Course description: In this one-day workshop, ideal for any level, students will be presented with numerous techniques for working with this fantastic material. Each student will have the opportunity to complete several projects with and without stones, including earrings, toggle clasp, and hollow beads.

Suz will show you how to build your ideas in clay and kiln-fire your pieces into finished pure silver metal!

Materials: $55 (paid to instructor in class, cash/check preferred) includes one 25 gram pack PMC+, handout, use of tool kit, several findings, and handmade sterling ear wires made by Suz.

Prerequisite:No experience necessary however returning students are definitely encouraged!

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 centrifugal 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, silver or gold 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. Student 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 how to turn all your precious metal scraps into new jewelry! This class will cover alloy identification, how to determine silver and gold content, melting, casting an ingot and using the rolling mill to produce new stock from silver and gold scrap, broken jewelry or casting grain. Bring in your old pieces and you'll learn how to identify the karat (or purity) of the metal, melt it with a torch and make it into wire or sheet, ready to turn into a new piece of jewelry! Amy will also demonstrate direct casting methods such as water casting, straw casting and salt casting. Limited to six students.

Materials: Students should to bring gold or silver scrap, old jewelry, or casting grain. Silver casting grain can also be purchased through instructor in class. Metal scrap and broken pieces should be pickled, pre-cleaned and ready to go. If possible sort by fine silver, sterling silver and karat gold scrap.

Prerequisite: Beginning Jewelry or equivalent

Course description: Learn all about the basics of enameling on copper. Dorin will cover how to apply and fire opaque and transparent enamels. She will cover several design techniques, including , stencils, sgraffito, foil shapes and how to embed mesh into the enamels. Learn how to create a collage of design elements with beads, millefiori and different glass elements. Great for absolute beginners as well as those with some enamel experience.

Materials: Most materials included.  Students should bring an N95 dust mask and paper and pencil for note taking.

Prerequisite: None. This class is great for all levels.

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. Minimum 4 students, maximum 10

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.

NEW LOCATION!: 20 miles south of Tacoma on highway 7. Directions provided on registration.

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:  Polymer clay offers many possibilities in jewelry making. Meredith will show you a variety of techniques to take you from beginner or intermediate to advanced skills in short order. Our project centers around creating a tile bracelet. You will learn tricks for simplifying construction, and a lot of fun surface techniques. Meredith will share her tips and help you step by step so you can put your own spin on this versatile material. Some tools are included as well as instruction for making your own tools.

Materials: $20 paid to the instructor in class for the polymer clay, special sanding material, and some tools to take home, plus the instructor will bring some tools to share for use during class.

Prerequisite: None. This class is great for all levels.

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 to use gold-filled wire to create stunning stacking rings. Jennifer will show you how to work yellow and pink gold-filled wires of different shapes and gauges to create stunning rings. Get the rich look of gold without the cost! You'll learn how to measure, solder and shape the metal, then learn different ways to finish your rings: hammered, plain, matte finish or high shine! Make a set of stacking rings for yourself, or to give as gifts. Jennifer will also show a great trick for adding a tiny tube set stone!

Materials: Students may bring 14/20 pink or yellow gold-filled wire in different shapes and gauges (2-3" is enough for one ring), and 10K or 14K yellow gold solder (hard, medium or easy), or purchase enough for their projects in class-approximately $10 - $30. Optional-1.5 mm round faceted stones. Students may opt to bring solid 14K gold wire to work with.

Prerequisite: Beginning jewelry or equivalent.

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:  Learn all about the basics of enameling on copper. Dorin will cover how to apply and fire opaque and transparent enamels. She will cover several design techniques, including , stencils, sgraffito, foil shapes and how to embed mesh into the enamels. Learn how to create a collage of design elements with beads, millefiori and different glass elements. Great for absolute beginners as well as those with some enamel experience.

Materials: Most materials included.  Students should bring an N95 dust mask and paper and pencil for note taking.

Prerequisite: None. This class is great for all levels.

Course description: Learn to create decorative relief using embossing techniques in this fun one day class! Similar to repoussé metalwork in relief, students will create 3-D artwork that shines and reflects light beautifully. Learn to create quick and easy relief in thin sheet metal using minimal tools. Using simple hand tools we will cover the basics of metal embossing in this techniques-based class. Working on copper or aluminum, Glenda will show you how to make beautiful relief designs in sheet metal using only hand tools. Learn how to transfer your design on to the metal, then use simple hand tools to create dimension and detail. Glenda will also show you how to fill and mount your piece for strength. Great for mixed media, students will make a decorative tile, plaque, or other ornamental item. Book marks, book bindings, box lids, the possibilities are endless! Bring an image of your choice or use one of ours, and learn to coax wonderfully complex dimension out of thin sheet metal. Add a patina if you wish for a more dramatic effect.

