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 of cabochon cut 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 and cabochon stones are available for purchase.

Materials: Most materials included. You will learn to set a cabochon cut stone in a bezel setting. Students may purchase silver to work with and stones for this project (approx. $20 and up). You may bring your own if you wish. Bring an N95 or KN95 to wear while polishing.

Prerequisite: None.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

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 preferred) includes 30 grams Fast Fire Bronze metal clay, findings, CZ's, use of tools. Additional clay will be available for purchase.

Prerequisite: none! Continuing students are encourage. Suz is happy to help you with more intermediate/advanced projects!

Minimum 3 students, Maximum 8

Course description: Mitsuro Hikime: honey (mitsu) wax (ro) drawing (hiki) texture (me). Japanese in origin, mitsuro-hikime is a pliable sculpting wax which folds and stretches like pulled taffy developing a unique linear texture which is very recognizable. A pioneer in the rediscovery of this ancient Japanese technique, Susan will show you tricks and tips on how to best work with this wax to develop the texture and form it into uniquely fluid forms. Most effective in simple designs, mitsuro-hikime will bend, and curl, giving fantastic surface detail and a wonderfully fluid design in your wax models. (suitable for lost-wax casting***). Susan will share her recommendations for spruing and casting. You will also learn Susan's trademarked formula for mitsuro-hikime and participate in making a batch of the wax during the class. The wax batch from class will be divided up for students to take home.

****These waxes can then be cast into silver, bronze or gold using the lost-wax casting method. 

NOTE: this class will not cover the lost wax casting process, only wax modeling with Mitsuro - HIkime.****

Materials included ($20 collected with tuition):

Mitsuro wax to work with during class, plus some extra (aprox. 65 grams) to bring home after class

Materials for students to bring:

small tupperware style water tight container to transport waxes after class

scotch tape

Optional to bring (a few are availble to share at the studio):

painter's masking tape

x-acto knife

hot wax pen

wax modeling ring mandrel on a stand

Prerequisite: This class is best suited to people who do their own casting, the wax models are very brittle and difficult to ship without breaking.

Minimum: six students minimum, maximum nine students

Course description: Mitsuro Hikime: honey (mitsu) wax (ro) drawing (hiki) texture (me). Japanese in origin, mitsuro-hikime is a pliable sculpting wax which folds and stretches like pulled taffy developing a unique linear texture which is very recognizable. A pioneer in the rediscovery of this ancient Japanese technique, Susan will show you tricks and tips on how to best work with this wax to develop the texture and form it into uniquely fluid forms. Most effective in simple designs, mitsuro-hikime will bend, and curl, giving fantastic surface detail and a wonderfully fluid design in your wax models. (suitable for lost-wax casting***). Susan will share her recommendations for spruing and casting. You will also learn Susan's trademarked formula for mitsuro-hikime and participate in making a batch of the wax during the class. The wax batch from class will be divided up for students to take home.

****These waxes can then be cast into silver, bronze or gold using the lost-wax casting method. 

NOTE: this class will not cover the lost wax casting process, only wax modeling with Mitsuro - HIkime.****

Materials included ($20 collected with tuition):

Mitsuro wax to work with during class, plus some extra (aprox. 65 grams) to bring home after class

Materials for students to bring:

small tupperware style water tight container to transport waxes after class

scotch tape

Optional to bring (a few are availble to share at the studio):

painter's masking tape

x-acto knife

hot wax pen

wax modeling ring mandrel on a stand

Prerequisite: This class is best suited to people who do their own casting, the wax models are very brittle and difficult to ship without breaking.

Minimum: six students minimum, maximum nine students

Course description:

Students will explore the attributes of carbon steel to create unique and exciting tools much in the same way that has been done by artisans and jewelers for generations. As well as looking at some traditional tool forms and shapes, the instructor will also explain the value of exploring ideas to create your own unique tool designs that will enhance, embellish, and personalize each metal creation that leaves your bench. Tools will be made and given form by using a grinding machine, filing, or cutting with the jewelers saw. Sanding and polishing will be used to give final finish, followed by a two-step heat treatment process ensuring your tools will last a lifetime.

Students should bring:

- A pair of thin flexible leather gloves that are comfortable to wear while filing
- A mask to help protect against dust (KN95's work great) or purchase in class $3

-Earmuff style hearing protection

Optional to bring:

shop apron to protect your clothes or borrow one of ours

protective safety glasses, or borrow one of ours

digital caliper, the studio has one to share

Material fee:

$35, payable to Jesse Bert in class.

Prerequisite:

Basic jewelry skills: sawing, filing, annealing.

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 of cabochon cut 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 and cabochon stones are available for purchase.

Materials: Most materials included. You will learn to set a cabochon cut stone in a bezel setting. Students may purchase silver to work with and stones for this project (approx. $20 and up). You may bring your own if you wish. Bring an N95 or KN95 to wear while polishing.

Prerequisite: None.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Course description: This is a day for previous Tacoma Metal Arts students to practice what you learned in classes with help from Amy. Bring in unfinished metalsmithing projects or start something new. Amy will be able to help you with tool use, technique and review of what we covered in class. Questions about whether your project is appropriate? Email Amy at info@tacomametalarts.com

Materials: most materials included. Silver and stones available for purchase.

Prerequisite: At least one class at the TMA studio. Students should be familiar with the studio.

