Course description: Discover the most successful ways to get your work into galleries, exhibitions, festivals and art fairs. Meredith will show you how using effective, tried and true methods.  You will learn marketing methods to represent yourself and how to make the most of presenting your work in advertising, social media, on business cards, etc. The last couple of hours will be devoted to a hands on intro to photographing jewelry.

Materials: Bring examples of your current work and a digital camera, or smart phone with camera.

Prerequisite: none, this is a class for students of all levels

Course description: Who doesn’t love tiny little homes to hold our imagination, and tiny friends!  This Precious Metal Silver project has many ‘hidden’ construction secrets housed inside the designing and making of these sweet little homes. They make the cutest charms, pendants or earrings! Design them to remember a wonderful magical trip or to house a new fairy friend that you got for the holidays!
With 25g of PMC3 each student should be able to build at least 3 to 4 pieces depending on the size. 

Materials: Silver Clay kit: (Silver Cost TBA, approx $60 for PMC3 25g clay) or Kit fee $10 if supplying your own PMC3 clay.  (Cash or check only please) Please note: Students may bring their own 25g PMC3 or purchase it from the instructor.  Please indicate at time of registration if you will buy the clay in class or bring your own.

Prerequisite: No prior jewelry experience is necessary, but students of all levels are welcome.

Course description: Learn the basics skills needed to create jewelry of your own design. Students will learn to use a jeweler's saw, rolling mill, hammers and mallets, and torches. Glenda will demonstrate how to cut, texture, shape, and solder metal sheet and wire into unique jewelry pieces. You will even learn how to bezel-set cabochon stones. Many projects are possible including bracelets, earrings, a ring or a pendant. Small class size of eight students ensures plenty of one on one help.

Repeat students will be able to continue working on individual projects with questions answered by a professional jeweler. Finish up work hiding in your bench and get advice on new pieces. This class is loaded with great bench tips to guide students through projects with success.

Materials: Copper and brass included. Students may buy silver and stones from the studio or bring their own.

Prerequisite: No experience necessary, continuing students welcome.

Course description - An in-depth workshop in three days, perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn jewelry-making but never had the time. Jenifer will cover all of the metalsmithing fundamentals, including sawing, filing, soldering, hammering, and texturing. We will also cover bezel setting stones, making stacking rings, and lots of soldering. Students will be guided step by step in the use of studio equipment like torches, hand tools, and rolling mill. The instructor will also talk about how to set up a home studio so you can continue on your own after the class. No prior jewelry experience is necessary, students of all levels are welcome.  Small class size of eight sudents ensures plenty of one on one instruction. Copper and brass provided for in class use, silver available for purchase.

Materials: Most materials included. Students may opt to purchase silver to work with approx. $10 -$20

Prerequisite: None.

Course description: You will learn basic blacksmithing techniques with a variety of hands on projects ranging from decorative to functional. Possible projects include plant hangers, candlestick holders, fire pokers, decorative hooks and barbeque skewers, just to name a few.  You'll even learn to make your own blacksmithing tools! Mike will cover safety and operation of a gas forge and all the tools, as well as basic hammering and heating techniques. Learn how to determine what type of steel to select for your projects, ferrous vs. non-ferrous metals, different types of steels and the pros and cons of scrap steel sources. Mike will also have forges for sale if you want to continue on your own. Maximum 10 students.

Materials: $60, payable to the instructor (cash/check only). Each student has his/her own forge and anvil to work with during the class.  Students should bring safety glasses and leather work gloves.

Location:1207 Martin Luther King, Tacoma 98405

Prerequisite: None

Course description: Learn to enhance your copper creations with color the easy way, with colored pencils! In this class you will learn cold connection construction to make a colorful hollow form pendant. First Glenda will show you how to cut and form the copper sheet. Then you will learn how to add colorful designs using colored pencils! After your design is applied you will learn to attach it to a brass backing to create one-of-a kind pendant! Glenda will show different cold connection options such as tabs, prongs and stitching with wire as well as how to create a built in bail so your art can be worn around your neck.

