available to US and Canadian students.

  • Rectifier (DC power unit 3-5 amp)
  •  Midas Bright Copper Electroforming Solution –Rio Grande Item Number: 335074
  • Conductive paint -2oz recommended- Safer Solutions
  • 6”x6” 20-22-gauge copper sheet for Anodes
  • 24-gauge copper wire spool for hanging project 200’
  • 8-gauge copper wire for tank set up 12’
  • 3-600ml Beaker
  • Copper Tweezers
  • Soft Brass Brush
  • 003 Paintbrush-Synthetic bristle

Electroforming Kit from Microtools
The following are not included:
*Micro Glass Beads
*Copper Scrubby
*Glass bead

Additional required materials not in kit include:

  • 1 foot of 12-gauge copper wire for S-hooks (big box hardware store)
  • Chopstick with skinny end or bamboo skewers
  • 2-3 Small containers – sushi dishes, jar lid, cottage cheese container lid…
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Funnel plastic – dollar store
  • Copper Scrubby
  • Distilled water or De-ionized Water
  • 10-12 Small alligator clips with teeth

European Students

European students can order their materials from Gateros Plating
I recommend the following items:

The following materials may be acquired locally:

  • 15×15 cm 20-22-gauge copper sheet for Anodes
  • 24-gauge copper wire spool for hanging project 60 meters
  • 8-gauge copper wire for tank set up 4 meters
  • 30 cm 12-gauge copper wire for S-hooks
  • 3-600ml Beaker
  • Copper Tweezers
  • Soft Brass Brush
  • 003 Paintbrush-Synthetic bristle
  • 5–10-liter bucket or container for mixing your solution
  • 6 liters of Distilled water or De-ionized Water (5 for mixing solution)
  • Chopstick with skinny end or bamboo skewers
  • 2-3 Small containers – sushi dishes, jar lid, cottage cheese container lid…
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Funnel plastic
  • Copper Scrubby
  • 10-12 Small alligator clips with teeth

Gateros Plating

For participants with your own setup

Check your paint to be sure it is not too old.
Conductive paint may be ordered online from Safer Solutions
Sheet copper and copper wire may be found at ACE hardware stores and numerous craft stores as well as ParaWire Metal Sheets and Bare Wire