Bronze Casting
This class, geared toward casting with a sculptural emphasis, will cover the entire process of casting, including creating a wax original, making an investment mold, burning out the wax, melting and pouring the bronze, and finishing the piece. Wax, investment, and bronze are available for purchase at the Craft Center. The first class includes a mandatory safety review so attendance is required. (Six classes)
Class includes Studio Orientation.
Chain Making Workshop
Students will learn how to make a variety of intricate chains out of jump rings and wire that do not require soldering setups and can be made easily using small pliers and hand tools at home. The students will leave with a completed bracelet, possibly a necklace or multiple projects depending on how intricate their chain is. No prior experience is needed, but students should think of a project before coming to class. (One Day Workshop; No Studio Pass)
Introduction to Enameling
The bright, jewel-like colors created by firing powdered glass onto metal have made enamel a favored choice for designers of jewelry. In this class, students will learn how to cut metal, sift or wet-pack enamels and fire their pieces. Jewelry making skills are helpful but not essential. Maximum piece size is 2x2x2” (Three classes).
Class includes Studio Orientation.
Please note: The first class includes a mandatory safety review so attendance is required. Enamels are provided for use in class, and metal, foils, cloisonne wires, etc are available from the instructor or the Craft Center.
Jewelry and Beading Techniques
Using a variety of beginning techniques, you will learn how to make necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more in this class. You will also learn how to make solderless metal clasps and earring wires. The projects introduce the user to several materials, including flexible coated wire, elastic cord, memory wire, and silver and gold tone wire for simple wire-wrapped objects. Students may bring their own beads or purchase beads from the instructor. A materials fee of $15-20 will be payable to the instructor at the first class. (Three classes.)
Lapidary Workshop
This one-day workshop will show participants how to take a rock from its rough and natural state to a polished stone ready to be used in fine art projects and jewelry pieces. In this one-day workshop, students will learn how to trim stones to size and use the grinding and polishing wheels of our circular and flat lapidary machines. Stones will be available for purchase during class.
Lost Wax Casting
Students will learn the entire lost wax process, including preparing the wax form, creating a plaster mold, burning out the wax and casting their piece. This class is geared toward casting with a jewelry emphasis. Basic wax techniques will be covered, but the instructor will not cover extensive wax carving procedures. The first class includes a mandatory safety review so attendance is required. Investment, wax, copper, and silver are available for purchase at the Craft Center (Three Classes; includes jewelry class pass).
Precious Metalsmithing (Beginning)
Students will learn design, layout, piercing and sawing, soldering, polishing and finishing, and some stone setting techniques. Students can expect to complete pieces such as rings, earrings, bracelets, pins, necklaces or other items. The first class includes a mandatory safety review so attendance is required. The first project will be creating a ring; materials up to $13 will be provided. Additional supplies are available for purchase at the Craft Center. (Six classes; includes jewelry class pass.)
Class includes orientation.
Precious Metalsmithing (Continued)
This class will focus on the development of additional metalsmithing techniques and skills. The beginning metalsmithing class is a prerequisite as this class will build upon concepts and skills acquired in the beginning class. Students should be proficient in basic soldering/torch operation, fabrication skills, bezel setting and safety precautions. The class will be largely project-driven and participants will work on a project of their choice (subject to instructor approval). (Six Classes; Studio Pass Included)
Wire Jewelry Design
This class will explore the versatility of wire in making jewelry, including making hand-made chains, clasps, earring hooks and more. Students will learn to use simple hand tools to create basic wire and bead jewelry. Creative design concepts will also be covered. Students can expect to complete 2 - 4 simple pieces (earrings, rings, etc) or 1 - 2 more complex pieces (bracelet, wire wrapped bezel pendant, necklaces, etc). Copper wire is included in the class price, and silver wire is available for purchase at the Craft Center.
Students should bring ideas, photos or sketches to the first class. Beads and cabochons will be available for purchase; however, students are also welcome to bring any items they wish to incorporate into their designs. (Two classes; does NOT include class pass.)