Materials included: Copper, colored pencils to use in class, patterned brass sheet and all the supplies needed to complete the pendant project provided for in class use.

Optional materials to bring: Bring a pencil sharpener and prismacolor colored pencils (soft core) if available.

Prerequisite: none, all levels welcome

Course description: A great starter class for absolute beginners. Learn to design and make your own jewelry step by step!  Amy will cover many metalsmithing fundamentals, including sawing, filing, stamping, hammering, soldering and texturing.  Students will be guided step by step in the use of studio equipment like torches, hand tools, and rolling mill.  No prior jewelry experience is necessary, students of all levels are welcome. 

Materials included: Copper and brass provided for in class use, silver available for purchase.

Prerequisite: none

Course description: Learn how to create settings for flat backed objects and cabochon cut stones. Bezel setting is also perfect for setting beach glass, coins, buttons, almost anything!  In this class we will cover selecting appropriate bezel wire, silver soldering, fitting irregular and freeform objects, making a ring band or pendant bail, polishing and stone setting. You will be able to finish a ring or pendant.

Materials: Bring a stone or object to set or purchase one from our assortment. Students should bring $10-$20 to cover the cost of silver.

Prerequisite: No experience necessary!

Course description: If you've taken the beginning class and want to improve on your skills then this course is for you! Intermediate Jewelry/Metals allows students to hone their soldering, fabrication and finishing skills while learning stone setting techniques. Jennifer will cover how to create various prong settings from wire for setting faceted or cabochon stones as well as unusual stone shapes and found objects. She will also share her tips and tricks for soldering success. You will also learn great ways to use the flex shaft for setting, finishing and more! Small class size of only eight students ensures plenty of one on one instruction.

Materials: Included: Copper and sterling wire in 20-16 gauge round, square and half-round wire and 20 - 16 gauge copper and brass sheet. Bring your own stones or choose from our assortment.

Prerequisite: Beginning Jewelry or equivalent

Course description: Classical wire wrapped jewelry is a great way to make stunning designs using simple techniques, minimal tools and no soldering.  In this class we will learn the basics for a precision wire wrapping technique - classical wire wrapping.  Using square and half-round wire, we will learn to build a light weight, open back setting that will really show off the stone.  Ruth will show how to capture the stone in a clean wire-wrapped setting and how to integrate a streamlined bail as part of the pendant design. Learn the technique step by step while you create one (maybe two) gorgeous pendant that you can wear home!

Materials: $30 paid to instructor in class (cash/check only)for stone and Silver Fill wire. Tools provided for use in class. 

Prerequisite: none

 Course description: Niello is a deep black alloy, used to fill recesses as decoration on gold, silver and bronze. This process looks great on silver work because of the stark contrast between the silver and the Niello. The finest engraved line or stamped design can be filled with the Niello, meaning complex designs can be produced creating a black design against the metal base. This workshop will focus on learning the basic Niello technique. While similar in appearance to black enamel, it is metal, not glass. The earliest Niello pieces are from Ancient Egypt, the practice continued through the middle ages and right up to the present. Since there are health risks associated with making Niello we will use prepared Niello powder to work with in class. The hazard lies in making the Niello, not in it's application. No longer allowed to be imported to the US, this may be your last chance to experience the ancient technique of Niello Inlay!

Materials to bring:

Pen/Pencil
Sketchbook
Fine Point Sharpie or other marker that marks on metal

Sterling Silver - minimum of 3" x 3" in 24ga, 22ga or 20ga

Stamps and small punches
Emory paper (black carbon silicon)- 220 and 320 grit,
Two Small jars with lids (film canisters will do also)
one small paint brush
Samples of current work

Prerequisite: Basic soldering, sawing/cutting and filing skills.

