Fall - 3 Tier Program | hvsilverworks

3 TIER PROGRAM

Basic 101 - Jewelry Foundations

Explore a variety of fundamental jewelry making techniques to give you a rock solid foundation. The focus will be on using sheet metal to texture, saw, drill, dap, form, file, sand and polish. Understanding the process of how, what, where, when and why? enhances future learning curves and independent experimentation with self confidence.
Connections will be demonstrated, including riveting, jump rings, ear wires, “S” hooks and dangles. The session kicks off with the ever popular simple silver ring project.
Projects made from sheet metal without soldering may include (but are not limited to): Keyring ornaments, Pendants, Earrings & Linked Bracelets.

Skill Level: Absolutely No Experience Necessary

Basic 2 - Soldering & Bezel Setting

It's time to learn various hard silver soldering techniques including butt joints, sweat and point soldering. During this session you will come to understand the different melting temperatures of solder and when to use them, the purpose of flux, pickle, heat sinks and depletion gilding.
Stone setting introduces students to the basics of bezel setting cabochon stones. This is a great combination of skills to expand your technical toolbox and it is where the fun really begins!
Projects may include (but are not limited to): Adding a stone to your silver ring, pendants, earrings, etc.

Skill Level: Basic 101

Basic 3 - Forging & Forming

Shift your focus to a more sculptural approach and discover more in depth knowledge of how to move metal. Sheet and wire can be manipulated in amazing ways! Bend, stretch, form, construct, fabricate, score, deck and forge pieces of jewelry and functional objects. Learn the basics of forging by hammering heavy wire to stretch it, learn to form and dap sheet to create bracelet and bowl shapes and to score and bend sharp corners to produce box forms. Students are encouraged to sample a variety of techniques and combine them into more significant pieces of their creation.
Projects ideas may include (but are not limited to): A constructed cylinder box, hollow ring, forged bracelet or small scale sculptures.

This class can be repeated over & over. More advanced projects may include candlesticks, boxes, business card holder, vase, incense burner. Here's the opportunity to expand on your skills and create pieces of volume beyond jewelry.

Skill Level: Basic 101 & 2