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I offer five basic classes and an advanced class. (Advanced is only applicable if you have a year or more experience with a jewelers torch; you must send photos of your work). My workshop is my home in Grant, FL (south Brevard Co., aka Space Coast).
Viking Weave, 1-day, $100
Jewelers Saw, 1-day, $130
Silversmithing, 2-days, $200
Argentium Fusing and Granulation, 2-days, $220
Torch-Fired Enamels, 2-days, $220
Advanced Projects, 1-day or more, $200/day
Viking Weave, 1-day, $100 - This an ancient technique to make a graceful chain where the wire is both needle and thread. Different thicknesses can be made depending on the size of the dowel that supports the work while it is woven. Learn how to start the weave (the hardest part!), how to keep tension for an even weave, estimate how much wire you will need, make your own drawplate, and get tips on finishing the weave with end caps, jump rings, and more. No soldering skills are necessary. Left-handed students will be taught left-handed, so instruction will flow naturally. Materials fee $20 (FL state tax 6%). Needle tool, drawplate, magnifiers will be provided.
Jewelers saw, 1 day, $130 - Learn how to use the saw, what blades to use and why, how to control the saw so you can cut straight and curved lines, inside shapes, and a simple pendant or other item. You can take this class more than once; I will tailor it to your needs! Intermediate students will have more advanced instruction and projects. Materials fee $20 (FL state tax 6%). Saw frame, saw blades, bench pin and magnifiers are provided. Students may purchase their own at the end of the class.
Silversmithing, 2 days, $200 - With the torch and basic jeweler’s tools learn soldering, and make one or more projects. Learn how to turn the torch on safely, adjust the flame to the level you need, solder pieces together without melting your piece! Emphasis for 1st-time students is making a bezel and NOT melting your wire. Some people prefer to learn techniques and aren’t concerned with having a finished piece, while others feel they haven’t gotten the value of the class if they have nothing tangible to show. I will tailor the class to your needs. You can take this class more than once, with increasing levels of skill addressed each time. Intermediate students will have more advanced instruction and projects. Materials fee $40 (FL state tax 6%). Bench, torch/fuel, hand tools, bench tools and magnifiers are provided during instruction. Some tools are available for purchase at the end of class.
Argentium Fusing and Granulation, 2 days, $220 - Learn to fuse Argentium silver with the to rch, no solder required! Aregentium is a tarnish-resistant silver that requires a slightly different approach than standard sterling. This alloy has more pure silver in it, and has the element germanium Make modern jewelry using ancient designs and techniques, but without the hassle of working at the melting temperature. Create designs that are next to impossible with sterling. Materials fee $40 (FL state tax 6%). Bench, torch/fuel, hand tools, bench tools and magnifiers are provided during instruction. A supply of Argentium may be purchased; please let me know in advance.
Torch-fired enamels, 2 days, $220 - Acetylene torch experience suggested but not required. No need to have an expensive kiln, or know that your electric meter is spinning for an expensive bill. With a simple tripod setup, you can fire layers of enamel on copper disks to create stunning designs. These can be incorporated into your jewelry making just like a cabochon. Materials fee $30; or purchase a kit to take with you for $120 (advance notice required) (FL state tax 6% on materials).
Advanced classes, $200/day, 1-day minimum - Geared toward the experienced student, who wishes to learn faceted stone-setting techniques, work with gold (student-supplied), Russian filigree, or a challenging project.
Classes can be combined for a 10% discount. The scheduling is flexible, though I don't like to schedule on the weekend. We compare dates in the time frame you are interested in and select class dates that work for both of us. Class dates do not need to be concurrent, which is convenient for local students. However, I must have a non-refundable deposit for 1/2 of the total class fee before guaranteeing a particular date. Deposit must be received at least 7 working days before the first class. Credit cards are accepted over the phone, but checks must clear the bank before the class date is confirmed. The deposit is credited toward the cost of the class.
Students should plan to bring their own lunch or refreshments and store them in my fridge. Please note that I have two cats in the household. I can provide tissues and allergy relief for those who may be affected.
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