silversmithing; silver & glass
The following classes are full: Silversmithing: Beginning and Silversmithing: Advanced.
Simple Sterling Silver Bracelets with Linda Brathen
Try your hand at silversmithing starting with stamping designs on silver stock, shaping bracelets with a leather mallet and mandrel, and using other tools to create lovely sterling jewelry. Students will make five bracelets. The bracelets make fantastic gifts and you’ll receive an excellent introduction to working with silver.
Date: Thursday, March 6 OR Friday, March 7
Time: March 6, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. OR March 7, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: February 15
Tuition: member-$50 non-member-$65
Deposit: $50
Supplies: $75 depending on silver prices.
Click here to register.
Making Bracelets with Tom Johnson
Making bracelets is a perfect place for the novice silversmith to begin. Always popular and fun, these sterling bracelets are very attractive and Tom will offer several styles for you to learn. You will leave with a bracelet for yourself and bracelets for gifts as well. We predict this will be only the beginning and you will be back for more silver classes! Sign up early, as this class will fill quickly.
Date: Thursday, May 8 OR Monday, May 12
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 15
Tuition: member-$50 non-member-$65
Deposit: $25
Supplies: based on supplies used
Click here to register.
Viking Chain Knit Bracelet with Sandy Thompson: Beginning
This bracelet uses a century-old looping technique much like the process of knitting—you will be delighted with the end result. Students will take home a fine silver bracelet with a variety of unusual clasps. You will be able to complete one bracelet within a day without any previous experience. In the beginning course, students will learn the basics of the single Viking knit chain. Sign up early; these classes fill quickly.
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: May 15
Tuition: member-$60 non-member-$75
Deposit: $30
Supplies: $35 depending on silver prices
Click here to register.
Viking Knit Project in Fine Silver (.99) with Sandy Thompson: Intermediate
Take the Viking Knit process to another level by learning new stitches as well as how to fabricate end caps. Customize a piece of jewelry to your taste and design. Class limited to 5 persons who have taken the beginning Viking knit class.
Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: May 15
Tuition: member-$60 non-member-$75
Deposit: $30
Supplies: $35 depending on silver prices
For questions, contact Sandy Thompson at 320-295-2051 or sthompson@geckogroup.net
Click here to register.
Sterling Chain-making with Sandy Thompson: Introduction
Chain-making offers endless possibilities with sterling o-rings joined in various patterns. This basic class will teach you how to make and join o-rings; a tedious and exacting process well worth the final product of a sterling flower chain bracelet. You will leave the class with a bracelet and begin your love affair with handmade chains.
Date: Saturday, June 21
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: June 1
Tuition: member-$60 non-member-$75
Deposit: $30
Supplies: $35 depending on silver prices
For questions, contact Sandy Thompson at 320-295-2051 or sthompson@geckogroup.net
Click here to register.
Tiffany Pattern Chain Link Bracelet in Sterling Silver with Sandy Thompson
Make this stunning bracelet in just one day! Using two sizes of different sterling wire, students will first make the jump rings and then assemble them in a unique pattern to create a bracelet that will last a lifetime. Various clasps or toggles are available to personalize and customize the bracelet to your taste and style. Making chain link jewelry is a process that can be continued outside the classroom and you will learn the techniques to produce a professional looking bracelet. Must have taken introductory class above.
Date: Sunday, June 22
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: June 1
Tuition: member-$60 non-member-$75
Deposit: $30
Supplies: $35 depending on silver prices
For questions, contact Sandy Thompson at 320-295-2051 or sthompson@geckogroup.net
Click here to register.
Introduction to Making Glass Beads with Cheryl Thompson and Shari Carlson
This introductory class teaches the principles of glass bead making. Students will work with soft glass using a table-top torch to make wound glass beads, surface and encased decoration, sculptural work and learn techniques for designing glass beads. Proper use of tools and materials will be covered during this one-day workshop to get you started on exploring using your own glass beads in jewelry you design and wear. Torches and propane supplies will be provided
Date: Saturday, March 1
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: February 15
Tuition: member-$105 non-member-$115
Deposit: $50
Supply Fee: $35
Click here to register.
Fused Glass & Fine Silver with Lee Parr and Kim Bakken-Parr
Learn how to fuse glass and make beautiful cabachons (This term refers to the shape of the polished stone. It has a flat back and a polished domed top) to set into -Precious Metal Clay. What is COE? How important is it when fusing glass? What is frit? This is just some of the information you will learn while you create one of a kind glass cabachons. On the first day of class, students will create glass pieces. Design and create pieces of jewelry incorporating the cabachon and then polish and patina the pieces on the second day.
Date: Saturday & Sunday, March 8, & 9
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: February 15
Tuition: member-$160 non-member-$175
Deposit: $80
Supplies: $40
Click here to register.
Keum-Boo & PMC with Lee Parr and Kim Bakken-Parr
Keum-Boo is a Korean term meaning “attached gold.” With heat and pressure, students will bond two pure metals (pure silver and 24K gold foil). In the first day of class each student will design and create pieces of jewelry using Precious Metal Clay. Working with this clay is like working with sticky Play-Doh. After the pieces are dried and kiln-fired, gold is bonded to the silver on the second day. It is followed by polish and a patina. Watch these two metals bond into a gorgeous piece of jewelry.
Date: Saturday & Sunday, April 5 & 6
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: March 15
Tuition: member-$80 non-member-$95
Deposit: $40
Supplies: $45
Click here to register.
Silversmithing: Beginning with Tom Johnson
CLASS FULL
Beginning silversmith students will learn how to make a ring and bracelet, set stones, design and make a pin, and other basic silver working skills. Each student will learn to solder, twist silver, and use various polishing devices and techniques that will produce professional looking jewelry. Tom has an ample supply of materials, including semi-precious stones and you will get lots of support to complete your projects.
Date: Friday through Sunday May 9, 10, 11 OR May 16, 17, 18
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: May 1
Tuition: member-$150 non-member-$165
Deposit: $75
Supplies: based on supplies used.
Click here to register.
Silversmithing: Advanced with Tom Johnson
CLASS FULL
This is a course designed for anyone who has taken Tom’s beginning class or who has already been introduced to the basics of silversmithing. In this class, students will experiment with inlay work, different techniques of chain weaving, and other projects according to interest and time. Take your silversmithing to the next level?
Date: Friday through Sunday, May 23, 24, 25
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: May 1
Tuition: member-$150 non-member-$165
Deposit: $75
Supplies: based on supplies used
Click here to register.