This Beginning Silversmithing Class has been compared to three years of jewelry making classes at several Universities. I teach my classes from the veiw point of a Metals Teacher and not an Art Teacher. I have degrees in both and have taught both. However, I feel that if I teach the basics and the skills as a Metals Teacher, and not the artsy-craftsy techniques, each will leave with the skills to become a professional Silversmith and Caster.
A maximum of five (6) students will be enrolled in each seminar!
For the past 30 years I have taught these classes in my own Classrooms in Denver, Boulder and Loveland, Colorado. My BS in Education and MS in Vocational Education Degrees have allowed me to teach in the Public Sector at every level and I taught in the Public School System for 13 years. Over the past thirty years of teaching adults in my own classrooms has taught me a great deal. I try to learn something new for each and every student and pass on the good ideas to my students.
Beginning Silversmithing Classes
During the Silversmithing portion of the class each student will choose a stone from several hundred stones. They will design an American Indian (or Southwestern) styled ring around that stone. This project is chosen because it allows me to teach more basics of silversmithing than any other project. An emphasis will be placed on soldering skills, bezel making, embellishments, stone setting and polishing/finishing. Each student will use the skills learned to design and make several more projects during the week.
Casting Seminar
Each student will learn how to carve wax, make vulcanized rubber molds, wax injection, spruing, investing, and several methods of casting. I will personally help each student to cast and finish enough pieces to pay for the seminar. We will also cover pewter casting.
All Silver, Supplies, Tools and Stones are Furnished!
You do not need to bring anything to the Seminars!!!!!!
Seminars and Classes to Choose From!
Weekend Beginning Silversmithing Classes
Saturday and Sunday (9 AM to 5 PM), taught in selected cities.
Cost: $300.00 with all supplies, tools and silver included.
Five Day Combined Beginning Silversmithing and Casting Seminars
Monday Through Friday (9 AM to 5 PM), Four Day Beginning Silversmithi taught in selected cities.
Cost: $600.00 with all supplies, tools and silver included.
Two Day Weekend Casting Classes
Saturday and Sunday (9 AM to 5 PM), taught in selected cities.
Cost: $300.00 with all supplies, tools and silver included.
One Night Pendant Classes
Usually taught on Saturday Nights (5 PM to 9 PM), taught in selected cities.
Cost: $60.00 with all supplies, tools and silver included. to make two pendants.
One Night Pine Needle Casting Classes
Usually taught on Friday Nights (5 PM to 9 PM), taught in selected cities.
Cost: $60.00 with all supplies, tools and silver included to cast two pendants.
