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Jewelry 1

This introductory course focuses on developing fundamental hand skills, good studio habits, and an appreciation for quality craftsmanship. Students will learn essential fabrication techniques by designing and producing one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Over the semester, students will learn to cut through metal with a jeweler's saw, pierce out shapes, solder and anneal (soften) metal with a torch, texture surfaces with hammers, roller print a pattern onto metal, and how to bezel-set cabochon stones. Time will be spent practicing on sample pieces, as well as applying these skills to making a textured ring and a pendant with a set stone.

Meet the instructor

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Diane received her BFA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1983. She has continued to expand her skills and artistic horizons in her studio in Woburn, Massachusetts, and also in advanced jewelry and silversmithing classes at the DeCordova Museum School in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Diane favorite techniques include fabricating mokume, pave settings, raising, hot twisting, and soldered applique.

 

Materials & Tools

The $50 materials fee, payable upon registration, covers the cost of metals (copper/brass/silver), wire, solder, a stone, and other basic supplies you will use to work on the projects for this class.

Students should bring

All items should be available at your local hardware store. If you can't find something, don't worry. We can discuss the items on this list further at the first class.

  • Wet and dry sandpaper, 2 sheets each of 320, 400 and 600 grits
  • Sanding sticks (paint stirring sticks are perfect)
  • Small hand towel
  • Tool box (shoe box, plastic tackle box, etc.)
  • Old tooth brush (for cleaning)
  • Metal metric ruler (150mm, about 6inches)
  • Needle file set (small files usually sold in 5 - 8 file sets)
  • Ultra fine-point Sharpie permanent marker
  • 8-inch long mill bastard file
  • Small ball peen hammer (used and beat up is OK!)
  • Safety glasses
  • Sketchbook, pen and pencil for design ideas and taking notes
 

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