Learn how to integrate stone and metal as a whole, rather than as separate objects. Demonstrations include how to shape rough stones, drill through them, make perfect bezels for unique shapes, set stones on top of stones, add decorative rivets, and more.

Twisted wire elements bring texture and intricate detail to a piece. Discover a number of different ways to add visual interest to your work with this technique which is traditionally employed in blacksmithing, but works well with metal typically used in jewelry.

Mokume gane is a Japanese technique that bonds many layers of precious metals into a single piece that is worked into beautiful patterns. Learn to create a billet, seamless forged band ring, and patterned sheet metal in five days!

Discover and invent new forms and textures! Foldforming, and its cousin microfolding, lead to spontaneity, creativity, and innovation, since complex forms can be made quickly. 

Learn the art of goldsmithing from alloying to fabrication. This workshop is designed for people who have a firm grasp on silver soldering and fabricating and want to explore the option of working with gold. Students will start with learning the steps to alloy their own gold, then use ingot molds to pour molten gold, form it into sheet or wire, and use the material to fabricate small projects.

This class will focus on creating three-dimensional plique a jour objects. Using fine silver wire and eutectic (IT) solder, students will fabricate a framework. The enamels will then be suspended in the openings of the filigree, and fired without a backing, the physics of surface tension holding the molten glass in place. Emphasis will be on developing a personal aesthetic while learning to design expressively within the technical demands of this exciting technique.

Take your ring making skills and designs to new heights. In this workshop participants will fabricate a completely unique, dimensional, cage-like ring with surface ornamentation of fused, sterling, wire granulation. The ring project’s concept lends itself  to both organic and geometric design styles. These rings can then be further embellished in numerous ways on the inside or outside of the structures using techniques such as keum boo, stone setting, or pigmented resins. Students must have beginning jewelry skills and know how to solder with a torch.

Wire working is a fluid and meditative process. In this one-day workshop, Dan will provide an overview of fundamental patterns and methods for suspending stones, crystals and found objects in metal. No need for a torch, soldering or metal fabrication experience; just your two hands and a pair of pliers! All experience levels are welcome. 

Come to understand a variety of stone-setting concepts including innovative bezel, prong, flush, graver, and gypsy settings. Students will make a series of samples to create a handmade library of skills that can be utilized in future designs.

Explore how to make volume and dimension from sheet metal and wire using simple folding, forming, and soldering techniques. Paulette will demonstrate how to develop paper patterns that can then be translated onto metal forms to make structures and shapes that can be incorporated into brooches, neckpieces or rings. Attention will also be paid to how students can add color, texture and pattern to their designs for added visual interest. Take advantage of Argentium’s fusing properties to design flat forms and then manipulate them into lightweight and dynamic showstoppers. 

Hone fabrication skills and make a custom spoon. Joy will show various hammer textures that can be added to give character to flatware. Each student will complete a spoon in silver or base metal.