Tucson Classes 2017

NO SOLDER, NO GLUE

$110.00

Description of class: Cold connections galore – no solder required and no glue used!! Learn a variety of cold connections and texturing techniques and create a one of a kind pendant. After cutting the copper shape of your choice, learn to texture and drill the base piece of the pendant. Using the patent-pending Riveting Essentials tools, students will learn to use traditional wire rivets, make and use nail head rivets, and add some extra bling by riveting a bezel cup and setting a gemstone. Students will also learn a simple tube rivet technique.

Skills/Techniques Learned: Students will learn a variety of Metalsmithing skills including multiple riveting techniques, setting a cabochon, cutting sheet metal, as well as texturing and stamping techniques.

Skill Level: Beginner

Costs (workshop & kit fee): $110 (includes all supplies needed to complete the project and use of instructor’s tools during class)

Time(s): Monday, January 30, 2017 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Quick and Easy Leather Cuff

$110.00

Description of class: Combine leather with riveted metal pieces to make a quick and easy cuff - your friends will be asking how you did it. Explore multiple techniques to texture the metal – from hammers and stamps to simple embossing! Then learn the secrets to riveting on leather with Gwen’s patent-pending Riveting Essentials. Add some traditional leather embellishments and wear your cuff home!!

Skills/Techniques Learned: Students will learn a variety of metal working skills: Learn to cut, texture and stamp metal. Students will also learn a simple method of embossing metal, as well as how to attach traditional leather embellishments, like studs and snaps.

Skill Level: Beginner

Costs (workshop & kit fee): $110 (includes all supplies needed to complete the project and use of instructor’s tools during class)

Time(s): Monday, January 30, 2017 2:00 pm - 5:30pm

Thursday, February 2, 2017 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Wire 1-2-3

$199.00

Description of class: Here’s an opportunity to learn the basics of wire while creating a one-of-a-kind wire and leather necklace. Tired of “wonky” loops? Want to learn to create hand-crafted findings to add a personal touch to your jewelry creations? Come join me for some wire-working fun. We will focus on making consistent loops and then branch out to creating findings, including ear wires, “S” hook links and clasps. And, last of all, we will add some simple leather knots and endings to finish your day of wire working!

Skills/Techniques Learned: This class focuses on developing a variety of wire working skills and techniques, as well as a simple way to incorporate leather cord. Students leave class ready to be the boss of the wire.

Skill Level: Beginner

Costs (workshop & kit fee): $199 (includes all supplies needed to complete the project and use of instructor’s tools during class)

Time(s): Tuesday, January 31, 2017 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (includes 1 ½ hour lunch break)

Soldering 1-2-3

$110.00

Description of class: This introduction to soldering covers the basics of sweat soldering. In addition to soldering a Sterling Silver shape to the copper disc, a pre-made bezel will be attached and a gemstone cabochon set. Additional interest is added with design/letter/number stamps and hole punching pliers. And last, but not least, learn a simple method of tube riveting. This class utilizes a butane torch.

Skills/Techniques Learned: Students will learn a variety of Metalsmithing skills: Learn to sweat solder, set a cabochon, cut sheet metal, texturing and stamping techniques

Skill Level: Beginner

Costs (workshop & kit fee): $110 (includes all supplies needed to complete the project and use of instructor’s tools during class)

Time(s): Wednesday, Feb 1, 2017 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Inspired by Filigree

$125.00

Description of class: Bend, curve and solder Sterling Silver Wire into a modern interpretation of filigree. Using one of the instructor’s designs, students will create a pendant. In this introduction to soldering, learn the basics of sweat soldering and soldering wire forms. Finally, learn to set a gemstone cabochon in a pre-made bezel. Bring a chain or cord to class and wear your creation home. A discussion of additional design opportunities is included. This class utilizes a butane torch.

Skills/Techniques Learned: In addition to soldering techniques, students will learn to cut and form wire, create and utilize silver granules for embellishment and how to set a cabochon.

Skill Level: Beginner

Costs (workshop & kit fee): $125 (includes all supplies needed to complete the project and use of instructor’s tools during class)

Time(s): Wednesday, February 1, 2017 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Metalsmithing 1-2-3

$210.00

Description of classes: Learn the basics of metalsmithing in this day-long class of cutting, texturing, soldering and cold-connecting metal. Create a multi-layer pendant featuring a soldered bezel. Cut, form and solder the bezel portion of the piece. Add some texture and cold connect it to the base. Choose from multiple techniques for adding the bail. Give it a swim in Liver of Sulfur, set the cabochon and wear your pendant home. Techniques learned in this class offer endless possibilities for future projects. This class uses a butane torch.

Skills/Techniques Learned: Students will learn a variety of Metalsmithing skills: Learn to form and solder a bezel, set a cabochon, cold connections, cut sheet metal, texturing and stamping techniques

Skill Level: Beginner

Costs (workshop & kit fee): $210 (includes all supplies needed to complete the project and use of instructor’s tools during class)

Time(s): Friday, February 3, 2017 9:00 am – 5:30 pm; 1½ hour lunch break

Layered and Riveted

$199.00

Description of classes: This class explores basic metalsmithing and creative riveting techniques using Gwen’s patent-pending Riveting Essentials, including the use of tubes to create a dimensional, elevated pendant. Also included are discussions of additional design ideas, opportunities to practice cutting, shaping and texturing metal and a simple technique to embellish the leather cord so students can wear their unique creations home.

Skills/Techniques Learned: Students will learn a variety of riveting techniques, including the use of tubing to create a dimensional piece. In addition, basic metal working techniques, such as cutting, texturing and stamping, will be covered.

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner - Intermediate

Costs (workshop & kit fee): $199 (includes all supplies needed to complete the project and use of instructor’s tools during class)

Time(s): Saturday, February 4, 2017 9:00 am – 5:30 pm; 1½ hour lunch break