In a one day class Barry will guide you through the ancient process of simple chasing (embossing) and repoussé on thin copper sheet to create two different copper mirrors. Using a variety of texturing tools, some as simple as a ball point pen, you will create copper surrounds of your own design that will frame a 6 “ mirror. This is a fun class that might open up your own experimenting with the magical qualities and beauty of working with copper.

What to Expect

You will be supplied with all the materials and tools you’ll need to create your mirror. You’ll be given some simple mirror frame options to choose from for your finished creation. In advance of the class Barry will mail you some paper templates to work out/think about designs you might want to include in your mirror frame along with photo examples of creations from previous classes. At least thinking about some designs in advance if not actually sketching some ideas on the paper templates with allow you more time in the class to devote to that actual creative process.

Simply put chasing or embossing is working a piece of metal (copper in this case) from the front side of the piece and repousse’ is working from the back side of a piece of metal. Each process can create interesting and different “looks” or textures to your creation. The copper you will work with is one thickness heavier that copper foil and can easily be cut with regular scissors. You will be using small, repousse’ hammers and tooling, working the copper into a dense sheet of cardboard. The 4 oz. copper sheet can easily be worked with a simple ball point pen which you may chose to be your exclusive tool of choice. Once the copper surround/ frame has been completed, you may choose to patina the copper before it will be pressed, glued, and wrapped onto a pre-cut plywood backing. The final treatment will be waxing with a special protective renaissance wax.

About the Artist

Barry Stromberger has lived in the Methow Valley in Eastern Washington for over 50 years settling there after completing a degree from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Calif. In his years in the Methow he has farmed, repaired foreign cars, built wood stoves, raced cars, been the high school maintenance guy, taught high school shop and for the last 25 years has done custom iron work as an artist/blacksmith making functional jewelry for fine homes and businesses. Folded into all those occupations have been classes taught in copper bowl and mirror making and adult welding. Having retired in 2023 he is currently pursuing the latent motor head part of his passions by restoring a 1971 VW single cab pick up and converting it to full electric power.

The Setting
The workshop will take place in our newly renovated barn studio space, full of natural light and located right off the flower garden and farm stand. Take time before or after class to explore the farm, the beaches, forests, and wildlife that Lummi Island offers. 
Before class we’ll serve our delicious farmhouse pastries, coffee, and tea to get you ready for a creative day ahead.

Plan Your Trip
July can be a busy time of the year on Lummi Island, so we encourage you to book overnight accommodations as soon as possible. We recommend staying on Lummi in one of the many vacation rentals offered. Take a look at Stay & Sea (20% discount code is FULLBLOOM), RecRetreats, Lummi Island Vacations, Airbnb or VRBO. 

The ferry schedule and directions to the farm are found here for your reference