Are you interested in making jewelry? Have you ever wanted to learn new techniques to expand your jewelry making options? Or are you just curious and want to find out ‘how it’s made’? Although, I have no formal education in the world of jewelry making, I do know a few things which might help you. Take a moment to peruse what I have to offer. I have taken several workshops from some of the best teachers and designers. Most of my knowledge comes from hard work, trial and error, and reading a ton of books or watching every DVD out there on fabricating jewelry. I would love to share my experience with you. So, let’s get rolling! The adventure has just begun!
All workshops are semi-private! That means there will only be one other student to ask questions or cut-up in class. Unless specified, the workshops will be 4 hours long. That’s about all you will be able to take of me. Once I get rolling, I’m hard to stop. So, 4 hours of me is long enough!
Each 4 hour workshop is $40. Hey, that’s $10 an hour! I will have handouts and a list of resources. I have a large library of books you can look through. Sorry, I can’t let them leave the studio – they are too precious to me. But, if you see one you absolutely love, it can most likely be purchased online.
HeyWire!
Beginner Level: Learn about wire; its properties, types, size, use
- How to cut wire
- How to measure wire
- About copper, sterling silver, fine silver, brass and bronze wire
- Making jump rings
- Making eye pins and their variations
- Tools
- Coiling wire
This workshop is for those who have not worked with wire. I will supply all tools and materials to get you started. WooHoo! All you have to do is show up!
Intermediate Level: More wire work!
- Hammering and textureing
- More involved wire techniques
- Filing and finishing
- Links, components, chain making – possibly chain maille if you request it
This workshop will be a bit more involved for the more serious wire artist. I can still furnish tools, equipment and materials; but if you have your favorite pliers, by all means bring them with you!
Advanced Level: working with heavy gauge wire, limited use of a torch for annealing, hammer techniques for shaping wire
- Heavy gauge wire and how to handle it
- Intro to forging wire
- Small torch use
- How to anneal wire
- Hammer use and how to work safely
MetalSome!
Beginner Level: sheet metals in copper, brass, bronze, sterling silver and fine silver
- All you ever wanted to know about sheet metal
- How to cut
- How to measure
- Tools
- Stamping
- Punching holes
This workshop is full of useful information. I can’t list all the things you will learn, but I promise you will leave with a very good understanding of where to start and where you would like to go. I love metalsmithing! It has so many facets and so many ways to go with it.
Intermediate Level: metalsmithing, shaping, forming, textures, annealing, riveting
- Safety
- Annealing
- Tools
- Dapping and using a circle punch
- Rolling mill
- Rivets
- Intro to Flex Shaft
- Intro to cold connections
This workshop is packed with information and fun! I’m not bragging, but my studio is very well endowed with tools and equipment. Most jewelry makers are hoarders of tools and the latest equipment they can afford. I’m no different! I love new stuff, don’t you?
Advanced Level: torch work, fold forming, learn to saw and pierce
This workshop is student designed. You tell me what you want to learn or work on. Fold forming is intriguing and a lot of fun. It takes patience and practice, but the results are always fantastic! Every jewelry maker needs to learn how to use a jeweler’s saw – period. This also takes a lot of patience and practice. I still need to work on both, but I can give you information and a few tips to help you get started. Afraid to use a torch? Never fear, I can help you overcome your fears. I have several types of torches in my studio and will show you what to do and not to do along with basic tools and equipment needed for torch use.
On The Etch!
All levels: etching copper, brass, bronze
- Tools and materials
- Resists
- Preparation of metal
- Design ideas
- Uses
- Safety
Etching copper, brass and bronze is fun and fairly simple to do. Most of the work involved with etching is the prep work. I use ferric chloride as the etching mordant. As the chemical name implies, it is not an acid but ‘iron salt’. It’s messy at times and can stain you and your clothes, and it does eat through metal (after all, that’s what etching is all about!) I will have the necessary tools and equipment along with protective gloves and safety glasses available. You must wear old clothes and could also bring an old shirt or apron to wear while we’re working with this stuff. It won’t burn you as a true acid would.
Linkage!
This workshop is for those of you who are comfortable with wire working and the tools involved. We will make different links to enhance all your jewelry designs. I love to make links and do so regularly just to have on hand when I need something for a bracelet or necklace design. Be prepared to link! It’s fun and when that artist block hits you (and it will, believe me!), you can just pick up some wire, a couple of pair of pliers and create links to your heart’s content.
For now, these are all the workshops I offer. However, as soon as I feel comfortable with a new technique, I will most certainly offer a workshop for it. I have a kiln just waiting for metal clay and/or some enamel work. I do solder and do some stone work, but I am not ready to offer you much guidance on this yet. If there is something else you would like to learn, just ask me. I may actually know enough about it to offer a workshop!