4 WEEKLY SESSIONS
​July 2025
** Register 1 week in advance to avoid cancellation due to lack of enrollment**
4 Tuesdays
July 8 - 29
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!)
Skill Level: No experience necessary
Tuition: 165.
Lab Fee: 15
Materials: 70.
Approximation: Loop-in-Loop - 20’ / 20 gauge Fine Silver Wire market price, approximately $50 / 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
July 9 - 30
Wax Working for Casting
3:00 - 5:00
(William Greenwood & Raychel Wengenroth)
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: 175.
Lab Fee: 10.
Materials: 25. (additional fee for casting)
Basic 2 - “Heat it Up & Get Stoned” / Soldering & Bezel Setting
6:00 - 9:00
(Raychel Wengenroth)
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
Tuition: 250.
Lab Fee: 15.
Materials: 35.
Basic 201 – “The Journey Continues…” / Soldering & Stone Setting
6:00 - 9:00
(Raychel Wengenroth)
One class in stone setting simply isn't enough! And soldering is a lifelong pursuit. This session is a more advanced version of Basic 2 allowing time to explore stepped bezels, tube and flush setting techniques while developing a facility with the flame
This class can be repeated over & over. Here's the opportunity to really expand on your setting and soldering skills. Please bring your own silver & stones.
Skill Level: Basic 2
Tuition: 250.
Lab Fee: 15.
Materials: Students bring their own
3 Thursdays
July 17 - 31
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: 188.
Lab Fee: 12.
Materials: Students bring their own
