Description:

Welcome to jewelrymaking! Students in this introductory class will fabricate two projects to enable them to solder, file and pierce with confidence. Emphasis will be give to learning about specialized jewelry tools and equipment. Each student will have access to their own torch and tools throughout the 5 week session.

The first project will be to learn accurate measuring for fabricating a custom 18ga sterling silver band ring. Sequential project is fabricating a sketchbook book cover applique using copper and brass. Students will learn resin inlay, photo etching, cold connections, soldering, design and layout. These provide an excellent hands on foundation for future jewelry designs and fabrication.

Class Goals:

Students will come out of the class with a ring, a personalized sketchbook with applique copper and brass-decorated cover, and familiarity with measuring, design and layout, soldering, filing, piercing, resin inlay, photo etching, and cold connections.

Prerequisites:

None.

Materials Provided:

An additional materials fee of $50 covers the cost of silver, copper, brass and consumables such as saw blades, solder, etc., all of which will be provided. Payment should be made out to Cleverwerx and delivered to the instructor on the first day of class.

What to Bring:

Students should bring a notebook and any pictures of jewelry they like.

Instructor Biography:

Karen Christians is an educator and maker in the metal arts. She developed the metals program at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education, founded Metalwerx in Waltham, a non-profit school for jewelry and the metal arts, and the new jewelry section of the Hot Craft Studio at Artisans Asylum in Somerville. She teaches nationally, lectures around the country, and is published in many professional and technical magazines. She is the author of the book, "Making the Most of Your Flex-Shaft." Karen holds a BFA with High Honors from the Massachusetts College of Art. She is currently writing a second book, "The Jewelry of Burning Man."