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Bamboo. Rain.
3-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
This elegant and understated design contains within it the foundation for infinite variations. Join us in learning short cuts to hammering, piercing, patination and polishing. Bring un-tinted safety or reading glasses. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. | |
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Artwork courtesy of Julie Anderson
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Basic Pewter Casting
4-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Create pendants, house blessings, pocket-pieces and buttons by carving your designs into investment and casting them in lead-free pewter. This low-tech and inexpensive technique is perfect for making multiple pieces. There is no experience necessary, and the focus will be on experimentation in a relaxed atmosphere. All you need to bring is a very clean tuna can. Be sure to wear closed-toed shoes made of non-synthetic materials and dress for a mess. The fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. | |
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Bezel Lite: Only Half the Calories
4-Hour Workshop
$45.00 materials fee
This technique has been adapted from the traditional (hot) version which includes torch soldering and a lot of steps in the process. In the “cold” version, the object (stone, sea glass, cabochon, etc.) is held by tension and is structurally just as sound as the soldered counterpart. Students will learn how to choose an appropriate stone, customize and plan their design, polish and permanently set the bezel. Don't forget reading (or untinted) safety glasses. No experience necessary. The material fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. | |
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Bones & Stones: A Halloween Workshop
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Students will have the opportunity to work with pre-made textured panels of shibuichi. The highly detailed, three-dimensional motif is all about bones. Metalsmithing techniques include piercing, sawing, filing, sanding and light polishing. In addition, students will explore chain link designs to connect their panels into a bracelet, pendant or earrings. BYOB: bring/buy your own (stone) beads to reflect your personal palette. Don’t forget your reading (or non-tinted) glasses for safety! No experience necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
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Coiled Gemstone Necklace: An Intermediate Chain Workshop
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Prerequisite: Cold-Worked Chains
This workshop will teach you how to frame your special beads with an intricate coiling technique. The spiral design suspends each gemstone in a cocoon of silver. Students will learn how to use basic wire working tools, coil wire by hand, and combine the coiled elements with a handmade chain and clasp. BYOB: bring your own beads (12-24mm) for variations on the design. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
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DISTANCE LEARNING AVAILABLE!
What is a distance learning class? It is a way for you to learn from anywhere in the world! This distance learning project is the same as the one I teach in the classroom except that it will be delivered to you via the internet. Click here for more information. | |
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Cold Clasps Class Using Wire
4-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Say that ten times fast! Why spend all of that time creating a unique, handmade chain and then top it off with a predictable machine made clasp? Students will learn the fundamentals of how wire works. Techniques include forming, hammering and twisting different metals together. BYOB: Students are encouraged to bring/buy their own beads with holes that fit 16 gauge wire. There is no experience necessary and experimentation is encouraged. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. | |
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Cold Cuts & Copyrights
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
One of the most freeing techniques in metalsmithing is learning how to cut metal by hand. Imagine designing any type of flat shape or image and then translating it into precious metal! In this workshop, students will learn how to make exterior and interior cuts. In addition, details on filing and surface textures will be explored. Inspiration or appropriation? We will also discuss where to find copyright free sources and how to translate them into a viable design. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. | |
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Cold Cuts: Marriage of Metals
6-Hour Workshop for Cuff
4-Hour Workshop for Earrings and/or Pendants
$45 materials fee
This workshop is a cold variation of the techniques referred to as kirihame zogan (Japanese), metales casados (Mexican), marriage of metals and mosaic. Students will learn how to, create a model, use a jeweler’s saw, file, and permanently combine differently colored metals without the use of heat, glue or toxic materials. The result is a piece of jewelry that contains details on both the interior and exterior of its form. No experience necessary. The materials fee paid directly to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. Don’t forget your untinted reading or safety glasses and dress for a mess. |
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DISTANCE LEARNING AVAILABLE!
What is a distance learning class? It is a way for you to learn from anywhere in the world! This distance learning project is the same as the one I teach in the classroom except that it will be delivered to you via the internet. Click here for more information. | |
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Cold-Worked Chains
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Learn to make jewelry without investing in a lot of equipment, tools and workspace. Explore a range of chain-making designs that do not rely on heat and can be carried around like knitting and worked on anywhere you can sit down. Design choices range from simple to complex. Copper, brass, sterling, fine silver and gold-filled wire will be used. Students are encouraged to bring their collections of beads and baubles to class. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
DISTANCE LEARNING AVAILABLE!
