Classes

Chain Bracelets

Create your own chain bracelet and embellish it with beads and charms. Learn to make and stamp sheet metal discs which you will turn into charms. Beads will be added using handmade headpins, several of which will be demonstrated in class. Some wire work experience suggested. A review of tools, supplies and resources will be included.

Jewelry Fabrication Techniques

Weekly classes focus on at least one of the following: soldering, texturing, chainmaking, cold connections, stone setting and finishing techniques.

Precious Metal Clay

The course is an introduction to working and creating jewelry in Fine Silver using an exciting new process called Precious Metal Clay (PMC). PMC is rapidly becoming a very popular new medium for artists and others for creating unique new forms of jewelry, mainly because of its ease of use and relatively inexpensive price tag. Unlike traditional metal-based jewelry-making, PMC does not require soldering or special-purpose tools and well-practiced skills for working with metals. Instead, the PMC process begins with the shaping of a compound clay material, created from a mix of a water based binder with a microscopic silver powder. It is more similar to working with delicate pottery clay, Fimo or Sculpey. Once fired, the clay piece hardens and evaporates to leave behind a beautiful piece of fine precious metal in silver or gold. PMC materials and processes are also non-toxic and non-hazardous.

The course will teach the students all stages of jewelry-making with PMC, from designing the piece to modelling it, firing and finishing the final, wearable or displayed piece of jewelry. The course will include six class meetings of 3 hours duration each. Students will be supplied in class or directed to retailers for purchase of the tools and materials needed.

Simply Charming Bracelet

Create your own chain bracelet and embellish it with beads and charms. Learn to make and stamp sheet metal discs which you will turn into charms. Beads will be added using handmade headpins, several of which will be demonstrated in class.

Wire Beads

Coil, wrap, and finish beads made completely out of various gauges of wire. Learn about mandrels, finishing four styles of wire beads, and various ways to incorporate the styles into your jewelry designs. Beads can be used for earrings, bracelets, or necklaces. Basic wire work experience is helpful. A review of tools, supplies, and resources is included.

Wire Earrings

Create stylish and elegant earrings. Four styles and earrings will be demonstrated including spirals head pins basic ear wires and forging metal wire. Learn about tools findings and design tips. No previous jewelry making experience required. Materials fee $20-$50 depending on desired project kit.