WEEKLY SESSIONS
September/October 2024
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-- Sign up 1 week in advance to avoid cancellation --
6 Tuesdays
9/10 - 10/15
“at length”… Chain Making
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: 375.
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 6 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: 375.
Lab Fee: 15.
Materials: 20.
6 Wednesdays
9/11 - 10/16
“Circles of Sentiment” Ring Making Intensive
3:00 - 5:00
(Raychel Wengenroth)
Rings are a rewarding way to learn a wide variety of techniques including forming, soldering and forging (oh, and that geometry class will finally come in handy!) The endless variety of ring types and the incredible array of technical approaches to them will create a rich learning experience. Students are encouraged to work on different projects to accommodate their skill level while interacting with their peers for experiential learning. Stackable rings are perfect for beginners, spinners and hollow rings are great for more advanced students. More advanced students can also incorporate previously explored surface treatments such as stamping, hammering, roller-printing and marriage of metals like copper, brass and bronze. Rings can be plain metal or featuring set stones.
Skill Level: Basic Skills are helpful but not necessary
Tuition: 375.
Lab Fee: 15.
Materials: Sold by weight (at market price) in class or students can purchase their own.
Basic 2 - “Heat it Up & Get Stoned” / Soldering & Stone 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 a cabochon, stepped bezels, and tube, flush and prong setting of round faceted 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: 375.
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 more options. This class can be repeated over & over, with so much room to explore techniques and develop a facility with the flame and a variety of stones in bezels, flush set and more. Here's the opportunity to expand on your setting skills. Please bring your own silver & stones.
Skill Level: Basic 2
Tuition: 375.
Lab Fee: 15.
Materials: Students bring their own
6 Thursdays
9/12 - 10/17
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: 375.
Lab Fee: 15.
Materials: Students bring their own
