Overview
In this course you will learn the basics of jewelry making, including making a necklace, bracelet, earrings, and pendant.
Schedule
SOLD OUT: 6-9pm Mondays 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/4, 3/11/24
OR
6-9pm Wednesdays 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24/24
Description
Metalsmith 1 is meant for both the complete beginner and any new metalsmith hoping to solidify their skills. YouTube lessons are great and highly recommended, but having guidance and skilled supervision will help catapult your skills. In this class we will systematically work though the foundation steps of becoming a successful metalsmith. The projects are designed to build skills, week over week, so that you can work independently.
| WK | Class/focus | Skills | Leave With | Kit Fee / Materials |
| Week 1 | Saw Peircing | Choosing metal, Adhering design to metal, about saw blades, torch, annealing, texturing, rolling mill, proper sawing, filing, polishing | Pendant Necklace | 9 |
| Week 2 | Textured cuff bracelet | Choosing appropriate metal, sizing, torch, annealing, texture, bending techniques, filing, polishing | cuff bracelet | 15 |
| Week 3 | Multilayer earrings | Choosing appropriate metal, sizing, sweat soldering, torch, annealing, texture, filing, ear wires, polishing | Earrings | 9 |
| Week 4 | Bezel set stone pendant, pt 1 | Choosing appropriate metal, choosing stone, choosing bezel wire, torch, soldering, filing, polishing, stone setting | 27 | |
| Week 5 | Bezel set stone pendant, pt 2 Makeup / Finishup |
Finish up bezel set pendant any remaining project or start a new one. | Pendant | |
| 60 |
This class can be retaken multiple times as we will add complexity as you demonstrate skills. For example, if you are setting round stones, I will teach you to set corners, or alternate settings, etc.
If you are a member of Xerocraft (or choose to join) you’ll have access to the jewelry lab any time the lab is monitored. (See staffing schedule on www.xerocraft.org). The lab is available 8am-10pm for all members, however, for safety, certain tools are locked up until you are certified to use them. We’ll discuss this in class.
If you are not a member of Xerocraft, you are welcome to come in and work on your projects during Open Hacks where the public is welcome to use our spaces for a nominal donation. We’ll discuss this in class. Open Hacks are Saturdays 1-4pm and Tuesday nights from 6-9pm. The instructor set aside the time and materials and kept the costs as affordable as possible so there is a minimum of four students to start and no refunds after the day before the start of class.
Additional Benefits
- With a fully tooled Jewelry Studio, you can learn, or try out silversmithing without investing in tools.
- As a voracious learner and tool junkie, Heather will provide guidance and lists of what someone will need to be successful without buying “all” the tools. This could save a significant amount of time and money.
- As student of Heather’s, you’ll get a discount at Kent’s Jewelry and Lapidary Supply.
If you find that this class is sold out or to inquire about future sessions, please email TowedStudio@gmail.com for the waitlist so that we know if we should add additional sessions. Feel free to specify if you would prefer evenings or weekends.
Meet downstairs in the XC Jewelry Studio
Location:
Xerocraft Makerspace
Where Ideas and People Come Together!
101 W Sixth St
Unit 111
Tucson, AZ 85701