Beginning Metalsmithing - lessons with Jennie (3 Students Max)

Week 1: 3 hour class. Chain-making! We will work with hand tools manipulating wire in different ways. We’ll solder jump rings together & I will introduce you to the basic tools that every metalsmith needs. (3 hours)

Week 2: Textures, hammers, sheet metal… Oh my! This session will be dedicated to textures (stamping, hammering, tooling, flex shaft bits, and rolling mill). (3 hours)

Week 3: Sawing, drilling, more textures, rivets 3 ways (cold connections), and die cutting with tools.

Week 4: Build a pendant or a ring and set a stone! Stone setting is the best part for most metalsmiths. Conquering this task is best done in a one-on-one setting with the instructor close at hand. I learned it in a class with 15 other students & I had to melt a fair amount of bezel wire to get the hang of it. You’ll see, week four is worth all the money you spend on this class and more.

Week 5: This class is reserved for unfinished projects to pull together into wearable art. We’ll use patinas and the tumbler for finishing. Some students will set their stones on this day, and other may not finish. It’s difficult to know how much instruction each student needs, but we’ll fill the time we have with as many skills as we can.

Taking a metalsmithing class is a great way to open new avenues in your brain. Did you know that some memories cannot be accessed without some brain gymnastics to release them? Metalsmithing is one of the many ways to strengthen your most important muscle. Your hands might get stronger too!

All of the tools and materials will be provided during this class. Sterling silver has an extra fee depending on the daily price of silver (like lobster on the menu).

This class will be small (1-3 students).