What is a distance learning class? It is a way for you to learn from anywhere in the world! This distance learning project is the same as the one I teach in the classroom except that it will be delivered to you via the internet. Click here for more information. | |
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Doing the Jig
4-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
The jig acts as a template to create exact, intricate and/or interlocking chain links. This clever tool enables the user to work more efficiently when tackling complex and highly ornamental designs. Students will learn how to build their own low-tech jig and can choose between sterling silver and gold-filled wire to create their necklaces. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
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Double-Heart Link Bracelet
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Wear it and share it! Simple to make, this fanciful chain is constructed out of double hearts, inter-linking to create a surprisingly lush design. Students may choose to work with sterling silver or 14-karat gold-filled wires. Basic use of chain-making tools will be covered. No experience is necessary. BYOB: bring your own beads (to fit 20g wire) for embellishment. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers all other supplies, handouts and use of tools. | |
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Etruscan Tree of Life Bracelet
6-Hour Workshop
$55 materials fee
Also known as the Egyptian Chain, this is an ancient wire design technique from the Etruscan period, around the 7th century BCE. Learn to create swirled links and their variations, which can be made into earrings, bracelets or clasps. In the Goddess culture, this symbol has been equated with the eyes of the Goddess (twin suns equaling regeneration), ram horns (a symbol of abundance) and the tree of life (cyclical growth and change). We will be working in sterling and gold-fill. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
 Luna Version
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DISTANCE LEARNING AVAILABLE!
What is a distance learning class? It is a way for you to learn from anywhere in the world! This distance learning technique is the same as what I teach in the classroom except that it will be delivered to you via the internet. Click here for more information. | |
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Flower Power
4-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
I grew up under the influence of watching my German mother painstakingly hand make exquisitely detailed doilies, tablecloths and bedspreads. Although needlework never caught on with me, I always envisioned wearing some of the patterns as jewelry.
In 2005 I returned to North Carolina to have her teach me the basics. Together we came up with a silver daisy pattern, in honor of her (favorite flower). BYOB: bring your own bead box to embellish the daisy components. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers all other supplies, handouts and use of tools. No experience necessary. |
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Harnessing Found Objects to Create a Necklace
4-Hour Workshop
$15 materials fee
This workshop focuses on harnessing all those little found objects that have washed up in your life and are waiting to be used. Baubles, beads, hardware, costume jewelry parts, buttons, natural items, etc. will be combined with copper and brass wires. Basic jewelry tools and chain-making techniques will be covered. Students are encouraged to bring their collections of treasures and beads to add to our own. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools.
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Idiots Delight Link
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
If you enjoy puzzles or if you are puzzle-challenged, you will be enchanted by this project. The Idiots Delight Link (also known as the Byzantine and Kings Link) is a brainteaser unless you know the secrets of its construction. After learning how to make jump rings, we will fashion this classic design into a bracelet. We will work with sterling silver. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
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Jumpin' for Jump Rings: Using Wire Cutters
4-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
What the simple wheel did for technology, the jump ring did for jewelry. Yes, you can easily buy them from a manufacturer, but learning how to make your own jump ring puts you in the driver’s seat: you get to choose the size, thickness and metal that is appropriate for your hand-made jewelry. Students will learn how to test their techniques in terms of structural integrity (is it strong or flimsy?), aesthetics (is it tortured or svelte?) and wearability (is it a hair and clothing nightmare?). We will work in copper, sterling and fine silver. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
DISTANCE LEARNING AVAILABLE!
What is a distance learning class? It is a way for you to learn from anywhere in the world! This distance learning technique is the same as what I teach in the classroom except that it will be delivered to you via the internet. Click here for more information. | |
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Kuchi Coil Bracelet
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
This bead design named after an Afghani tribe is intricate in detail yet easy to make. Low tech, everything you need to create this cold-worked bracelet can be carried around. Students will learn how to use basic wire-working tools, coil wire by hand, combine bracelet elements, use patinas and estimate materials to customize a roll-on bracelet. Optional: Students are encouraged to bring 8mm beads for variations on the design. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
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Lucky Horseshoe Charm Bracelet
4-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
First offered at the Green Horn Dude Ranch, Quincy California in 2009 as a weekend retreat project, this popular bracelet is a favorite for beginners (who are learning basic wire techniques) as well as intermediate and advanced students (working on content). Wanna get lucky? Sign up for this workshop and bring your own found objects to harness and create a personalized totem. The fee, paid to the instructor covers all other materials, handouts and use of tools. We will be working with silver and copper. No experience necessary. Don't forget your untinted reading or safety glasses. | |
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Make a Flake: Celebrating Childhood Winters
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Cozy up with us on a cold winter's day to translate a childhood hobby into a metal Object d'Art. Students will learn how to make a snowflake, transfer the design, manipulate exterior and interior cuts, file and explore surface treatments. In addition, students will learn how to sign their piece (or write a message to a loved one). Don’t forget your reading (or non-tinted) glasses for safety. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. | |
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Making Milagros
4-Hour Workshop
$35 materials fee
Popular in Hispanic cultures with similar counterparts (amulets, talismans, votive offerings) in Native American Cultures, Milagros can also be found in contemporary jewelry. Milagros can be flat or three dimensional and made of nearly any material. Used to petition a particular need, the symbolic imagery may include body parts (health), animals (traits), and fruits/vegetables (crop prosperity).
