Workshop List

Metalsmithing skills taught in this class: Soldering Using shears and files to cut a shape Water casting for organic decorative pieces Granulation Making a fold over bail Heat riveting Stone setting Polishing In this class, you will learn how to use water casting, a fun and interesting technique to cast organic silver cup shapes in silver using just a butane torch--simple equipment you can safely use at home. Once you have made a collection of silver shapes, you will pick several and, under the careful guidance of an experienced instructor, you will use them to create the illustrated pendant, or a close variation of that design. You will construct the pendant from sheet and wire using traditional metalsmithing techniques such as soldering, texturing, filing, granulation, stone setting, and polishing. All tools are provided, but will be affordable and approachable options for the home jeweler. you will also learn to make your own bail and to suspend your pendant kinetically from its chain using a heat riveting technique. Using a pre-made bezel cup, you will add a gemstone to your pendant, and finally you will learn efficient and effective polishing techniques. This class is a full six hours so that a small group (enrollment is limited to eight) of students can be carefully and calmly coached through a simple series of steps that combine to create a sophisticated piece of jewelry. We will take a short break at a mutually agreed upon time in the middle of the day. You will receive comprehensive illustrated handouts for the class. My teaching style and goal is for all my students to see a successful conclusion in a safe and fun learning environment. If you have any questions before enrolling, please email me at studiominerock@gmail.com . Things to bring with you to class: any magnification you might need for close up work, plus a battery operated task light if you want it—the classrooms at the show can be a little dimly lit! No cancellations or refunds can be made less than a week before class due to travel and shipping logistics. If the class is full, please send me an email. I will put you on a cancellation notification list.