-
Image
Simple Solutions for Jewelry Findings
Do you have all these partially completed projects sitting at home or ideas swirling around in your head but don't know how to complete them? This workshop will help "put together" the pieces so you can refine your work.
Learn fabrication and soldering skills for making jump rings, bails, head pins and eye pins, simple terminations like hooks, S-clasps, and toggle clasps. Similarly, students will learn how to make and solder ear posts and make and attach various ear wires. As an off-shoot to attaching ear posts, students will also learn how to attach pearls to a piece of work.
This course is designed to be focused on the basics with some time built in for students to use newly acquired skills to finish up pieces that are brought from home. Additionally, the course has some built in flexibility to cater to the specific skills the instructor observes the class needs based on enrolled students.
Meet the instructor
"Growing up, I always was mesmerized by sparkling gemstones and metals and I often incorporate something illuminating into my designs. Whether or not I intricately plan a jewelry piece in advance of producing it or just spontaneously fabricate one as I go along, the result is inevitably something that is unique with a contemporary flair that complements, rather than overwhelms, a wearer. When designing jewelry or other metal work, I always think about whether I would wear it, use it, and/or display it. Anyone who knows me sees a reflection of me in what I design.
I produce fine contemporary jewelry and other metal designs primarily in the precious metals of gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. These are often further defined with the addition of texturing, gemstones and other unique lapidary, or resin inlay. I also manufacture photo-etched metal jewelry and etched cover plates that are attached to journals or are framed--wedding invitations, bar and bat mitzvah invitations, baby announcements, and the like.
In addition to participating in art shows, sales, and doing commission work, I love providing instruction in jewelry design and metal fabrication. My work can be seen and purchased at galleries and stores, as well as in my own online store. Designing and fabricating engagement and wedding bands and other jewelry, often with people's stones, is particularly meaningful to me."
-Wendy Jo
Materials & Tools
There will be a materials kit for this class that includes: silver sheet, wire, pearls, saw blades, and ear posts. It is estimated to cost $45 and is payable when you arrive for the workshop.
- Pieces you have questions about and might like to finish during the workshop. For example:
-
- Do you use metal clay but don't know how to attach an ear wire?
- Do you have beaded work that you'd like to refine using traditional metalsmithing techniques such as making your own soldered jump rings & clasp?
- Have some interesting textured silver that might look great as an earring with a pearl attached?
- Metalwerx has hand tools available for student use during class. However, if you have files, sanding sticks, pliers, or any basic tools you want to use during class - you are welcome to bring them with you.