An article made of a metallic material having its constituent elements is made by furnishing at least one nonmetallic precursor compound, wherein all of the nonmetallic precursor compounds collectively include the constituent elements of the metallic material in their respective constituent-element proportions. The precursor compounds are chemically reduced to produce particles comprising the metallic material, without melting the precursor compounds and without melting the metallic material. The particles may be consolidated into a rod, which may be used as a welding rod in a welding operation. Alternatively, the nonmetallic precursor compounds may be consolidated prior to the chemical reduction.