SilverWorks offers classes for beginners and experienced smiths. This is the list off all of the classes we offer depending on the time of year and the current catalog. Visit the current schedule page to find out what classes are currently available.
These classes are designed to get you started on your silversmithing journey. No experience is required for any of these classes.
In this one day workshop, you learn the basics of silver fabrication techniques in this 1-day, beginner level workshop. Skills learned include the use of an acetylene torch soldering, sawing, forging, and texturing. Students will create 4 to 6 pieces of finished silver jewelry.
In this beginner level two day workshop, you learn the basics of silver fabrication techniques . Skills learned include the use of an acetylene torch soldering, sawing, forging, and texturing. Students will create 4 to 6 pieces of finished silver jewelry.
No experience necessary.
Learn the time honored craft of Lost Wax. You will learn to sculpt a ring or pendant (your choice) out of wax with two techniques, addition and reduction (carving & melting).
Learn the foundational skills of silver fabrication techniques in this intensive 5 week course. Skills learned include the use of an acetylene torch, soldering, sawing, forging, and fusion as well as how to create a bezel for stone setting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn the basics of silver fabrication techniques in this 1-day, beginner level workshop. Skills learned include the use of an acetylene torch soldering, sawing, forging, and texturing. Students will create 4 to 6 pieces of finished silver jewelry. No experience necessary.
Once you have your foundational skills as a beginner, these classes are designed to continue your journey.
In this 2-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 of your choice and set the stone.
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.
In this one-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. Material fee based on individual’s choice of stone and project.
Improve your soldering skills exponentially with this deep dive into making solder connections. This class will cover 4 different types of soldering:
In this 4 week course you will complete three (or more) projects designed to graduate you to the next level in Studio 2. Rolling mill, hydraulic press, sandblaster, pen plater, hammers and stakes will all be explored.
Express your feminine side with these beautiful project-specific workshops!
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.
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.
Weaving wire creates a lovely metal “fabric” to incorporate into your jewelry designs. In this workshop, learn a basic wire weave and how to solder the weave to make a ring. Must have completed Beginning Silversmithing or equivalent. More info: silverworksglenechopark.com. Minimum age 13.
Enjoy designing and creating a domed silver pendant and bail with the added contrast of a delicate pearl. To carry out your design, you will combine skills of sawing, doming, texturing, and learn how to set a pearl.
This age old technique is done with hammers and stakes. Both Synclastic and Anticlastic bracelets will be practiced in brass, teaching the basics of anticlastic forming. Then you will complete one Anticlastic silver cuff.
Learn the art of crocheting wire. This wonderful technique for transforming wire is surprisingly straightforward with beautiful results that look deceptively intricate. During the workshop, you'll learn the basics of the technique.
Continue your creative journey and expand your horizons with each new skill and technique. Lots of new things to try. Pick one workshop or fill your passport and try them all!
Keum Boo is the ancient Korean surface technique of bonding 24k gold foil over silver. It enhances the perceived value of jewelry with the addition of gold accents. Learn the step-by-step process of depletion silvering and adding gold with keum boo.
What we will cover in this workshop
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.
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.
Add a touch of sparkle to your designs with flush set small faceted gemstones. Using the flex shaft and various burs, you will learn how to make a seat for the stone and how to burnish it in place. An optivisor or other magnifying aid is highly recommended to bring.
Continue your creative journey with the variety of techniques used in crafting unique jewelry with the Jewelry Expressions Workshops. These workshops require no experience. 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.
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.
Learn a simple casting technique that will take your artistic expression to a sophisticated level. Watch the magic happen using straw, salt or water to create one-of-a-kind organic shapes.
An exploration into working with epoxy resin to add interesting elements, dimension, and even color to your jewelry design.
Express yourself with the art of stamped metal! Stamping master Alan Darby shows you the basics of how to successfully execute a stamped image, message, or symbol. You’ll make a pendant or key fob while learning how to create a composition or message using a variety of shaped stamping tools.
Be immersed in this traditional craft in the unique environment of a working artist’s studio. Learn from practicing studio artist, Blair Anderson a hands on approach to silversmithing techniques. Make beautiful jewelry while learning the art of silversmithing.
