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.

Location:1207 Martin Luther King, Tacoma 98405

Prerequisite: None

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 instrucor 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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:  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 notetaking.

Prerequisite: None!

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 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: 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: Filigree is an intricate fabrication technique where a wire frame is filled with fine threads of decorative wire and small balls of metal. Jennifer will show you step by step how to create patterns for a frame and fill the frames using various techniques from around the world. Jennifer will you how to create the frame, how to twist and curl the wire to create the fill the frame and show you how make a pendant and ring project. Jennifer will also demonstrate granulation and adding a bezel set stone accent for additional ornamentation. You'll learn to use powdered solder and Jennifer will discuss fusing and soldering techniques appropriate for the many different styles of filigree, open wire work, and shaping filigree to create a dimensional surface.

Materials Included: Each student will be given 3x3" hard charcoal block, flux brush, filigree powdered solder and fine point tweezers to work with and take home after the class. Students will be provided a kit of dead soft silver wire to work with: 35ft of 26g fine silver round, 1.5 ft of 16g square sterling, 2 ft of 16g round sterling, 2 ft of 18g round sterling.
Students should bring: a sketchpad or notebook for notes and sketches, and a pencil.  TMAC provides tools for in class use, but you may opt to bring any favorite jewelry tools that you wish to use.

Prerequisite: A minimum of basic jewelry skills required. Students should be able to work with pliers, jewelry saw and know how to solder or fuse.

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: 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 collected with tuition covers copper and aluminum sheets, tool kit and embossing pad to take home.

Prerequisite: none, open to all levels

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: PMC (aka Precious Metal Clay). Create fine silver jewelry from a clay: this material works like earthen clay so it can be shaped and formed, textured and refined and then fired. The result is precious metal in pure silver. Once it is finished into silver you can polish it or apply a patina for that vintage look. Meredith is a Level 2 certified PMC instructor and has 16 years experience with this relatively new material. She will share her many short cuts, and she will let you in on some hard won tips and tricks for working more efficiently and successfully with precious metal clay.

Materials:$40 paid to instructor for 9gm PMC3. The instructor will also provide PMC paste and syringe to share during the class as well as the tools use during 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. 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: 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.

Location:1207 Martin Luther King, Tacoma 98405

Prerequisite: None

Course description: Learn to fabricate your own custom prong settings using sheet for unique look! Jennifer will show how to create custom settings for any stone shape using cut card construction. The benefit of this setting is that it require no special equipment, a good eye, a ruler and a jewelers saw. Sheet construction, for a variety of stone shapes and sizes, will be the focus of this class. We will start on day 1 with a 4 prong setting. Then on day 2, Jennifer will show other options including 2 prong and 6 prong settings. The instructor will demonstrate with faceted stones, but these designs can be easily adapted for cabochon cuts and an endless variety of designs.

Materials: Copper and brass will be provided, students wishing to work in sterling should bring 20-16 gauge sterling sheet.

Prerequisite: Beginning jewelry, especially experience with a jewelers sawframe

Course description: Learn to set round faceted stones in flush and tube mounts, it's not as hard as you think!. Learn the tricks with the flex shaft to set stones quickly and easily. We will practice with 2 mm - 3 mm faceted round stones. Prerequisite: Beginning Jewelry or previous metalworking experience.

Materials: Price includes copper sheet, silver tube & cubic zirconium stones, additional silver available for purchase. Or, you can bring a project to set your stone into.

Prerequisite: Beginning jewelry

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 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 equivalent.