METALS STUDIO CLASSES
 

BEGINNING FABRICATION
Students will learn basic techniques and use of tools for creating their own jewelry:  Measuring, marking, cutting and sawing, drilling, filing, emerying, polishing, annealing, doming, soldering, and pickling.  Using sterling silver, you will make a plain band ring, a cabochon stone bezel set ring, a pendant or earrings and a necklace as schedule allows.  Equipment and supply list will be discussed in the first class.

SILVERSMITHING & FABRICATION
Learn how to create and assemble various materials to create a piece of handcrafted jewelry or other decorative and/or functional objects.  Working in sterling silver, gold, copper, and/or brass, the focus of these classes is on developing the skills and techniques necessary to take your designs from concept to completion.  Beginning students are introduced to the equipment, torches, and tools in the studio, and focus on learning the basics: cutting, sawing, texturing, shaping, soldering, fusing, filing, sanding, grinding, and polishing.  Students advance at their own pace, and, unless otherwise indicated, each class typically includes students at every level.  Instruction is individualized as you progress to more complex design and construction techniques.  As an intermediate or advanced student, you will have an opportunity to expand and refine your skills as you learn more advanced techniques.

Debbie Cooper’s silver clay class 
This class is designed for all levels.  No experience is require, however opportunities will be offered to those with some experience to advance their techniques.  Bring your imagination and let the fun begin.  Take a beautiful piece of lace or an antique button and use it to make a pendant of fine (99.9% pure silver).  Learn how to make filigree beads using your syringe.  The ideas for one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry are limited only by your imagination.  Supply packet:  $100, includes 37gm silver clay, 1 silver clay syringe with 3 tips, and 1 silver clay paste.  Additional materials may be purchased from the instructor if desired, but sufficient materials are included in the supply pack.  There is also an optional $50.00 tool kit.

CASTING CLASS
In this class you will learn a variety of casting methods with an emphasis on lost wax casting. Hands-on experience includes centrifugal, vacuum, sand, cuttlefish casting and more. Learn to sprue and invest wax models, calculate metal requirements, control the burnout cycle and cast projects yourself. For new students, lectures and structured projects are provided.  Ongoing students are welcome to continue working on individual projects during lectures.

COMBINED FABRICATION & CASTING TECHNIQUES CLASS
These combination classes provide you with the opportunity to learn both casting and fabrication methods.  Casting techniques covered may include lost wax casting; carving; mold making; wax injection; cuttlebone casting; sand casting; how to finish was to a high shine; casting stones in place; and the use of a wax pen to make a granulation effect on wax.  Fabrications techniques are individualized based on each student’s level of expertise.

FABRICATION:  ADVANCED CONCEPTS
In an attempt to gain a greater understanding of concept-driven art work, this class is focused focus more on ideas, rather than techniques.  Through discussion, lectures, and demonstrations, advanced students will envision, design and construct two main metalsmithing projects, with the goal of learning more about themselves and why they choose to construct art-jewelry in today’s world.  New technical experiences will be obtained through the creative process.

FABRICATION SKILLS WITH THE BONNY DOON PRESS
Advance your skills working in silver or copper creating handcrafted jewelry and other decorative or functional objects.  In this class you learn how to use the press to give your designs a three dimenstional effect while developing your skills in soldering, stone setting, cold connections, etching, forming metals, and other advanced skills.  Projects completed include making 3-D bangle bracelets, and advanced projects decided by the student.  Students must have well-developed skills in both soldering and sawing techniques.

STONE SETTING TECHNIQUES
Initially working with one carat stones, you will learn how to set various shaped stones, including round, emerald, pear, marquis, oval, and bezel.  Basic stone setting skills will be learned using hand tools, files, and hammers with limited use of the flex shaft.  Gypsy stone setting will be demonstrated.  Students must have a solid foundation in fabrication techniques including soldering, sawing, and polishing.  Experienced students will also learn how to hand-fabricate your own settings You will learn how to make various shapes, consisting of round, oval, and pear shaped settings. 

FORGING FLATWARE
Learn how to alloy silver and copper, cast an ingot, and hammer this into useable, custom tableware – spoons, ladles or forks.  Learn how to control the movement of metal through forging, using difference shapes and weights of hammers to move metal into the desired direction. 

DESIGNING WITH SILVER CLAY
This class teaches students many techniques and tips for forming Art Clayä into unique jewelry designs.  You will learn how to work with the clay after it has dried to the leather hard state, including techniques for carving, sanding, attaching silver findings, and embedding gemstones.  You can experiment with several methods for firing the dried clay including kiln firing and torch firing.  You will also learn several different methods to finish your fired pieces, such as tumbling, mirror finish, satin finish, and patina finish.  Continuing students will learn advanced techniques using Art Clayä, including hollow vessel fabrication, bezel settings, and ring fabrication.  You will learn to work with combustible core materials and proper firing techniques for hollow forms.  Another focus is learning how to create rings so that shrinkage during firing results in a properly sized ring.  Advanced students will learn how to combine silver clay with other materials such as glass, enamel, polymer clay, sterling silver, and brass.  Learn techniques to design and create silver clay pieces that include color as a design element.  Sterling and brass can be incorporated into silver clay pieces to provide strength, structure, and design elements.  Students will create a variety of projects depending on their personal interests.

To the Schedule.