Optional tools to bring:

• Two coarse files (one small & one large) that will be dedicated for use with Niello only (or share one of ours).
• Scraper (or share ours)
• Each student will be provided with a set of tools to use during class. If you prefer to bring your own tools we will be using: saw frame and blades #2/0 or #3/0, metal shears, pliers: needle nose, chain nose, flat and combination flat and half/round. Students who have their own niello are welcome to bring it.

Course description - An in-depth workshop in three days, perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn jewelry-making but never had the time. The instructor will cover all of the metalsmithing fundamentals, including sawing, filing, stamping, hammering, and texturing, and that is just the first day! We will also cover bezel setting stones, making rings, and lots of soldering. Students will be guided step by step in the use of studio equipment like torches, hand tools, and rolling mill.. The instructor will also talk about how to set up a home studio so you can continue on your own after the class. No prior jewelry experience is necessary, students of all levels are welcome.  Small class size ensures plenty of one on one instruction. Copper and brass provided for in class use, silver available for purchase.

Materials: Most materials included. Students may opt to purchase silver to work with approx. $10 -$20

Prerequisite: None.

Course description: In this fun, fast paced workshop you will make a spinner ring with one or more revolving spinner rings Learn to shape, solder, texture and patina silver to create beautiful rings of your own design. We will learn to make a wide fashion band and one or more smaller spinner rings. The instructor will also show how to mount bezel cups and embellish with small cabochon stones.

Materials included: Students should bring about $5 - $20 to spend on silver projects, or bring silver of various gauges of wire and 18-20 gauge sheet. We will work with 3mm - 5mm round bezel cups for cabochon stones. Bring your own or purchase at the studio.

Prerequisite: Beginning Jewelry is recommended

Course description - This class is packed with a variety of out-of-the-box techniques for incorporating resins into your metal designs. In this class you will explore cold fusion techniques on metal by working with heat curing resins and UV resins. Meredith will also share her tricks for no fuss, fool-proof rivets. Discover how to create one of a kind resin focal points and explore making resin papers, dangles and windows in this class.  Riveting expands the possibilities for one-of-a-kind bails, added embellishments and creating window vignettes with resin.  Capture your imagination in resin!

Materials fee: $35 paid to instructor in class- Includes materials for projects, as well as in class use of supplies including powdered and UV resins, inks, mica powders, patina products, silicone molding compound, polymer clay, rivets, flux, sounding boards for bench blocks, sandpapers, sealer, latex like gloves, work surfaces.

Additional to purchase: Meredith will have bezel cups available for $1 each

Optional to bring: An item to mold about the size of a quarter,

Prerequisite: None!

Course description: Learn the techniques of this amazing material. Suz will show you how to build your ideas in clay and kiln-fire your pieces into finished bronze metal jewelry! Each student will have the opportunity to construct several pieces of their own design. Make earrings, pendants, and clasps. Learn about stone setting techniques and mold makingwith Bronze Metal Clay. Students are encouraged the bring items with interesting textures to mold onto their bronze clay creations. Almost anything with texture will work: tree bark, feathers, leaves, shells, etc. We will do one firing during class, those pieces will be ready to wear same day! Additional firings will be done by the instructor after the class; the second round of pieces will be available for pick-up at Tacoma Metal Arts Center one week after class.

Materials: $25 paid to instructor in class (cash/check only) includes 30 grams Fast Fire Bronze metal clay, findings, CZ's, use of tools. Additional clay will be available for purchase.

Prerequisite: none!

Course description: Learn how to create settings for flat backed objects and cabochon cut stones. Bezel setting is also perfect for setting beach glass, coins, buttons, almost anything!  In this class we will cover selecting appropriate bezel wire, silver soldering, fitting irregular and freeform objects, making a ring band or pendant bail, polishing and stone setting. You will be able to finish a ring or pendant.

Materials: Bring a stone or object to set or purchase one from our assortment. Students should bring $10-$20 to cover the cost of silver.

