I teach a variety of metals workshops. Below is a list of the workshop topics available, and new workshops are added frequently. Please contact me for more information and to schedule a workshop!
Classic Loop-in-Loop Chains
Etching Techniques in Metal
Chains, Clasps and Terminations
Color Over Metal
Tool Making
Fall 2011
Making Tools Work
Saturday, September 17
and
Saturday, September 24
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
The purpose of this two day workshop is to learn some basic tool making and maintenance skills. Very often we spend too much money on tools that can be easily and cheaply made. The local hardware store is our friend! We will make a small/medium riveting hammer, custom forming tools (daps, punches, a custom steel stamp) and various other hand tools that will make your work easier and save you money. We will also cover handy hints and tips for making the tools you already have more versatile and effective, and taking old, used tools and repurposing them.
We will also cover tool and equipment maintenance so that you can keep your tools performing at their best longer.
Materials to bring with you:
Sand paper - full sheets in various grits (3 or 4)
An old toothbrush (or 2)
8 x 11 piece of 1/4" glass or mirror (with edges sanded/finished - no frame) (Best)
Or 8 x 11 piece of ¾” sanded plywood – Very Flat! (Second Best)
Old stainless steel fork, knife
Old, used jewelry pliers
Tools to bring with you:
Hand files
Needle files
Pliers
Safety glasses
Dust Mask
Dremel (if you have one)
Lunch is included both days, and other materials for tool making will be provided.
Cost for the two day workshop is $150.00. Class size is limited to 6 students, so reserve your place soon. You may email me your information, and checks can be mailed to the address on the form below. (Your place is not reserved until payment has been received.) (Hint - copy and past the form below into your word processing software. Please mail a copy of it with your payment.)
Summer 2010
This summer I will not be conducting any workshops at my Lake Geneva Studio. Instead, I am teaching a credit course (Jewelry I and Jewelry II) at McHenry County College. I am also working to complete several commisions as well as working on pieces for entrance to various art exhibits. Please check News and Events for the scheduling of future workshops!
Color Over Metal Workshop
Saturday, June 13, 2009
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Learn a non-traditional method for creating color on metal, as well as discussing patina methods.
Materials to bring:
8 to 10 pieces of copper, no larger than 3” x 3”. Copper pieces may be any
shape you wish – square is fine. These pieces will become sample pieces.
If you wish to cut your metal into shapes before class, that is fine too.
You may want to bring ear protection, if you have it. It will be loud in
the studio in the morning!
Materials/tools provided:
Guillotine (to make straight cuts in metal) Note: Guillotine can handle
metal up to 20 gauge – 18 gauge is too thick!
Hammers
Steel blocks
Stamps
Bead blaster
Sandpapers
Brushes
Color
Tool Making Workshop
Saturday, May 30, 2009
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
In this workshop, we will learn how to make inexpensive tools for use in your studio.We will be making wax working tools, a tempered texture stamp, and a riveting hammer.
Inexpensive alternatives to expensive mandrels and stakes as well as altering tools for specific tasks will also be presented.
Materials/Tools to Bring:
Files – large size and needle files
Sandpapers (220 through 600 grit)
Safety Glasses
Dust Mask
Optional to Bring:
Old Ball Peen Hammer, (small to medium size)
Old Jewelry Pliers
Materials Provided:
Steel Rod
Dowel Rods
Bolt
Nail
Wrapping Cord
Chain Weaving Workshop
Saturday, May 9, 2009
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Agenda
Overview – Woven chains through history.
Prepare dowel for wrapping wire.
Drill dowel rod.
Roll and tape wire.
Cut links – diamond separating disc.
Prepare and fuse links.
File bur.
Tension.
Flatten.
Fuse.
Shape links.
Pull open.
Shape for pattern.
Chain patterns.
One way loop-in loop.
Two way loop-in-loop.
One way double loop-in-loop.
Two way double loop-in-loop.
Thai chain.
Hammered loop-in-loop.
Pinched loop (sailor’s chain).
And more…
Materials and Tools List
Materials to bring:
Fine Silver Wire – 22 gauge.
(1 oz. = 1 16” necklace.)
Solderite pad – 6” x 6” – must be free of all flux/dirt.
(I can provide - $6.00)
Hand held butane torch (example: Benzomatic, or crème brulee torch)
Butane refill.
Tools to bring:
Pliers – needle nose and flat nose. (A bow-opening pliers is really handy,
but optional. I can provide if you wish - $30.00)
Beading awl. (Available through me if needed - $6.00)
Small needle file – flat, knife edge, or barrette.