Materials: ($25 fee paid in class) fee collected in class covers 12"x12"aluminum tooling metal, tool kit and embossing pad to take home. Additional metal and 36 gauge cooper foil available for purchase in class, (or students may bring their own 36 gauge copper)

Prerequisite: none, open to all levels age 12 and up

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: Forging is a great way to add dimension and detail to your work. Discover the secret to twisting brass rods like silly putty and form them into an elegant cuff bracelet. Julia will also show you how to make a beautiful forged silver wave ring to remind you of the calming swish of the sea. You'll learn to do basic jewelry magic (aka: forging, shaping, sawing and soldering) in this fun class. When friends exclaim over your lovely new jewelry, they'll be impressed with both your taste AND your new skills! If you have never used a torch before, this is an excellent class to start with. The instructor will be with you every step of the way.

Materials: included: 4" 10 gauge sterling wire, bronze rod for projects.

Course description:  The majority of cabochons can not be fired in the Precious Metal Clay.  This class will show you how to create settings to accommodate those stones and to have the freedom to use wonderful freeform stones, sea shells and other interesting pieces that would be destroyed in the firing process.
Students should bring a flat back cabochon freeform shape, or a shell that is not too thick.  If not sure, bring several to choose from or see Amy’s selection of fine stones.

Materials:. $65 fee paid to instructor in class (cash/check preferred) includes two 15g packages PMC3 clay, the use of all tools to finish pendant.

Prerequisite: At least one class working with PMC

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:Enameling is a great way to incorporate color into your jewelry.  Learn to add contrast and impact using images and lines in your enamel pieces.  This class will cover enamel application basics such as cleaning copper, applying liquid enamel, sifting powdered transparent enamel, and firing the work in a kiln.   We will work with various effects in enameling such as stencils, sgrafitto, the use of transparent dry enamels, liquid enamels. You will leave this class with a few pieces ready to wear as jewelry or a decorative tile.

Materials: Most materials included.  Students should bring an N95 dust mask and paper and pencil for note taking.

Prerequisite: None!

Course description: Add the luster of gold to fine silver fabrications with very little expense. In the ancient Korean technique of keum-boo (pronounced kum-boo, meaning attached gold) pure gold foil is bonded to the surface of another pure metal such as fine silver or PMC. Gold foil is chemically bonded to fine silver in a heat process using heat and pressure. This technique is low tech and easy to do in your home studio. No experience necessary. Suz will also talk about (but not demonstrate) how this can be used on sterling jewelry that has had the fine silver raised. Advanced students may bring a sterling piece with the fine silver already raised if they wish. Questions on how to do this prior to class? Just call or email us at TMAC!

Materials: $35 for 24K gold foil, paid to the instructor (cash or check only)

Students should bring to class:

1. a small piece of 20 - 22 g fine silver sheet for experimentation (approx. ¾” x 2”, bring your own or purchase from TMAC) cleaned and sanded fine, or a completely finished piece of fine silver jewelry. Deeply textured pieces are NOT advised.

2. bring your own or share the ones in the studio: tweezers, sharp scissors, small paper punch, stone (agate) burnisher

Prerequisite: None, open to all levels

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.

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 (or two) gorgeous pendants that you can wear home!

Materials: $25 paid to instructor in class (cash/check only)for stone and Silver Fill wire. Tools provided for use in class. 

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 - An in-depth workshop in three days, perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn jewelry-making but never had the time. Jennifer 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 students 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 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 making with 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: 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: Rings are a favorite with everyone, fun to make and fun to wear! Learn basic handling, forming and firing of this amazing silver in this hands on introduction to Precious Metal Clay Rings.  Ruth will show you how to size and assemble a band that will fit after firing. You'll also learn how to build a setting around a faceted stone to set it in the clay and then fire it into place. Keep for yourself or give them as gifts!

Materials: $40 paid to instructor in class (cash/check only) for 15g PMC3,CZ stones, sizing patty for 1 ring. The instructor will also supply tools to use and all necessary supplies to complete your ring.

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