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Bezels for Sea Glass and other Tricky Objects

Turn those beach-combing treasures into eye-catching jewelry that will conjure memories of a special day each time they are worn. The irregular, natural contours of beach pebbles and sea glass present some of the most interesting bezel challenges. This course provides training and solutions for tackling these tricky settings.

Start with a review of closed-back bezels, but with consideration for how to handle irregular stones. In the following weeks, students will move on to explore fully open-back bezels (step bezels and spectacle settings), each with a bail suitable for use as a pendant. There will also be demonstration and discussion on how to set these uniquely shaped objects, alternative ways to stabilize the stones, and ideas for modifying bezels to make designs more personal and interesting. David will also show students how to drill through glass and stone safely which provides a way to add accents that highlight personal treasures.

Students should bring their favorite beach stones, sea glass, or similar objects they wish to set. Expect to complete three pieces of jewelry showcasing techniques covered, depending on their complexity, and gain the skills necessary to create meaningful jewelry to wear long after beach days have turned into school days.

This class is 9 sessions long. Each session is 3 hours. There will be no class on January 19 (Martin Luther King Day) and February 16 (President's Day). If a make-up class is necessary, it will be held on March 30 and/or April 6, 2015.

Meet the instructor

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David Baird has been making jewelry for nearly four decades. He received his bachelor's degree at the Evergreen State College, and his MFA from The School of the American Craftsman at Rochester Institute of Technology. He also has a GG (Graduate Gemology certificate) from the GIA.

David sells his work nationally and has taught classes and workshops for at least 30 years around New England including Metalwerx, DeCordova Museum School, and Lexington Arts and Crafts Center. More recently he has been developing specialized jigs to make bench processes easier for his students. The Directed Open Studio courses at Metalwerx are led by David because of his vast knowledge about the many facets of metalworking.

Over the past 15 years, David has expanded his repertoire to include lapidary cabbing and carving. He now devotes his time between two studios, both lapidary and jewelry, taking on commissions by request. His studio is located at the Waltham Mill Buildings, near Metalwerx where still he teaches regularly.

Materials & Tools

There is a $30 materials fee, payable when signing up for this class. It includes silver sheet and wire for projects. Students may need extra silver to complete their designs, depending on how elaborate they are.

Students should bring

Students Should Bring

  • Several small beach pebbles and/or pieces of sea glass (some will be available at class)
  • Safety glasses--Metalwerx has them available to use at class if you do not have your own.
 

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