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Concrete Jewelry
Explore the possibilities and processes of introducing alternative materials into jewelry and small object making. In this demo-focused virtual workshop students will gain skill for using concrete/cement in conjunction with color dyes to create colorful pieces of adornment. Additionally, traditional and advanced mold making techniques will be covered with 3-D printed materials and time will be spent exploring and creating unique designs. 3-D printing experience is not required to take part in this workshop – the instructor utilizes this method to create their designs, but negatives can be made from numerous materials.
Meet the instructor
Michael Nashef has earned his M.F.A in Metals/Jewelry Design from Bowling Green State University. Born in war torn Lebanon and moved to the United States in 1998, Nashef has managed a jewelry store, worked as a CAD designer, launched his fine jewelry company Intersecting Hearts, and invented few tools that are used in the jewelry industry. He worked as the area coordinator and lecturer at Towson University in Maryland, and currently is an instructor at Western Michigan University. Nashef has an extensive record of exhibition and awards won, including solo and international shows. He is also published in books such as JaMs and New Bracelets.
View Michael's work at www.nashefdesigns.com!
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can view the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not required - observers are welcome.
Please note that materials are not required for class time -- you may wish to hold off on purchasing materials until after the class, especially metal, so that you have a better understanding of what you might like to make with your concrete pieces and how to incorporate them into jewelry.
Metal/raw materials:
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1 x Rockite Cement - 10lb box (Ace)
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1 x Mold Star30 - two-part trial size (Smooth On)
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1 x set of silicon mixing cups (Amazon)
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popsicle sticks - wooden (Amazon)
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metal as needed - such as wire for ear hooks
Torch setup:
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1 x torch - Smith mini, Silversmith, or butane (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
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1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (Rio Grande)
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1 x soldering tweezers (Rio Grande)
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1 x soldering pick (Rio Grande)
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1 x 6” silver solder - hard (Rio Grande)
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1 x 6” silver solder - medium (Rio Grande)
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1 x crock pot or lidded glass container (Rio Grande or Amazon)
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1 x small brush - for flux
Hand tools:
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1 x round nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x flat nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 (Rio Grande)
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1 x rotary tool - flex shaft, micro motor, etc. (Rio Grande)
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1 x sheet of sand paper - 220 to 600 grits (Rio Grande)
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1 x sanding sticks (Rio Grande)
Other/miscellaneous items:
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hard work surface
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fan and open window - or ventilation system
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safety glasses
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pencil, Sharpie, notebook
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rags/towels
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rubber gloves latex or nitrile
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paper towel, parchment, newspaper - for work surface
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plastic cups such as solo
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bucket to fill with water
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old flat bottom tray