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: 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: 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 - 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: 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(paid to instrucotor in class): $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: $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. Bring a digital camera you're familiar with (or smartphone with camera) and samples of your jewelry or other small objects.

Prerequisite: none, open to all levels

Course description: Learn the basics skills needed to create jewelry of your own design. We will use a jeweler's saw, rolling mill, hammers and mallets, and torches to cut, texture, shape, and solder metal sheet and wire into unique jewelry pieces. Possible projects include things like cuff bracelets, textured earrings, and a ring or pendant with a bezel-set cabochon stone.

Materials: Copper and brass included. Students may buy silver and stones from instructor for ring project, or bring their own.

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. 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: 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: Learn to create quick and easy relief in thin sheet metal using minimal tools. Unlike traditional repousse, Glenda will show you how to make relief designs in sheet metal using small hand tools. In this class you can make a decorative tile, plaque, or other ornamental item. Bring an image of your choice or use one of ours, and learn to coax wonderfully complex dimension out of thin sheet metal.

Materials: fee covers copper and aluminum, tool kit and embossing pad to take home.

Prerequisite: none, open to all levels

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.

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: This fun class is packed with a variety of creative techniques for applying color to metals.  Working with copper, students will explore cold fusion techniques working with different resins for “Fauxnamel” effects, colored pencils, new patina methods, flame painting and more. The options are endless with the beauty of cold fusion color! Do you have a torch you have never used?  This is the perfect class to get comfortable with some simple torch techniques on how to do flame painting on copper with guidance from Meredith. She will even share her tips on how to seal the colors! You can even create multiple layers of color on color by combining techniques.

Materials: $10 paid to instructor in class covers copper and coloring/patination materials during class.

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 - An in-depth workshop in three days, perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn jewelry-making but never had the time. Amy 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, rolling mill and hydraulic press. 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: 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: 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: Purchased from the instructor in class(Cash or check only please): Silver Clay kit: $60 PMC+ 25g clay, or Kit fee $10 if supplying your own PMC3 clay. 

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

Course description: In cloisonné enamel, fine lines of silver wire create patterns and images. The patterns are then filled with vibrant colors of glass fused to the surface through firing. In this class Jean will show you how to create a design with wires as well as tricks for how to bend and apply the cloisonné wires.  Jean will also show how to create patterns with mesh and silver foil and gold leaf. Learn the process step by step including how to achieve a matte finish or a high polish on the glass surface. You will leave the class with a new creation- a gemlike 'cabochon' suitable for setting in jewelry or metalwork. Students should easily finish one or two projects (and possibly a third!).

Materials fee: $45 (collected with tuition) includes enamels, 18g copper shapes, cloisonné wires, silver foil and gold leaf, and tools to share.

Optional to bring: fine point watercolor paintbrushes, manicure scissors, fine point tweezers, paper and pencil for designing.

Prerequisite: None

Course description: Simply stated, the enameling raku process parallels the clay raku process with some adjustments made for the differences in the materials. Experimenting with raku-fired enameling and the use of vibrant color is an exciting process. The random, unpredictable results of the raku are beautifully colored! In this class you will learn a different--or more literally, an extended--enamel firing technique. The raku-firings process is thrilling; hot enamels are plunged into burning leaves or pine needles to create lovely glassy, metallic-luster surfaces.  Jean will show the raku firing process using leaves, pine needles and wet paper to get special metallic effects. We will study how these dynamic pieces are best used, whether as stand alone works or as background for other enamels. Learn to incorporate this unpredictable process into your work with beautiful results.

Materials: $30 fee paid to instructor in class (cash/check only) for copper (3 tiles - 4x4" 18g and 1 small round dish - 3 1/2" diameter x 1/2" deep) and enamels used during class. Students should bring a bag lunch both days. Optional to bring are additional misc. copper shapes of 18g sheet.

Prerequisite: None, but enameling experience is helpful

Location: This class will be held at the instructor's Edgewood, WA studio (about 12 miles east of Tacoma) The exact address provided with registration.