Tinsmithing Day

The J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center invites the public to experience the traditional art of tinsmithing during Past Times at Glidden: Tinsmithing Demos on Sunday, July 26 at 1 p.m.

Scott Cochrane of Oak Park will lead live tinsmithing demonstrations and answer questions about his work, tools, and the historic craft of shaping metal into functional and decorative household objects. Guests will learn about the techniques and hand tools traditionally used by tinsmiths, including shears, hammers, stakes, and soldering irons.

Tinsmithing—also known as tinplate working—is the traditional craft of shaping thin, malleable sheet metals, historically tin-coated steel, into practical everyday items. Before mass manufacturing, tinsmiths produced everything from lanterns and cookie cutters to kitchenware and decorative pieces.

Cochrane first discovered tinsmithing through fellow tinsmith Leo Winkler, who invited his family to make cookie cutters. What began as a simple hands-on activity grew into a lasting passion.

“I enjoyed the…