Jewelry-making and Metalsmithing Workshop Excursion in ChiangMai, Thailand: Exploring Traditional Craft and Cultural Heritage With Oops+
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Discover the Cultural and Craft Treasures of Chiang Mai, Thailand: Join Oops+ for an 10-Day Cultural and Technical Journey into the World of Jewelry and Metalsmithing Mai, Thailand: Join Oops+ for an 10-Day Cultural and Technical Journey into the World of Jewelry and Metalsmithing
About The Workshops Focusing on filigree, traditional metal forming, chasing, and repoussé, this group of specialized workshops provides you the opportunity to learn from skilled traditional craftspeople in their home studios and Buddhist temples located in Thailand’s picturesque north. Thai craftspeople have perfected the art of silversmithing and metalwork over numerous generations, and our program connects you with living masters while exploring the history and heritage of these culturally and religiously important practices.
Chiang Mai, often referred to as Thailand’s “Rose of the North,” is a captivating destination renowned for its rich cultural heritage and exceptional craftsmanship. Nestled in a natural wonderland with ethnic diversity, Chiang Mai is a place where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. This extraordinary 10-day workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore traditional jewelry and metalsmithing alongside local artisans in this cultural oasis.
Chiang Mai, which translates to “new city,” has celebrated over 700 years of existence while retaining its historical charm. Founded by King Meng Rai the Great in 1296, it served as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, playing a pivotal role in the development of Buddhism in northern Thailand. The city’s historical and modern facets seamlessly blend within its ancient moat-encircled old city, preserving centuries-old chedis and temples alongside contemporary conveniences.
DATE
July 21-30,2024 ∙10 Days, 9 Nights
Chiang Mai, Thailand
PRICE
Private Room: $5,136 USD
For this price you get your own private room in each location
Shared Room: $4,638 USD (Per peson)
Traveling wiht a friend or partner? This price secures your double room in each hotel (Can choose either shared bed or separate beds.)
Please book through our agent, Craft Abroad, LLC., below!
Explore Lanna Cultural and Craft Treasures with Local craft communities
This workshop takes place in a UNESCO Creative City that is well-known for its craftsmanship and folk arts. Chiang Mai is widely regarded as the craft center of Thailand, offering a vast array of crafts, including silver jewelry, metalsmithing, silverware, embroidery, Thai silks, basketry, celadon pottery, furniture, lacquerware, woodcarvings, and parasols.
Day 1-4: Silver Filigree Jewelry Workshop (4 Days)
Day 1
Upon your arrival in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we will greet you at the airport and escort you to our hotel, nestled in the tranquil foothills of Doi Suthep Mountain. A refreshing cold beverage will be waiting for you upon arrival, allowing you time to rejuvenate after your journey. Later, we’ll gather for dinner at the hotel, providing an opportunity for us to acquaint ourselves, discuss important details about the upcoming adventure, and forge bonds before embarking on our cultural journey together.
Day 2
Introduction of Angsa Jewelry, History of Filigree Jewelry
Filigree Jewelry design: a pair of earrings
Wire preparation: Melting silver, drawing wire different sizes, twisted wire, braided wire, etc.
For dinner we will head out to an open-air food market to sample the good, fresh, and clean food that Chiang Mai is famous for!
Day 3
Annealing, forming, bending and coiling wire prepared wires according to the individual design
Solder making for filigree
Placing units of filigree into outer frame according to the individual design
Soldering all units of filigree and outer frame together
We will finish the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4
Placing units of filigree into outer frame according to the individual design (Continue)
Soldering all units of filigree and outer frame together (Continue)
Fabricating all parts into design a piece of Filigree Jewelry
Polishing and finishing a piece of Filigree Jewelry
Group discussion and suggestion
Dinner will be at a restaurant in our new urban setting.
Day 5-10: Traditional Water Vessel forming (Salung) and Chasing and Repoussé workshop at Metalsmith community of Baan Wualai in Chiang Mai (6 Days)
Day 5
Traditional Water Vessel forming (Salung) Workshop with local metalsmiths at Baan Wualai. Exploring the history of craftsmen and metalsmith at Baan Wualai and making one piece of Salung, Traditional Water Vessel, size: 3.5” (D) X 2” (H)
Introduction of Metalsmith community of Baan Wualai
History of craftsmen and silversmiths at Wat Muen San in Baan Wualai
Materials preparation: Drawing, copper dish cutting, annealing
Forming demonstration and Participants forming Salung
For dinner we will explore the streets together to eat like the locals!
Day 6
Forming demonstration and Participants practicing Salung (Continue)
Soldering: Rim if needed
Polishing and finishing
Group discussion and suggestion
For Dinner we will venture to a local restaurant for more exciting culinary experiences.
Day 7
Chasing and Repoussé in Thai traditional technique at Wat Sri Suphan in Baan Wualai
Visit Jing Jai Market, Local Craft and Farmer Market
Introduction of Wat Sri Suphan and Baan Wualai
History of craftsmen and silversmiths and Chasing and Repoussé at Wat Sri Suphan and Baan Wualai, Wualai community
Visit the Silver Chapel
Take part in perform a long life Lanna ceremony by the Abbot of Wat Sri Suphan in ancient Lanna architecture of Vihan or Prayer hall
Visit three sub-communities around Baan Wualai: Wat Sri Suphan, Wat Nantaram, and Wat Muen San
Pitch preparation
Wualai Walking street, Local event
Dinner will be on your own, and we suggest checking out the Wualai walking street where you can get great food and awesome handicrafts.
Day 8
Introduction to Chasing and Repoussé, Design and Sketch, Pitch preparation (Continue)
Lecture/demonstration step by step
Pattern transfer on Salung
Repoussé and Chasing
Thapae Walking Street, local event
For dinner you will be on your own, and we will encourage you and direct you towards some great spots in the city, such as the Thapae walking street and the Nimmanhaemin neighborhood.
Day 9
Repoussé and Chasing (Continue)
Detail Finishing
Lunch break: At studio
Melting pitch out and Finishing
Group discussion and suggestion
Farewell Dinner: Barbecue party or Eating out@ restaurant, Local food
Then it’s off for a final party at a local BBQ joint. Then back to the hotel to prepare for the rest of your journey, wherever that may be.
