For Beginners
"There's always something new to learn."
Tools and Skill: The Fundamentals of Metalsmith classes are designed to get you started and on your way to creating pieces of art jewelry with guided instruction and better understanding of precious metals.
Tools and Skill: The Fundamentals of Metalsmith
Call to schedule your individual or group bench time (919) 732-9702 or register online.
This class is meant for students who are new to the art of jewelry making. A working knowledge of the tools, skills, and materials that are available will be taught and students will be able to practice basic skills with the benefit of guided instruction.
This class can also be a good refresher workshop for those who have made jewelry before, but are looking to hone or learn new skills.
Alternative 1-day Class - $175 (+$25 additional materials fee)
A one day (8 hour) class is also available, however, no finished projects are made. Just the satisfaction of learning new skills.
Day 1
With many demonstrations by the instructor, each student will learning to use the jeweler's tools. They will practice the basic skills needed to create their own piece of jewelry that they can keep. Plus, students will get a better understanding of precious metals with a short history of gold and silver, along with how to identify, weigh and price precious metals.
Tools & Skills
Day 2
Day two consists of taking the knowledge of the materials, tools and skills learned from day one and applying them to creating a ring. We can discuss a ring style before class from a selection of rings available to make.
Skills & Concepts
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Understanding construction
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Sawing
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Roller mill embossing
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Forming
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Bezels
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Soldering
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Drilling
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Riveting
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To polish or not to polish
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Oxidizing metal
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Stone setting
Sand Casting
If time allows (and because it's fun), a demonstration will be done of sand casting. Students may bring something small to cast or create a piece from Sculpey clay which will be backed and used to cast with.