4 WEEKLY SESSIONS
January 2026
** Register 1 week in advance to avoid cancellation due to lack of enrollment**
4 Mondays
Jan 5 - 26
Wrap It Up!
6:00 - 9:00
(Armando Blanco)
In this wire wrapping course, we will be going over all the techniques that will get you started on your path towards wire art. Not only will we cover the basics, but we will go over bale decorations, how to turn your cabochon into a ring, how to coil, and how to weave. I will be an open book. My goal is that by the end of this course, you will be able to develop your own style of wire wrapping.
Students need to purchase their own set of nylon pliers which are essential for homework. Details for ordering, as well as the weekly lesson plan, will be emailed to registered students.
Skill Level: Absolutely No Experience Necessary
Tuition: 250.
Lab Fee: 15.
Materials: 40.
4 Tuesdays
Jan 6 - 27
Chain Making...at Length
3:00 - 5:00
(Raychel Wengenroth)
This weekly class will immerse you in the art of creating one of the basic elements of jewelry, the chain. Either as stand-alone adornment or as the piece you hang your pendant designs from, come learn a wide variety of chain styles, both torch-less and loop-in-loop. Chain making is a lot like knitting: it’s repetitive and meditative. The week between classes will provide ample time for a length of chain to be assembled as homework that can then be finished with a clasp. (Loop-in-Loop chains can only be made with fine silver wire, Torch-less chains can be crafted from anything!)
Chains can be worn by beings other than human...just sayin'
Skill Level: No experience necessary
Tuition: 170.
Lab Fee: 15
Materials: 95.
Approximation: Loop-in-Loop - 20’ / 20 gauge Fine Silver Wire market price, approximately $75 / Torch-less Chains - $20)
Basic 1 - “Get Your Sheet Together” / Jewelry Foundations
6:00 - 9:00
(Raychel Wengenroth)
In this 4 week session we’ll 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
Tuition: 250.
Lab Fee: 15.
Materials: 20.
4 Wednesdays
Jan 7 - 28
Wax Working for Casting
2:00 - 5:00
(William Greenwood)
The casting process is primarily used for two reasons: Wax is the best means for producing the design and/or production of multiple pieces that are identical and can be cast in brass, bronze, silver, gold of any karat and color or platinum. It’s economical because it yields minimal scrap and is the preferred method of creating wedding bands because it signifies a seamless never-ending circle. Understand the casting process from soup to nuts! Students will learn how to carve wax models for casting in the metal of their choice (the actual casting will be done by William).
Skill Level: No experience necessary (but it’s helpful)
Tuition: 250.
Lab Fee: 15.
Materials: 25. (additional fee for casting)
Cold Forging Non-Ferrous Metals
6:00 - 9:00
(Raychel Wengenroth)
The ancient art of cold forging involves stretching metal with controlled hammer blows against an anvil or stake. Topics covered include: properties of non-ferrous metals, annealing the work hardened metal between workings to maintain malleability, types of hammers and when to use them, making the metal move where you want it to, plus a variety of related demonstrations. Applications for this technique include Flatware, Bracelets, Jewelry and Object Components.
Skill Level: No experience required (but lighting an acetylene torch is helpful)
Tuition: 250.
Lab Fee: 15.
Materials: 30.00 for copper & bronze. Sterling should be purchased independently.
4 Thursdays
Jan 8 - 29
Independent Study
12:00 - 3:00
(Raychel Wengenroth)
For students with a broad range of technical skills needing individual attention with more advanced projects, from planning and materials needed to step by step process planning and hand holding. This class is a flexible continuation of your skills enabling you to have one on one consultation with the instructor. New techniques will be explored as individual needs are addressed. Classmates can observe demonstrations as they see fit.
Skill Level: Basic 101, 2 and 3 (or the equivalent)
Tuition: 250.
Lab Fee: 15.
Materials: Students bring their own