We will focus on crafting Milagros in copper using simple, accessible techniques and tools. Students are encouraged to bring their bead box or tiny found objects to personalize their pieces as well as any drawings, sketches or wish list. No experience necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers all other supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
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Metal Assemblage
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Spend some quality time with your creativity! Assemblage is the combining of found objects such as scraps, junk, paper, cloth, wood, stone, or metal, to create a composition. In this workshop students will begin their project with sheet metal, arrange their objects and then permanently combine them using cold metalsmithing techniques. Topics covered include: basic wire work, filing, punching, riveting, tension setting, folding/slotting, hammering and surface texturing. We will also discuss inspiration, coloring metal, content and creating narrative compositions. BYOB (bring/buy your own beads, found objects, broken costume jewelry etc. to personalize your piece). The materials fee covers all other supplies, handouts and use of tools. Don’t forget reading or untinted safety glasses and dress for a mess. | |
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Moonbeam Bracelet
6-Hour Workshop
$45.00 materials fee
Simple, elegant and so easy to make. This bracelet combines ancient handwrought techniques with modern technology. Metalsmithing techniques include wire manipulation, hammering, filing and polishing. Students can incorporate beads or allow the silver to shimmer by itself. BYOB: bring/buy your own beads (that fit 16g wire) to reflect your favorite palette. Don’t forget to bring your untinted safety or reading glasses. No experience necessary. The fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools.
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photo courtesy of Kara Burke | |
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Franceen Sato's silver earrings.
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Photographing Jewelry: How to Show Off Your Work
6-Hour Workshop
Having professional photos of your jewelry projects is an important step in marketing your work (on line and in print). Other useful applications include documenting, archiving, proof of development, applying to shows, competitions, employment applications and generally maintaining your portfolio.
CHECKLIST
This workshop is for students of all levels. Please bring your lap top (including electrical cords, power strip and photo editing program), digital camera (minimum 6.0 megapixels, cords to transfer images to laptop, extra battery, battery charger). Don’t forget your jewelry projects, reading glasses and (optional) props to express your personal, creative sensibility.
BEFORE CLASS
Become familiar with your laptop, photo editing features and practice transferring digital images to your laptop. By becoming comfortable with these items and tasks you will be able to focus class time on setting up shots and photo editing.
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Professional Earrings from Scratch: Cold
4-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
In this workshop, students will learn different techniques that are the basic building blocks to making professional head pins, ear wires and connectors from scratch. In addition, we will cover the secrets of hardened and polished findings. No more posts that poke and designs that quickly become hair night mares! Got stretched lobes? Prefer post earrings to French wires? We'll discuss creative earring solutions for that too. BYOB (bring your own beads) for embellishment and to reflect your personal style/palette. No experience necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers all other supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
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Reuse, Rethink, Refurbish and Reassign:
Working with Recycled Plastic
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Do your part to recycle materials while surprising folks with fabulous bracelets and earrings! In this workshop, students will learn how to find and recycle plastic, organize them through the Elements of Design (line, shape, direction, size, texture, color, value), and combine them using simple metalsmithing techniques. BYOB: bring/buy your own assortment of beads for embellishment. No experience necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers all other supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
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Riveted Bead Rings
3-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Do you have an incredible bead that you would like to turn into a ring? Riveting is a cold process that can join metals and “found objects” such as hand made glass beads. BYOB: bring/buy your own beads to add to the class’ selection. In addition to making two rings, students will learn to identify which types of beads are more successful than others for mounting in a silver shank. There is no experience necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. | |
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Riveting
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Riveting is a cold process used to join metals together and can also serve as a decorative element in a piece of jewelry. The advantage over soldering is the lack of toxic materials, and the tools are simple to use, store and transport. We will examine design strategies and experiment with different metals such as copper, brass, sterling and fine silver. No experience is necessary. Materials required for the class will be provided. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
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Sea Foam Necklace
4-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
This delicate necklace is the envy of mermaids and mermen! Lighter than air, you won't even feel it on your skin. Students will learn how to work with basic jewelry tools and thin gauges of fine silver, sterling silver and 14/20 gold-filled wire. In addition, we will discuss how to custom-balance each piece and create a clasp. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. | |
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Sheet Shapes Bracelet & Earrings
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
In this workshop students will create a bracelet and earring set composed of perforated sterling. Techniques include piercing and cold-connecting metal; creating surface textures, hammering, burnishing and polishing. This simple, low-tech class doesn't even use electricity! There is no experience necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
Just earrings:
3-hours and
$25.00 materials fee.
