Course description: Learn to make hollow forms from sheet metal in copper, brass or silver. You'll be guided step by step through cutting discs, doming the circles, fitting solder seams and polishing. Simple texturing techniques will be covered as well.

Materials: Copper and brass provided, sterling available for sale.

Prerequisite: Beginning Jewelry is recommended

Course description: The magic of ‘Metal Clay’ continues with new Sterling Silver One-Fire clay. Learn the basics on how to how to form, texture, dry and fire this clay In this class students will learn to create  flat band rings that, after being fired in a kiln, will be formed around a mandrel into a beautifully designed ring. The sterling is a strong clay with a wonderful soft glow after polishing. Students will learn how to judge shrinkage, how to texture and give dimension to the metal clay, and how to form the band into a ring that fits like a glove. You'll also be able to add an oxidized patina to accentuate the texture of your new creation!

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

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. 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: 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: 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 to use gold-filled wire and solid gold 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! Jennifer will also talk about how to work with solid gold. 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 to work with.

Prerequisite: Beginning jewelry or equivlent.

Course description:  You have heard about PMC for so long, well now is the time to find out what the excitement is all about! This mini-intro will let you get your fingers on the most amazing silver in the world: Precious Metal Clay! Learn basic handling, forming and firing of this amazing silver in this hands on introduction to Precious Metal Clay. Ruth will also show you how to introduce wire to the clay to form decorative and useful elements. Come and learn the flexibility and versatility of PMC! Students will have time to complete multiple pieces; leave the class wearing your new jewelry or give the pieces as holiday gifts!

Materials: $45 paid to instructor in class (cash/check only) for sterling silver wire, 20g PMC+ clay. Instructor will provide tools to use during class, firing and finishing.

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

Course description: Learn the basics for weaving a beautiful chain from wire. The Viking Knit can be done in many colors or combinations that will enhance your hand made pieces. .No experience necessary. Supply kit includes instructions, a spool of wire, sterling silver end caps, finishing wire and accent beads.

Materials Fee: $40 paid to the instructor in class (cash/check only please) includes fine silver wire, sterling silver wire, two end caps and assorted tools and materials for sample pieces.

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: 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 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: 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 new forming techniques. Jennifer will cover simple 3-d forming with the hydraulic press and fold-forming. She will also show how to fabricate simple hinges to make a locket or bead, and share her tips and tricks for soldering success. You will also learn great ways to texture metal using the rolling mill, hammers and more! Small class size ensures plenty of one on one instruction. Copper and brass provided for in class use.

Materials: Most materials included. Students may opt to bring silver to work with. Please bring a dust mask rated N95 (available at the hardware store or $2 at the studio)

Prerequisite: Students should have experience with jewelry basics such as sawing, soldering.

Course description: You have heard about PMC for so long, now is the time to find out what the excitement is all about! This intro class will let you get your fingers on the most amazing silver in the world: Precious Metal Clay! You will learn how to form, texture, dry and torch fire your piece.

Materials: $tbd

Prerequisite: None

 Course description: Niello is a deep black alloy, used to fill recesses as decoration on gold, silver and bronze. This process was used chiefly for silver work, because of the stark contrast between the silver and the Niello. Since the finest engraved line or stamped design can be filled with the Niello, very 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.

Materials: Bring a coarse file that will be dedicated for use with Niello only. Students should bring 24 gauge silver sheet (or thicker) to work with.

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