Findings are all those little “fiddly bits” that finish a good design. Hooks, toggles, ear wires and pin backs can all be created from scratch to make your original designs truly original. In this Silver Passport workshop we will make a collection of different findings.
This all day passport workshop dives deeply into finding design for your work. You will leave this workshop with a handy divider box filled with your hand made components.
In this 1-day workshop you will learn the classic silversmithing technique of constructing a bezel for a cabochon stone. You will then incorporate your bezel into a design option and set the stone.
Discover the amazing creative versatility of PMC (precious metal clay). Students complete 3 or more pieces of jewelry while learning the basics of rolling, sculpting, stamping, and firing. Watch your clay creation become a beautiful piece of Sterling Silver Jewelry. No experience necessary. Originality is encouraged.
Learn the ancient art of Chainmaille weaving. At the completion of this introductory course, students will be able to complete the Byzantine weave to make bracelets and necklaces. Students will also have an understanding of basic chainmaille weaving techniques and how aspect ratio is key to creating pieces.
Jake is born and raised in NorCal and still considers himself a California kid at heart. Jake's family has long filled their time crafting and creating things - both as art and as medicine. For most of his life, Jake only admired that creativity from afar, but metals (specifically silver!), stones, and jewelry had fascinated him from a young age. In 2019, after stepping away from work in global non-profits, he finally decided to engage with that fascination. Coming across SilverWorks and feeling the energies align, he immediately dove in, spending many hours in Open Studio.
Craft sterling silver beads to wear on a cord or wire. You will learn the process of making hollow spheres and cylinders. Make the beads uniquely yours with texturing techniques. Skills used will be sawing, texturing, drilling, forming, soldering and finishing.
Discover the mysterious world of transparent enamels. Work on copper, fine silver and sterling silver. Explore techniques for achieving the full potential of transparent color over textured surfaces. Sifting and wet packing for adding enamel to pieces, learn the fundamentals of Cloisonne, Basse Taille and a few special effects. No experience necessary. Minimum age 13.
Learn how to apply and embellish jewelry pieces with colorful enamel. Basic techniques are introduced such as sifting powdered enamel and kiln firing. You will be introduced to ways to decorate your pieces with embellishments like sgraffito, stencils, silk screens and gold foil. Go home with multiple finished pieces. No experience necessary.
Minimum age 13.
Expand your design horizons without solder. Cold Connections allow the silversmith to join two materials without using heat. One type of cold connect is the rivet. In this workshop we will learn how to construct the three types of rivets: wire, tube rivet, and the hidden rivet. These will be applied to a project of your choice.
