.leah m.
metalsmith
Stone Setting: Prongs
September 16-September 18
So, you’ve already learned how to set a bezel in Jewelry 1. What’s next? Are there other ways of setting stones? Of course!
Join this weekend workshop and learn exactly what makes prong settings so amazing. Prongs maximize how much of the stone you can see and are incredibly versatile with most jewelry designs. This style of setting can be applied to cabochons, and odd shaped objects such as sea glass with a flat or semi-flat backing. Learn the basics with faux prongs and then move into pedestal prongs and more. Leave class with 2 finished pendants and ideas for future projects. Feel free to bring in a stone or two that you would like to set during class!
Jewelry Foundations:
Wire
Wednesdays: September 21-October 19
Have you ever wondered how to create elaborate wire designs as jewelry? If so, this class series is for you. It is the perfect introductory class that will help you develop fundamental wire fabrication skills.
Throughout this class series, you will learn essential processes and techniques that allow you to create the designs of your dreams. Class time will be spent learning a variety of processes that include forging, transforming stock wire, fabricating & soldering wire. As well as how to use wire to create simple clasps, jump rings, and chain link systems. While a majority of the processes are reinforced through the creation of samples, you will leave class with at least one finished original piece of jewelry.
Texture & Toolmaking
Saturday & Sunday: October 1-2
As a new jeweler, you may have noticed that there are so many tools that you can use. You may have also noticed how expensive tools can be, but did you know that you can modify old worn hammers and make your own chasing/stamping tools?
This class unveils one of the mysteries of texturing metal. Class time will be spent learning several toolmaking techniques to assist them in creating their own signature textures on their metal. These chasing tools can be used for chasing and repousse, stone setting, riveting, adding texture and more Students will leave class with a handful of handmade chasing tools and a new signature hammer. Texture tools made in this class can be use for both metal sculpture and jewelry.
Beginning Jewelry:
The Art of the Ring
Saturday: October 22
This one-day workshop introduces the basics of creating a sterling silver ring. Students start with a sterling silver sheet and learn how to size, saw, solder, polish, and texture the ring. You’ll leave with a solid foundation of metalsmithing skills and a beautiful new sterling silver ring!
Metalsmithing & Jewelry 1
Thursdays: September 8-October 20
Have you ever wondered how to create stunning one of a kind jewelry? If so, this beginning jewelry class series is for you. It is the perfect introductory class that will help you to develop fundamental metalsmithing skills, good studio habits, and an appreciation for handcrafted jewelry.
Throughout this class series, you will learn essential processes and techniques that create the foundation for good studio practice. Class time will be spent learning a variety of processes that include piercing shapes from metal with a jeweler’s saw, adding texture to metal, soldering, and annealing metal with a torch. As well as how to bezel set a cabochon gemstone and create a stunning sterling silver ring. While a majority of these processes are reinforced through the creation of samples, you will also leave class with several finished original pieces of jewelry including a ring and a pendant.
Metalsmithing & Jewelry 1
Wednesdays: October 26-December 7
Have you ever wondered how to create stunning one of a kind jewelry? If so, this beginning jewelry class series is for you. It is the perfect introductory class that will help you to develop fundamental metalsmithing skills, good studio habits, and an appreciation for handcrafted jewelry.
Throughout this class series, you will learn essential processes and techniques that create the foundation for good studio practice. Class time will be spent learning a variety of processes that include piercing shapes from metal with a jeweler’s saw, adding texture to metal, soldering, and annealing metal with a torch. As well as how to bezel set a cabochon gemstone and create a stunning sterling silver ring. While a majority of these processes are reinforced through the creation of samples, you will also leave class with several finished original pieces of jewelry including a ring and a pendant.
Stackable Rings
Saturday & Sunday: November 19-20
This exciting two-day workshop shows students of any skill level how to make a series of silver, stackable rings. Participants will start with wire, sheet metal, and loose stones and turn them into as many as 6 coordinating rings to wear together or alone. Throughout the class, students will be introduced to basic skills that are essential to metalsmithing; including sawing, soldering, sizing, texturing and polishing metal. We will review both bezel settings for cabochons and how to create our own tube settings for faceted stones. Students will leave class confident with their soldering skills and a handful of rings!
Independent Study: Jewelry
Wednesdays: November 29-December 20
Do you have a project that you have been dying to create but have no idea where to start?
Join me in the jewelry studio and work on a personal project that you need help with. Students are asked to come to class with several sketches of project(s) that they want to work on. Class will include demos on technical drawings and model making, discussion of fabrication techniques and specific demonstrations on techniques tailored to help you complete your own project.
Students will leave class with a sense of confidence in the jewelry studio and a few new tips and tricks of the trade. Basic jewelry and metalsmithing skills are required.
Mentored Studio Time
Book 2 hour time slots with Leah in her private studio based in Bellingham, WA.
Join Leah in her studio and work on a personal project that you need help with. Explore a variety of techniques and pick up a few tips and trips. Demonstrations will be tailored to your needs. Basic jewelry and metalsmithing skills are required.
Click the link below to contact Leah & coordinate time to work together. $40/hour
Open Studio time is also available. You must be able to work independently. $25/hour