-
Image
Making Enameled Stones for Bezel Setting
Delve into more creative ways to make jewelry and produce one-of-a-kind "stones" to bezel set in unique ways. This course is perfect for students who have basic metalworking skills but want to explore stone setting further and find new methods to introduce color and imagery into their work.
"Stones" will actually be made by enameling on domed metal surfaces. Kelly will demonstrate various ways to design and form copper or silver sheet metal to make 3D forms using both the hydraulic press and basic hand tools, such as dapping. Some of the enameling techniques presented include using lead-free enamel powder and frits as well as ceramic oxide for line work.
The final part of class will focus on methods for setting enamel pieces. Enamelwork is delicate and requires special consideration when setting. Therefore, options for interesting, secure bezels will also be shown. Students can expect to leave with a finished piece of jewelry, such as a pendant or brooch, as well as a series of enameled "stones" that can be used in future jewelry pieces.
If you'd like to see more of Kelly's work, please visit her blog or website kellyjeanconroy.com
Jewelry 1 (which includes basic stone setting experience) is required for this course. This class is 10 sessions long. Each session meets for 3 hours. There will be no class on November 25 (Thanksgiving). If a make-up class is necessary, it will be held on December 16, 2015.
Meet the instructor
Kelly Jean Conroy graduated with a BFA in Art Education and painting from Syracuse University in 2005 and a MFA in Jewelry Metals from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2013. She has taught metals and enameling at the Worcester Center for Crafts, and Jewelry I and II courses at UMass Dartmouth. She currently teaches High School Metalsmithing at Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School in Sudbury, MA, as well as continuing education courses in Metals at Massachusetts College of Art and various classes at Metalwerx.
She works out of her studio in Holliston, MA and her art jewerly pieces focus on life cycles in nature and finding beauty in unique places. Her specialties are enameling, working with natural materials: carving bone, piercing mother of pearl, and casting. She is included in Showcase 500 Rings by Lark Books, and is represented by Equinox Gallery in San Antonio, TX. Her website is kellyjeanconroy.com and her wearable work can be found at tulipstokiss.etsy.com. To see Kelly's process, please visit her blog tulipstokiss.tumblr.com
Materials & Tools
There is a $60 materials kit for this class that includes use of all enamels and enameling supplies needed for projects as well as copper, fine silver, saw blades, and acrylic for die forming (to make a unique shaped "enameled stone"..
Please wear reasonably fire-resistant clothing that you won't mind getting messy, bring something to tie up your hair, and wear shoes that cover your feet completely (no sandals, no open toe shoes).
- Safety Glasses, a dust mask with your name written on it, and a zip lock bag large enough to contain your dust mask. Metalwerx has these available for sale as necessary as well.
- Notebook, sketchbook
- Pencil, pen, and ultra fine point sharpie marker
- Small box, toolbox, container for your treasures
Nice to have but not required: Metalwerx has many of these items available for use, but students will have to share.
- An apron, smock or old shirt if you like
- Basic metalsmithing hand tools (if you have them already and prefer to use your own)
- Really junky and/or cheap paint brushes ranging in size from small to teensy
- Fine point tweezers (2 pair – one for clean stuff, one for yucky stuff)
- Scribe or awl
- Images of anything you find interesting or inspiring
- Your favorite scraps of fine silver, sterling and copper
- Interesting items that can be used for stenciling (lace, doilies, perforated paper, etc…)