Classes

Learn to use shaped wires, square and half round to create a wire bezel and bail for pendants and bracelets. You will also learn how to read patterns, measuring your stone so you know how much wire to cut, and the proper use of tools to archive desired affects.

In this class you will learn how to cut large chunks of stone into slabs and then, from those slabs, you will create the cabochon stone. Using the saws and polishing wheels you will shape the stone and highly polish it with a rounded surface for the finished product. These stones are suitable for use in making jewelry. Stones for this class may be purchased at the class or you may bring your own raw material for cabbing.

In this class you will learn how to use wax patterns and centrifugal casting equipment and turn molten silver into jewelry. Equipment is supplied, but you must purchase your own silver and other supplies needed for each project.

In this class you will learn many different chain maille weaves where metal rings are linked together. Possibly some wire wrapping techniques may be included as needed. The weaves will vary from beginning weaves like Byzantine to advanced weaves like Bees to Butterflies. There will be a new project each week and kits will be available for purchase for each project.

In this class you will learn more advanced chainmaille weaves including JPL (Jens Pind Linkage), Sunburst, Candy Cane Cord, etc. The weaves will vary from week to week. There will be a new project each week and kits will be available for purchase for each project.

This class will focus on designing and creating personal amulets and talismans. Amulets, such as the Christian cross and the Hebrew star of David, are often worn as protection and commitment. Amulets are, by definition, symbolic of the desire for protection from negative energies and events. Think, for instance, of a protective symbol hanging from a car mirror. Talismans are generally intended to attract positive events. Typical examples include a rabbit’s foot, lucky dice, and the like. Jewelers with a mystic bent often create symbols related to common concerns, such as fear of flying. This class will encourage students to design a piece of jewelry that reflects their own needs/interests, and to use cold connection methods to create their finished piece(s). Students are encouraged to work with existing old, broken, or otherwise discarded components to create their personal symbols.

In the faceting class a student will be instructed in the techniques used to facet rough material into jewelry quality stones for making jewelry. There are a limited number of faceting machines available and early sign up for this class is recommended. You are welcome to use your own faceting machine in this class if you have one.

In this class we use a tabletop mounted torch which uses propane and oxygen, this a minor torch. Stainless steel mandrels, rods of glass transparents, opaques, and reactive glasses. Learn to bring the glass to a molten stage and apply shape and balance to make beads. Pull stringers make murrine and learn to use them to decorate the beads. Shapes round, disk, lentil, bi cones, leaves and figurines. Safety, resources and the importance of annealing your glass. Most important come have fun make great friends and learn and expand your art skills.

Stone Intarsia is a type of mineral inlay that creates a mosaic-like picture using different types of rocks. The Ladarius selects minerals with different grain patterns and colors to create variations in the pattern. The stone is then cut, shaped, and finished, and the pieces are glued together to create a pattern that fits onto a mineral backer.

In this class you will learn how to use the torch, circle cutter, buffing machine, and the rolling mill. You will learn the art of texturing copper or silver using items like crinkled paper and leaves to make different impressions. You will also learn the annealing process to make a one of a kind unique piece. 

This class offers members the opportunity to use skills learned in previous classes to work on projects with the understanding that there is NOT a teacher per say, we all help each other when and if we have the knowledge to. This is also a time that the teacher uses to work on their pieces.

Silversmithing is a basic course for members to learn the basics of working metal and tools to create jewelry. Tools are provided and silver may be purchased at the workshop for each individual project. You will begin construction at the first class and each student will work at their own pace.

Have an idea and don't know how to make it. How about a project you are stuck on? This is the class for you. We can cover stringing, crimping, knotting, any bead weaving stitches Have broken or old costume jewelry you just can't part with? I can help with that too. Finish off your project so it looks professional. This is an open class so students work on their own projects.

This class introduces an easy way to turn your creative vision into a finished piece of art. You will learn to cut, foil, and assemble in an all inclusive step. The final steps of soldering, framing, and hanging will also be taught. We will start small (due to space and transportation constraints). These techniques can be applied to your future projects so “the sky’s the limit.”

In this class, you will first learn how to shoot a mold to make a wax pattern, how to construct a wax tree followed by the the investing process. Next you will learn the casting process using silver, gold, copper, or bronze. Finally, you will learn how to cut your castings off the tree and finish each piece.

You will be learning more advanced techniques, such as rings, prong settings also we will venture into wire weaving, combining the two techniques together to create a piece, and lots of encouragement to venture into creating your own designs.