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 basics such as how to apply and fire enamel to a copper base and use various simple techniques to create colorful  patterns.  You will also learn various effects in enameling such as line application, sgrafitto, stencils, and graphite. You will leave this class with a few pieces ready to wear as jewelry. This class will cover kiln firing and torch firing.

Materials: Most materials included, optional to bring small paint brushed, rubber stamps and stencils if you have them. An N95 or KN95 mask is required for enameling.

Prerequisite: None, this class is for all levels.

Course description:

This is a day for previous Tacoma Metal Arts students to practice what you learned in enamel classes with help from Amy. Bring in unfinished projects or start something new. Amy will be able to help you with tool use, technique and review of what we covered in class.

Materials:

most materials included. Silver and stones availalbe for purchase. An N95 or KN95 mask is required for enameling.

Prerequisite:

At least one enamel class or similar experience. Not sure iof you qualify? email info@tacomametalarts.com with your questions

Course description: Forging is a great way to add dimension and detail to your work.

Refine your hammer skills and learn hot-forging and cold forging technies for all kinds of projects.

Materials: included: 6" 10 gauge sterling wire, bronze rod for projects.

Prerequisite: Jewelry basics, sawing filing torch work etc.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

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 with a flat back. If it is your first time doing a bezel you can create a setting for ovals or freeforms.

In this class we will cover selecting appropriate bezel wire, silver soldering, fitting a cabochon cut stone, making a ring band or pendant bail, polishing and stone setting.

If you have done a bezel once or twice before, Amy will help you with the more difficult shapes such as squares, rectangles or pointed stones;as well as more difficult materials like thicker bezels and gallery wire.

Materials: Bring a cabochon cut stone to set, or purchase one from our assortment. Students should bring $10-$20 to cover the cost of silver, or you are welcome to bring your own. Jerry's Rock and Gem in Kent is a great local supplier for silver and stones. Ask for the student discount!

Prerequisite: Students should have a little experience with soldering, sawing, and filing.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

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 of cabochon cut 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 and cabochon stones are available for purchase.

Materials: Most materials included. You will learn to set a cabochon cut stone in a bezel setting. Students may purchase silver to work with and stones for this project (approx. $20 and up). You may bring your own if you wish. Bring an N95 or KN95 to wear while polishing.

Prerequisite: None.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Course description: If you've taken lots of classes but lack the confidence to push your metalsmithing skills then this is the class for you. Amy will introduce you to a variety of prong settings . Amy will help you through solving the design challenges and logistical planning of a complicated piece. Combine your metalsmithing, stone setting, fabrication and finishing skills in the design and creation of significant and memorable piece.

Materials: Copper and brass included and a variety of stones are included.. Students may opt to bring silver to work with, bring whatever gauge you prefer to work with. Please bring a dust mask rated (K)N95 (available at the studio for $3) and any stones or mementos you wish to work with.

Prerequisite: Beginning Jewelry or equivalent. Students should have experience with simple stone setting (such as a bezel set cabochon) and be able to solder simple pieces.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

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 of cabochon cut 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 and cabochon stones are available for purchase.

Materials: Most materials included. You will learn to set a cabochon cut stone in a bezel setting. Students may purchase silver to work with and stones for this project (approx. $20 and up). You may bring your own if you wish. Bring an N95 or KN95 to wear while polishing.

Prerequisite: None.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Course description: 

Learn to make a wide bands, skinny stacking rings and how to put them together to make spinner rings. Add small cabochons using bezel cups! Amy will show you how to work with silver, copper, brass to create a ring that's exactly your style (and size!).

Materials: 

Available for purchase, or bring your own:

1"x3" 20 gauge sterling or fine silver sheet or gold filled

3" lengths of various wires in sterling, fine silver or gold filled

Prerequisite: 

Beginning Jewelry or equivalent (some experience sawing and soldering)

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 of cabochon cut 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 and cabochon stones are available for purchase.

Materials: Most materials included. You will learn to set a cabochon cut stone in a bezel setting. Students may purchase silver to work with and stones for this project (approx. $20 and up). You may bring your own if you wish. Bring an N95 or KN95 to wear while polishing.

Prerequisite: None.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Course description: A great starter class for absolute beginners. Learn to design and make your own jewelry step by step!  Amy will cover all of the metalsmithing fundamentals, including sawing, filing, stamping, hammering, and texturing.  Students will be guided step by step in the use of studio equipment with access to a rolling mill and hydraulic press.  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. 

Materials included: Copper and brass provided for in class use, silver available for purchase or bring your own. Bring an N95/KN95 mask or purchase one in class

Prerequisite: none!

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

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 with a flat back. If it is your first time doing a bezel you can create a setting for ovals or freeforms.

In this class we will cover selecting appropriate bezel wire, silver soldering, fitting a cabochon cut stone, making a ring band or pendant bail, polishing and stone setting.

If you have done a bezel once or twice before, Amy will help you with the more difficult shapes such as squares, rectangles or pointed stones;as well as more difficult materials like thicker bezels and gallery wire.

Materials: Bring a cabochon cut stone to set, or purchase one from our assortment. Students should bring $10-$20 to cover the cost of silver, or you are welcome to bring your own. Jerry's Rock and Gem in Kent is a great local supplier for silver and stones. Ask for the student discount!

Prerequisite: Students should have a little experience with soldering, sawing, and filing.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students