-- Please sign up 1 week in advance to avoid cancellation --
Mondays September 10 - October 15
Anti Clastic & Fold Forming Stackable Bracelets 11:00 - 2:00
(Lisa Spiros)
In this weekly class students will learn both Anticlastic Forming, a dynamic method of manipulating metal by hammering sheet into distinct and opposing curvatures, and Fold Forming, a new system of rapid forming in which metal is folded, forged, and then unfolded to reveal dramatic 3-D forms and textures. Learn to use sinusoidal stakes and delrin or wooden hammers to form a wide range of natural shapes into reflective, corporeal cuffs and bracelets. Then learn about the ductility and elasticity of metal’s natural properties through repetitive folding processes. The combination of these two techniques are great ways to explore metal characteristics and learn to achieve the results you want in metal forming. Techniques covered in this workshop are sawing, filing, annealing, hammering, edge thickening, polishing and oxidizing. Copper is provided.
Skill Level: No experience necessary (but it’s helpful)
Tuition: $290
Lab Fee: $10
Materials Fee: $30
Bench Time 2:00 - 5:00
Finally, a chance to work independently at a jewelry bench in a fully equipped studio. Only available to current and former students of HVS. Sign up at least 24 hours in advance by emailing: raychel@hvsilverworks.com with “BTSU” in the subject line, along with your name, the date and time of attendance. Cash and checks accepted. For more information look under the “Other Opportunities” tab at the top of this page.
Basic 101 - Jewelry Foundations 5:30 - 8:30
(Raychel Wengenroth)
Start here if you want a clear, concise and in-depth knowledge of basic jewelry making techniques. Learn how to use hand tools to cut, texture and file, hammers to forge and form, torches to solder and machines to drill, sand and polish. There will be a number of demonstrations with hands-on bench-time to cement the knowledge. The wide range of topics covered will give you a solid foundation to set you out on your educational path with confidence. Learn how to recognize quality craftsmanship in the pieces you currently own or want to buy. The skills acquired in jewelry making come in handy on many levels, even fixing and altering things!
Projects may include (but are not limited to): A flat sheet project, a stone set pendant and a silver ring.
Skill Level: No experience necessary
Tuition: $290
Lab Fee: $10
Materials: $20.
*Social Media Marketing and Management (Level 2) 5:00 - 8:00
*4 Weeks (9/10 - 10/1)*
(Olivia Hackett)
Ready to further your knowledge of social media management and expand your marketing skills for your online business? In this course, we will continue to practice using the business features that Instagram and Facebook offer, write blog posts, create marketing content for your brand, and apply it all to your own website! We will also discuss how to read, track and understand analytics, algorithms, and insights! It’s time to broaden the horizons of your online business and tap into the market of people who will love and support your work!
Skill Level: Social Media (Level 1) or equivalent
Tuition: $200
Lab Fee: none
Materials: Students bring their own Please bring your smart phone, laptop, or camera. Also bring pieces of your work that represents your skills and that you wish to sell.
Tuesdays September 11 - October 16
Casting - Waxes, Finishing & Molds 2:00 - 5:00
(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 is sent out). De-sprue, polish and if desired, make a vulcanized rubber mold for the use in production.
Skill Level: No experience necessary (but it’s helpful)
Tuition: $290
Lab Fee: $10
Materials: $15 (additional fee for casting and mold material)
Basic 2 - Textures and Stones 5:30 - 8:30
(Raychel Wengenroth)
Thirsting for more knowledge? This is the perfect class to expand upon the techniques you learned in Basic 101. A variety of surface treatments will be explored including stamping, hammering, roller-printing and reticulation as well as discussion about marriage of metals and patinas. In addition, cabochon stones can be added using a variety of bezel setting methods. The project of separate components that can be linked together allows each segment to be treated differently, enhancing the learning experience.
Project ideas: Linked together to make a bracelet, anklet or neckpiece, or separate pendants.
Skill Level: Basic 101
Tuition: $290
Lab Fee: $10
Materials: $20.
Independent Study 5:30 - 8:30
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 2 and 3 (or the equivalent)
Tuition: $290
Lab Fee: $10
Materials: Students bring their own
Advanced Stone Setting "A" 5:30 - 8:30
Thick Walled Bezels, Flush and Prong Settings
(Lissa Queeney)
Add to your stone setting repertoire. In this class you will learn how to use more complex settings to add bold and dramatic emphasis to your designs. We will be covering flush setting, thick walled bezels and prong setting. These techniques are versatile and can be used with either cabochons or faceted stones. Learn the tools and tricks for using these varied processes. This class focuses on the techniques of setting, not necessarily on finished products. Basic knowledge of bezel settings is a plus.
Skill Level: Basic 101 & Basic 2
Tuition: $290.
Lab Fee: $10
Materials: Students bring their own
Wednesdays September 12 - October 17
Bench Time 2:30 - 5:30
Finally, a chance to work independently at a jewelry bench in a fully equipped studio. Only available to current and former students of HVS. Sign up at least 24 hours in advance by emailing: raychel@hvsilverworks.com with “BTSU” in the subject line, along with your name, the date and time of attendance. Cash and checks accepted. For more information look under the “Other Opportunities” tab at the top of this page.
Basic 3 - “Get Dimensional” 5:30 - 8:30
(Raychel Wengenroth)
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 in more significant pieces of their imagination.
Projects may include (but are not limited to): A constructed cylinder box or hollow ring and a forged spoon or bracelet.
Skill Level: Basic 101 & Basic 2
Tuition: $290
Lab Fee: $10
Materials: $20
Thursdays September 13 - October 18
Basic 101 - Jewelry Foundations 1:00 - 4:00
(Raychel Wengenroth)
Start here if you want a clear, concise and in-depth knowledge of basic jewelry making techniques. Learn how to use hand tools to cut, texture and file, hammers to forge and form, torches to solder and machines to drill, sand and polish. There will be a number of demonstrations with hands-on bench-time to cement the knowledge. The wide range of topics covered will give you a solid foundation to set you out on your educational path with confidence. Learn how to recognize quality craftsmanship in the pieces you currently own or want to buy. The skills acquired in jewelry making come in handy on many levels, even fixing and altering things!
Projects may include (but are not limited to): A flat sheet project, a stone set pendant and a silver ring.
Skill Level: No experience necessary
Tuition: $290
Lab Fee: $10
Materials: $20.
*Advanced Stone Setting "B" 2:00 - 5:00
Castle Settings and Stone on Stone Methods
(Lissa Queeney)
Add to your stone setting repertoire. In this class you will learn how to use more complex settings to add bold and dramatic emphasis to your designs. We will be covering castle settings and Stone on Stone methods. These techniques are versatile and can be used with either cabochons or faceted stones. Learn the tools and tricks for using these varied processes. This class focuses on the techniques of setting, not necessarily on finished products. Basic knowledge of bezel settings is a plus.
Skill Level: Basic 101 & Basic 2
Tuition: $290
Lab Fee: $10
Materials: Students bring their own
*Ends 10/25 - No class 10/18*
Fridays September 14 - October 19
Hone Your Skills 1:00 - 4:00
(Raychel Wengenroth)
This class is designed for people who have a fair amount of technical skill but lack the sleek craftsmanship that can make or break a design. Careful planning of a piece can make your life a lot easier and your work much cleaner. Knowing where to place the solder, when to trim excess material and how to achieve a pristine polish will be the focus of this session. Students will work on projects of their own choice while the instructor assists them with a logical, step by step approach.
Skill Level: Basic 2 and 3
Tuition: $290
Lab Fee: $10
Materials: Students bring their own