Prerequisite: No experience necessary!

Course description: Learn to use the simple shape of a tube as a starting point for all kinds of projects. Start with a manufactured tube and save time in making containers, beads, stone settings and more! Jennifer will show you how to make unique shapes by folding, bending, crimping and crumpling tubes. Learn to bend tubing to make simple and elegant hoop earrings, as well as bracelets and necklaces! By starting with tubing you will save on materials cost, because the tubing is hollow. Also, this makes your jewelry very lightweight. We will work with round, square and rectangle tubing as a starting point and you will discover all sorts of cool things you can do with tubes!

Materials: Copper and brass provided, or students may opt to bring silver to work with.

Prerequisite: Beginning Jewelry or equivalent.

Course description: There's a reason the flexible shaft drill is indispensable in the jeweler's arsenal of tools. It can be used to sand, polish, drill, hammer, texture, make jump rings, twist wire, set stones, carve wax and much, much more! Not sure what you can do with all those attachments? Jennifer will show you all the time saving tricks the flex shaft can offer in the way of stone setting, sanding, and polishing, including how to achieve different finishes from matte to high shine. Jennifer will show you all the mysteries of the flex shaft and how to make it work for you! Learn all about the maintenance requirements of your new baby, and a wide range of uses that will make it the number one tool in your studio! Jennifer will also discuss options, accessories, different handpieces as well as compare and contrast the different flex shaft brands and similar tools. 

Materials: Bring in your unfinished polishing projects and questions. Optional: bring any attachments you have questions about.

Prerequisites: Beginning jewelry or equivalent

Course description: Learn to create beautiful texture by combining molten silver with copper sheet.  Ruth will show you how to cut a shape from copper sheet for your project, then you will cover it with texture through the molten magic of melted silver!  The result is a wonderfully rich surface texture of ridges and waves.  Then, you will learn how to apply an iridescent patina with a torch by flame painting the surface.  Ruth will also show you how to make a beautiful silver chain to hang it from. Students can expect to finish pendant and start on the chain during class, or 2-3 molten magic pieces.

Materials: $30 paid to instructor (cash/check only please) includes several pieces of copper, silver for melting and sterling wire and jump rings for a 20" chain.

Prerequisite: None, but students should be comfortable with a butane torch

Course description: A great starter class for absolute beginners. Learn to design and make your own jewelry step by step!  Amy will cover many metalsmithing fundamentals, including sawing, filing, stamping, hammering, soldering and texturing.  Students will be guided step by step in the use of studio equipment like torches, hand tools, and rolling mill.  No prior jewelry experience is necessary, students of all levels are welcome. 

Materials included: Copper and brass provided for in class use, silver available for purchase.

Prerequisite: none

Course description - An in-depth workshop in three days, perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn jewelry-making but never had the time. Jenifer will cover all of the metalsmithing fundamentals, including sawing, filing, soldering, hammering, and texturing. We will also cover bezel setting stones, making stacking rings, and lots of soldering. Students will be guided step by step in the use of studio equipment like torches, hand tools, and rolling mill. The instructor will also talk about how to set up a home studio so you can continue on your own after the class. No prior jewelry experience is necessary, students of all levels are welcome.  Small class size of eight sudents ensures plenty of one on one instruction. Copper and brass provided for in class use, silver available for purchase.

Materials: Most materials included. Students may opt to purchase silver to work with approx. $10 -$20

Prerequisite: None.

Course description: Discover creating raised patterns in metal without any special equipment! This is the full meal deal. Meredith will cover everything from transferring images onto metal to etching a variety of alternative metals using a low toxic and safe method. The results are a beautiful bracelet and the knowledge for how to make your own unique texture sheets or patterned metal for signature designs.
Class covers a variety of resist processes including different heat transfer methods, ink transfer techniques and free hand solutions. Drilling, filing, refining, and a variety of polishing and sealing methods will also be covered.

