NEW CLASSES! 3 & 6 hour Intensives, Essentials of Granulation, and NCSG sponsored classes Click on class title for full descriptions.
Jewelry Fabrication Classes Jewelry Fabrication will introduce jewelry tools and equipment and will teach several techniques such as drilling, piercing, filing, forming, sawing, forging, fabrication, riveting, soldering, polishing, use of surface embellishments & stone setting. These are time-honored techniques handed down for centuries that are essential in building a solid foundation as a metalsmith. Each course is taught by close-up demonstrations and hands-on experience. Each class below increases in level of difficulty. All levels are welcomed in Fabrication I.
Metal comes in two forms – sheet and wire. It is important to become familiar with the unique characteristics of each. Some of the most creative jewelry used both forms in conjunction with each other. Material used in the classes is primarily sterling silver.
Fabrication I: The Textured BandIn this class, the student will work on a sterling silver ring utilizing sawing of sheet metal, soldering, surface embellishment and texturing of the metal. Stone setting is optional. Creativity will be emphasized in the development and design of project.
Instructor: James Carter - (14 hrs.) $240.00 per class and a $35 materials fee
Fabrication II: The Wire Formed Pendant In this class, the student will work on a sterling silver pendant practicing all or some of the techniques learned in the previous class with an emphasis in wire bending & fabrication. Use of innovative wire techniques will be encouraged.
Pre-requisite: Fab I or previous jewelry experience.
Instructor: James Carter - (14 hrs.) $240.00 per class and a
$35 materials fee
Fabrication III: Hot and Cold Metal Beads Beads are probably the oldest body adornment in known civilization. Primitive or modern they exude a certain charm unlike anything else. In this class two distinct & different kinds of beads will be made. The first day will cover the construction of a cold connection bead. Techniques practiced will be sawing & fabrication. The second day will cover a more complex bead using soldering in the construction process. Techniques covered in both beads will be texturing & patinization (coloring) of metal.
Pre-requisite: Fab II or previous jewelry experience.
Instructor: James Carter - (14 hrs.) $240.00 per class and a
$35 materials fee
Fabrication IV: The Mixed Metal Bracelet In this class, the student will work on a bracelet that will combine two or more metals. The learning will focus on soldering and riveting the metals as well as embellishing its surfaces in various combinations. Creativity will be emphasized in the development and design of the project.
Pre-requisite: Fab III or previous jewelry experience
Instructor: James Carter - (14 hrs.) $240.00 per class and a
$35 materials fee
Fabrication V: The Unmatched EarringsIn this class, the student will be tackling several things that make earrings problematic, such as weight and wearablility. There will also be the additional challenge of creating balance with asymmetry. The student will work on a pair of asymmetrical earrings utilizing all or some of the techniques learned in the previous two classes. Creativity will be emphasized in the development and design of the project.
Pre-requisite: Fab IV or previous jewelry experience
Instructor: James Carter - (14 hrs.) $240.00 per class and a
$35 materials fee
Cloisonné Enameling Enameling is fired glass on metal. Cloisonné enameling is a technique which uses gold wire enclosures (cloisonné) which are filled with multiple layers of colored powdered glass. The piece is then fired and polished to create the finished product. Introduction to Cloisonné Enameling is a five-day, hands-on class which teaches the techniques of wire design, foiling, color blending, firing and polishing. Color theory will also be taught. Attention to detail is very important and moving at a slower pace is part of the appeal. Some prior knowledge of metalsmithing techniques is helpful but not required.
Pre-requisite: Fab I or previous jewelry experience
Instructor: James Carter - (30 hr.) - $500.00 per class with
a $50 materials fee
NEW!-Essentials of Granulation Granulation is the technique seen in jewelry which has survived for thousands of years from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Byzantium and Greece. It involves the delicate process of fusing tiny granules of gold or silver to the jewelry’s surface. In this class we will explore basic granulation technique, fusing silver granules and wire onto sheet. Students will learn how to make their own granules. As time allows, we will explore design possibilities incorporating granulation and fabrication techniques. For intermediate to advanced students.
Students must have competent torch skills.
Instructor: Sheila Stillman - (14hr. ) $240 and a $40 materials
fee
Beginning Silversmithing Silversmithing involves techniques that are found in jewelry but are more often used in the creation of objects such as bowls, eating utensils, serving sets and various other items associated with the table. Techniques are raising (making a bowl), forging, masonite die forming & hollow form fabrication. In silversmithing your best friend is the hammer. Several kinds of hammers will be used with demonstration of the proper use and techniques of each. Emphasis will be on the bowl and cup form. Handles and lids will also be demonstrated and discussed. Some prior knowledge of metalsmithing techniques is helpful but not required.
Pre-requisite: Fab I or previous jewelry experience
Instructor: James Carter (20 hr. ) - $350.00 per class and a $50
materials fee
