WHAT IS REPOUSSE', ANYWAY?

I have never been comfortable talking about myself, or even writing about myself. However, for lack of a brilliant topic idea at the moment, I will write about repousse' and chasing, my favorite metal working techniques for making jewelry. These are ancient techniques, which date back to the Bronze Age. Objects produced by repousse' and chasing are becoming increasingly rare, since they are entirely done by hand, and therefore time consuming.

Repousse' and chasing are processes of of surface modeling done on sheet metal, using a hammer and punching tools. The preferred metals are silver, high karat gold, and sometimes copper. Repousse' is when one works from the back, or reverse side. Chasing is when one models on the top side, or face, of the work. In both techniques, the tools do not cut through the metal, but indent it. The designs are created on the metal free-hand; no pre-existing forms are used.

During the working of the metal, it must be supported on a material resilient enough to give in to the hammer blows on the punches that form the metal, as well as hold it in place. Traditionally, the material used for this purpose is pitch, a mixture of wood resin, tallow, and plaster. Pitch retains the necessary amount of plasticity and adheres to the metal when cool, thereby anchoring it in place during the work. The pitch is heated and melts slightly when the metal needs to be removed.

Last September I was fortunate to travel to Italy and visit the last remaining shop in Florence that makes objects using repousse' and chasing. I was humbled when I viewed the fantastic creations in the shop. Not only was there jewelry, but also serving platters, bowls, and goblets. All had hand-hammered depictions of flowers, leaves, bunches of grapes and other designs. For me, it was as though I had entered Aladdin's cave of treasures.

Repousse' and chasing have a magical feel to me because they allow one to make an object out of a flat piece of metal. I hope these techniques will not become a lost art, and that other people will continue to experience the magic.

Team Spotlight! WomanWithTools!

Today we want to introduce you to Lynn of WomanWithTools! Her specialty is jewelry made through a technique called repousse. Check out her shop to find out exactly what that is. She also has a great vintage shop with beautiful finds, like the ring below.



1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are.

My name is Lynn Lefler (Lynnie to a chosen few). I am a California girl, born and raised. A passionate animal lover (especially dogs), somewhat of a loner (I hate participating in team sports), fairly quiet, but have a wicked sense of humor.

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock us!

I've turned down a number of opportunities to be an extra in feature films and television shows.

3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?

Jewelry (mostly silver), which I hand hammer using ancient metalworking techniques called repousse and chasing. I also have a large collection of vintage jewelry and buttons I would like to sell, so I opened a second shop called Nouveaux Retro.

4. How did you start with Etsy?

I saw an article about Etsy in an art jewelry magazine.

5. Any secrets to share for success? or What tool do you use to track your success?

No secrets - just do what you love. Follow your passion.

6. Hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy.

I love to collect things; it's rather like a treasure hunt for me. I've collected shells (the nice specimen type you see in museums), glass dogs, miniature sculptures, antique jewelry, and my latest, old buttons. I also like reading and gardening.

7. Where would your dream vacation be? and why?

I'd love to go back to the U.K. and travel around the Cotswolds, then go to Scotland, especially Edinburgh. I've seen photos and the countryside looks beautiful. There's also so much history to be found in every corner. I love old houses and churches, and can spend hours in museums.


8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and Hands United?

Friendship and support. The creative life can be a lonely one. It's so nice to be able to share your triumphs and your pain with people who are going through similar things.

9. Where can we find you?

Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/WomanWithTools
http://www.etsy.com/shop/NouveauxRetro

10. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your strength?

I draw my inspiration from the other artists in my family, from my husband, Doug, and from all of the jewelry makers who came before me.

11. Free writing anything you want to say.

Thanks to all the members of HHU for making me one of their own. Being a loner isn't all that much fun.