It’s all in the Details: Demystifying the Rolling Mill, Creating Creating Cold Connections, and Designing Ear Wires that Enhance Your Work.

May 31 - June 3 2019

4 Day Class

This class is suitable for all levels of experience

This workshop explores several different techniques that will help you discover your unique voice in your jewelry designs.

 First you’ll see ways in which a rolling mill can be used to create an array of customized textures.  We’ll start by learning how to impress handmade designs into brass, bronze, copper or silver using a rolling mill.  We’ll discuss the differences among these metals, how to anneal each one, the best applications of each and which patinas to use for maximum highlight and contrast.

 Next we’ll explore the world of cold connections and see how metals can be further enhanced and combined without the need of a torch or a kiln!  We’ll cut simple shapes from our textured metal and embellish them with stamps and punches.  We’ll learn ways to combine them using rivets, tabs and various cold connections.

 Lastly, we’ll focus on the impact of ear wires on earring design.  You’ll gain the confidence to discard conventional, commercial ear wires in favor of what you invent; ear wires that embrace your aesthetic sense and become a compelling design element rather than an afterthought. 

 You’ll learn the basics, such as how to choose the appropriate gauge of wire, how to integrate the element with the ear wire, and how to meet practical standards such as how to harden wire, how to make a “locking wire”, and whether hammering, tumbling or polishing best achieves the final look you’re after.

 Our goal in this class will be to make you more aware of what your designs need to truly excel; to explore what will give them that je ne sais quoi; the details that advance your designs so they stand out as uniquely you.

Although the possibilities are truly endless, class time is finite so we will explore as many variations on these themes as time allows.

The class cost is $550.

The Material Fee is  $115.

The material fee includes supplies and consumables, Argentium and 925 sterling wire, brass wire, copper wire and copper, brass and bronze sheet, supplies for roll-printing, Celie's demo materials (base and precious metals, sheet and wire), finishing materials, including sand papers and loaner tools, studio rent, studio prep, administrative costs, and handouts.  Also included are many tools and supplies for you to use, including a desk lamp, a rolling mill, files and hammers. 

A list of local lodging choices will be sent upon registration.

A supply list will be sent in the beginning of May.

The class will be capped at 9 people.

TO REGISTER:  E-mail me first to make sure there is a spot in the class. (If you've already emailed me, your spot is secure.) Then send a check for $665. by April 1st.   After May 1st, this is non-refundable, unless a replacement can be found, in which case your refund would be the tuition minus a $50 registration fee.  Please e-mail me if you would like to split the tuition into two payments.