Materials: Kit fee: $40 includes red brass, wire, booklet on etching, etching solution and tank, neutralizing bath, transfer film, inks, and more. Each student will take home everything they need to continue metal etching at home.
Instructor will supply hot plate, hammers, drills, pliers, etc. for use in class.
Students Should Bring: rubber stamps if you have some small patterns you especially like (please put your name on your stamps).

Prerequisites:None

Course description: In this class you will learn how to work with copper sheet metal and silver precious metal clay! Ruth will start by showing how to work with the sheet: cutting, texturing and forming.  Then, she will show how to work with the metal clay :  you will learn proper handling, texturing, finishing and how to torch fire your piece.
The next step is learning about riveting and cold connections.  This involves the proper way to drill holes or cut tabs to secure the two pieces into one beautiful work of wearable art. Ruth will also show you how to polish and add an oxidized patina for depth and contrast.

Materials Fee:  $45 kit fee paid to instructor in class (cash/check preferred) 15g PMC3 metal clay, copper sheet, rivets and use of all tools needed to make and finish your project.

Materials to bring(optional):  A cord or chain to wear finished piece home

Prerequisite: None

Course description: Learn all about rivets in this fun one day class! Rivets are a great solution whenever solder is not an option. Glenda will cover standard rivets, flush rivets, tube rivets, all kinds of rivets! Learn to make rivets with spacers for a shadow box effect. And, you'll learn step by step how to make a spinning pin wheel pendant, no soldering necessary! Whether you want to incorporate found objects such as glass and wood, or add movement to your pieces, or just add another technique to your metalsmithing tool box, you'll love rivets!

Materials: Copper and brass provided, students may opt to bring silver to work with. Optional to bring, found object to incorporate into projects.

Prerequisite: Beginning Jewelry or equivalent. Students should know how to saw and file.

Course description: Whether you're presenting, applying, publishing, or posting, your work is only as good as your documentation.  This workshop focuses on simple strategies for taking consistently strong pictures:  managing light and shadows using cheap, portable diffusers and reflectors; staging still life photos and working with models; developing a personal and appropriate style; and using accessible software to refine your images.  

Materials: Bring a digital camera you're familiar with (or smartphone with camera) and samples of your jewelry or other small objects. $15 material fee paid to instructor in class (cash/check only please) covers a small kit of background material, diffuser and reflector that you will take home after the class.

Prerequisite: none, open to all levels

Course description: Learn to design and make jewelry using the lost wax casting method. Students will be guided step by step in the process in order to make unique pieces of jewelry. You will design and learn to carve a model in wax, and then replicate your model in silver or bronze using lost wax casting. The first day you'll be guided step by step through carving a wax model and making a mold of it. On day two, you will cast your project into bronze, or silver using centrifugal casting. Then, Jennifer will show you how to clean up and polish your project into a beautiful piece of jewelry! Demonstrations will be geared toward completion of the ring project; students may opt to work on a different project.

Materials Fee: includes most materials, N95 dustmask and ancient bronze casting grain. Students who wish to work in sterling silver should bring clean silver scrap or casting grain.

Prerequisite: Beginning jewelry or equivalent. Students should know how to saw, solder, file and polish metal.

Course description: In this informal class you will learn to design and make jewelry using the lost wax casting method. Joni will help you take your design and teach you to carve your model in wax. Then you will be guided through how to make a mold. Then, replicate your model in sterling silver or ancient bronze using centrifugal casting. Students will be guided step by step in the process in order to make unique pieces of jewelry. Upon request the instructor will also cover vacuum casting and making rubber molds of your finished piece so you will have production options for making multiples.

Materials: Students should bring sterling casting grain or scrap and a dust mask rated P100 or N95. Ancient bronze casting grain is included.

Prerequisite: Beginning jewelry or equivalent. Students should know how to saw, solder, file and polish metal.