Jewelry

An introductory course covering the fundamental concepts and techniques of both design and creation of original jewelry. Includes the techniques of piercing and filing, soldering and polishing. Students will work with metal alone and in combination with other materials. Development of individual designs will be encouraged. This course involves the use of hand tools requiring fine motor coordination. Special registration polices apply; please call 273-0552.

Wire wrapping of stones has been around for centuries. This introductory course in wire wrapping will use sterling silver wire to frame a cabochon and make a wearable pendant. Basic wire wrapping techniques will be covered and at least one pendant will be finished and ready to wear by the end of class. Students must bring $25 in check or cash payable directly to the instructor for materials. If you have your own needle nose pliers or wire-cutters, please bring them with you.

Have you always wondered what it would be like to take a jewelry metalsmithing class? Try it! Get a feel for our jewelry classes before you sign up for an extended course. In this class, students will learn about the possibilities in our jewelry studio: design, cutting, soldering, mixing metals, stone setting, polishing and finishing. Students can watch a demo, try working with the materials, and gain knowledge to jump start your interest in making metal jewelry!

Students will create a sterling silver bracelet while learning several new skills in the jewelry studio. We will make round links (jump rings) from straight wire, learn how to pick solder, add texture by hammering, then polish the links to a high luster. The links will then be connected to each other by a wire wrapped bead in the student’s choice of either amethyst or moonstone. Time permitting, students may also make a matching pair of earrings. Please let the registrar know your choice of bead when signing up for this class, or feel free to bring beads from your personal collection. This class is appropriate for students with some metalworking experience, or those with good manual dexterity who are brave enough to dive into uncharted waters and try something new!

An advanced course in metalworking and jewelry design. Students will refine basic skills and explore advanced techniques. Stone setting, forming, and fabricating skills will expand the student’s knowledge and allow for more advanced designs. Control of the material to achieve desired results will be emphasized. This course involves the use of hand tools requiring fine motor coordination. Special registration polices apply; please call 273-0552. No class 7/4.

Glass bead making is an ancient Venetian art form that has experienced a great resurgence in the past several years. There are countless varieties of style, color and shape that combine to make beautiful and unique glass beads. In this course, students will be introduced to the equipment, tools, materials and techniques used to safely melt and form glass into an array of bead shapes and styles. Other techniques will be explored, including bead shape variety, surface decoration, and more. Students will wrap up the course with a set of their own beads to keep and use for jewelry and more.

This class is for students continuing development of their jewelry and metalworking studies with refinement in both technical and aesthetic pursuits. Working with the instructor, students will create a variety of finished projects that express their own interests in terms of technique, style, and subject. In addition to scheduled class time, students can take advantage of open studio throughout the duration of their 6 week session. Students must have taken Jewelry I and II at The Arts Center, or have significant outside experience. Studio fee covers tool usage, gas, solder, flux, etc. Students will be expected to purchase their own materials for their individual projects, aside from these shared basics. Students can consult with instructor on where to purchase materials, and what they might need for specific projects.

This is an introductory course covering the fundamental concepts and techniques of both design and creation of metal jewelry. Students will be introduced to piercing, filing, soldering and polishing working with copper, brass and nickel silver. Students will work with metal alone and in combination with other materials. The development of students’ individual designs will be explored. No experience necessary. Note: Students will be learning to work with hand tools as well as power tools. Fine motor coordination is required for this course. Every step will be clearly demonstrated, and all techniques, safety tips and guidelines will be explained before anyone is asked to use any equipment.

This class introduces the basic skills necessary to carve hard wax and sculpt with soft wax for jewelry or sculpture. Students design their own original piece (ring, pendant, sculpture), produce it in wax and have it professionally cast in sterling silver. Each student’s work will vary in price and will be based on the current market value for sterling silver. These generally run about $15 – $40 depending on weight. No experience necessary. Great for beginners and advanced jewelry or sculpture students.

Create statement pieces that are sure to be conversation starters! In this workshop students will make unique eye-catching jewelry by combining metal hardware elements such as nuts, washers and chains with elegant trims like ribbon, decorative rope and embroidery thread.

This introductory course in wire wrapping will use sterling silver wire to create a unique bracelet. Basic wire wrapping techniques will be covered and at least one bracelet will be finished and ready to wear by the end of class. Students must bring $25 in check or cash payable directly to the instructor for materials. If you have your own needle nose pliers or wire-cutters, please bring them with you.