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Sweater Pin
3-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
This workshop is an excellent introduction to hammering. Through the use of simple tools, we will bend wire into an abstract form that functions as a spring, hook and clasp. Students will also learn how to texture and shape heavy-gauge fine silver using various hammering techniques. The result is a delicate and subtle elegance that is best shown-off on loosely woven fabrics. No experience is necessary. BYOBBB (bring your own beads/baubles/buttons for embellishment and to add to selection that is provided). The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. | |
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That 70's Ring
3-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Abstract, bold and with a hint of flower power, this ring workshop is a great way to experience heavy wire manipulation. Students will learn about the properties of metals, ring sizing, resources and the popular tool talk. Do you want to work in a toxic-free environment? Do you enjoy projects that are fast, simple and spontaneous? Then this one's for you! No experience is necessary. BOYB: Bring/buy your own beads for embellishment. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers all other supplies (for a maximum of 3 rings), handouts and use of tools. |
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Three-in-One Chain Design
4-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
The beauty of these three designs are that they use exactly the same links and were cold connected. Students will have the time to make samples of the "Opposites Attract," "Maui Waves" and "Hidden Hearts" links. My over achievers can probably finish a whole bracelet. In addition, instructions for the clasps will be included. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. | |
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Viking Knit 1: Wire Rope Bracelet
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Using only two elements, an awl and sterling silver wire, we will explore the technique of fashioning a rope out of metal. This self-supported "knitted" form is flexible and comfortable to wear. It also offers a terrific surface for easy embellishment. Students are encouraged to bring their favorite assortment of beads to add to those of our own. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
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DISTANCE LEARNING AVAILABLE!
What is a distance learning class? It is a way for you to learn from anywhere in the world! This distance learning project is the same as the one I teach in the classroom except that it will be delivered to you via the internet. Click here for more information. | |
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Viking Knit 2: Capturing Objects
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Prerequisite: Viking Knit 1
Once you have the hang of making a free-standing Viking Knit rope, you’ll be ready to move to the next level of skill needed to capture objects within. The Viking Knit cage is a great form for permanently holding gemstones, beads and other rounded objects. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools.
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Viking Knit 3: Bezel
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Prerequisites: Viking Knit 1 & 2
Are you looking for cold ways to create a bezel setting? Once you have mastered the free standing forms explored in Viking Knit 1 & 2, you can easily learn how to create a knitted version of the traditional bezel. Pioneered by Sandkühler, the Viking Knit Bezel technique works well with odd- and flat- shaped stones and undrilled "beads". The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools.
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Wire Abstractions: Pendants, Ornaments and House-blessings
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Using gold-filled wire, we will construct a whimsical shape that resembles a simple line drawing. By using beads to fill selected areas, the pendant-sized piece becomes a densely encrusted object that reflects light and sparkles like a jewel. Wear it or use it as an ornament. The form will be simple, with an emphasis on texture and color. Students are encouraged to bring beads to add to those of our own. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. | |
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Wire Work: Bezel Basket
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
This wire workshop is an introduction to the concepts of prong- and bezel setting. Explorations will be centered on capturing flat-backed stones, sea glass and other found objects through weaving and simple, nontraditional strategies. The results are playful and creative pieces of jewelry. Students will also learn about basic wire-working tools and how to care for them. BYOB: bring/buy your own assortment of flat backed stones, beach glass and other found objects for discussion and possible use. Don’t forget your untinted safety glasses. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor
covers all other supplies, handouts and use of tools.
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Wire Worked Wreath Necklace
6-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Fast and fabulous, this whimsical necklace will leave you wondering whether or not to give it as a gift or wear it to your favorite social gathering. Using only two elements, wire and tiny beads, we will explore the technique of knotting strands of wire to create an elegant wreath necklace. This delicate design is flexible and comfortable to wear. Add larger beads if you prefer to make a bold and dramatic statement. Students are encouraged to bring their favorite assortments of beads to add to those of our own. No experience is necessary. The materials fee paid to the instructor covers supplies, handouts and use of tools. |
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DISTANCE LEARNING AVAILABLE!
What is a distance learning class? It is a way for you to learn from anywhere in the world! This distance learning project is the same as the one I teach in the classroom except that it will be delivered to you via the internet. Click here for more information. | |
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Wire Wrap Frames for Cabochons, Stones and Sea Glass
4-Hour Workshop
$45 materials fee
Interested in jewelry making but don’t know where to begin? This workshop is a great introduction to the basic tools and materials needed for working with wire. We will focus on simple techniques to permanently (and securely) capture cabochons and irregularly shaped stones to create pendants. An alternative to the more traditional bezels that require a torch, this method of framing your found object is also a great primer in understanding the concept of how a bezel works. No experience necessary. Bring your own stones for discussion and possible use. The materials fee covers all other supplies, handouts and use of tools. Don’t forget reading or untinted safety glasses.
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