Basic Metalsmithing 6-Week Introductory Class

Have you ever wanted to create your own metal jewelry or unique handcrafted pieces? Now's your chance! In our Beginning Metalsmithing Class, you’ll learn the essential skills to turn raw metal into beautiful, personalized art.

What to Expect:

• Hands-On Instruction: Our experienced instructors will guide you through each step, from the basics of cutting, sawing, filing, shaping and texturing to joining pieces with soldering techniques.
• Create Your Own Pieces: By the end of the course, you will have completed several unique projects that you will be proud to wear or share.
• Artistic Expression: Discover how to texture, polish, and finish your piece to make it truly yours. Explore your creativity with metals like copper, brass, and silver!

Why Take This Class? Designed for beginners, this class welcomes anyone with an interest in learning the art of metalsmithing. You’ll gain confidence with essential tools and techniques, setting a foundation for future jewelry-making or metalwork projects.

Join us for a fun, hands-on experience, and leave with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces and new skills to keep creating!

Beginning Metalsmithing

• Mondays, February 3, 10, 17and 24, and March 3 and 10, 2025
• 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
• Cost: $300
• Materials: silver sheet and wire must be purchased by student, est. total cost $150-$200*

*All tools, equipment, and consumable materials (except for metal) are provided by the studio. The studio will provide the materials for the first 2 projects in the first day of class. The student must provide materials for the remaining projects, which will be discussed during the first class. Students may work in copper, but it is highly recommended that silver be used for the beginning class.

Here’s a general outline of what you can expect:

1. Safety Basics: Handling tools safely is crucial. The instructor will discuss how to set up a safe workspace, use protective equipment, and practice good ventilation and posture when working with metals.
2. Tools and Materials Overview: You'll learn about essential tools like saws, files, pliers, hammers, and the types of metals used in metalsmithing (such as copper, brass and silver).
3. Sawing and Filing: You'll practice sawing metal sheets and filing edges to get a smooth finish. This helps develop control and precision in shaping and refining metal pieces.
4. Soldering and Annealing: Soldering is essential for joining pieces, and annealing is used to soften metal for easier shaping. The instructor will demonstrate how to control the flame and handle the torch.
5. Forming and Shaping: Techniques like bending, hammering, and doming will be introduced to help create curved, dimensional forms. You will learn how to use mandrels and forms for shaping metal.
6. Texturing and Finishing: Adding texture to metal is often done with hammers or specialized tools. Polishing techniques, patinas, and finishes will also be introduced to give your pieces a professional look.

Host or Publisher Fingernail Moon Jewelry