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Join Marte in the studio for personalized, one-on-one classes! It’s a great way to learn, whether you’re a beginner wanting to learn “the basics” or for advanced students wanting to expand their skills.
Class times and dates are structured around the students’ requirements.
Have a special project in mind? No problem. Courses are built around skills and can be individualized to fit your needs.
For more information and class availability, please contact Marte.
We accept Master Card, Visa, and Discover
Class 1 - Introduction to Metal Fabrication
A short history of Metallurgy and Jewelry Making including Safety in the workshop and an Introduction of Jewelers Bench, Tools and Terms, Design and Layout.Lesson 1: Sawing, Piercing, Stamping, Filing and Polishing
Student will spend the afternoon designing and laying out a Pendant that deals with positive and negative spaces using these core techniques.
Lesson 2: Torches, Annealing, Solder and the Rolling Mill
Student will use a variety torches and learn about the different gases used, types of flames and then practice annealing skills and soldering skills by making simple bands.
Lesson 3: Bending, Forging, Stretching, Crimping and Planishing
Student will explore these techniques and design a simple pair of earrings.
- 12 hours of instruction - $250.00
- Materials Fee - $35.00
- Additional metals and stones are available for purchase
Class 2 - Build your skills
Designed for those who have completed Lessons 1, 2, 3 and wish to continue building new skills in forming and soldering. Choose from 2 skill areas to concentrate on.
Skill area 1 :
Explore more complex jewelry structures, more advanced soldering, and irregular shape cabochon stone setting. Concepts such as lateral thinking and working in series will be emphasized.
Skill area 2:
We will work on a three dimensional piece such as a box or container with lid. Channel and inlay work will also be introduced. This class is open to those who want to work on independent projects with the help and guidance of the instructor.
- 12 hours of instruction - $250.00
- Materials Fee - $45.00
- Additional metals and stones are available for purchase
Class 3 – Rings, Rings, Rings
In this class you will enjoy making several types of rings in sterling silver. You will learn how to make a ring to the correct size, how to use the jeweler's saw, files, drill, solder, and set cabochon stones. Rings that can be made include; Celtic twist, granulation, double shank, cab stone, and freeform.
- 12 hours of instruction - $250.00
- Materials Fee - $35.00
- Additional metals and stones are available for purchase
Class 4 – Stone Setting 1
Set round, pear, emerald and oval stones in Tiffany, Channel, and Tube settings. Discuss the anatomy of a gem. What makes a stone a gem; the four major categories, the “four C’s” and how they affect value, identifying gemstones.
- 12 hours of instruction - $250.00
- Materials Fee - $35.00
- Additional metals and stones are available for purchase
Class 5 – Stone Setting 2
Advanced stone setting methods will be taught. Styles of settings include: Bead, Bright cut, and Gypsy. You will also be shown how to properly prepare gravers for setting. Students will learn how to properly seat a stone for bead setting. Demonstrations on how to raise and round beads will be given. Diamonds will be discussed.
- 12 hours of instruction - $250.00
- Materials Fee - $35.00
- Additional metals and stones are available for purchase
Class 6 - Mold Making
Attendees are invited to bring a model** from which they will learn how to make a working mold or after you have created your jewelry pieces, you may want to make duplicates. You will learn the mold making process; learn to use the vulcanizer to cure your mold, and the process of cutting the mold properly. You will also discover the difference between rubber and silicon molds and begin producing multiple casts from a single model
- 12 hours of instruction - $250.00
- Materials Fee - $35.00
Class 7- Mold Making for PMC
Explore the new world of RTV Silicone Molds. RTV molds need no heat to form a perfect impression of your PMC, wax or organic models. Begin producing multiple casts from a single model!
- 12 hours of instruction - $250.00
- Materials Fee - $50.00
Class 8 – Wax Carving
Did you know that most of the jewelry that you see started out as a piece of wax? Lost wax casting utilizes special jeweler’s waxes to create a design, which can then be cast into any precious metal. Basic techniques are used to pierce, shape, and hollow wax and includes 2 ring projects and relief carving.
- This class does not include casting.
- 12 hours of instruction - $250.00
Class 9 – Lost Wax Casting
Consider five different casting methods and the advantages and disadvantages of various casting techniques. Practice the process of lost wax casting and common problems encountered when casting. Take a raw casting to a professional finish. Techniques include removing sprues, filing and sanding, hammer and satin finishes.
- 12 hours of instruction - $250.00
- Materials Fee - $50.00 (includes Argentium Silver for one casting)
- Additional metals are available for purchase. Costs are determined by the weight of the wax