CHUNKY CASTELLATED BEZEL RING Take your bezel setting to new heights! You will learn to fabricate a unique castellated bezel for a large cabochon gemstone of choice. (Kelly will have a variety to choose from. Think mid to large size, oval, round or freeform. Components are handcrafted from thick sterling silver sheet. Design your bezel cuts with random heights or keep them uniform, they are beautiful either way. You do you! |
ASYMMETRICAL FORMED PENDANT & THE TRENDING PAPERCLIP CHAIN Embracing the lines is the key to this beauty. You will begin by choosing a mix of sterling silver, copper, brass and bronze for the body of your piece. Next, we'll bond them together, cut to size and hammer into shape to create long tubular channels. You will accomplish this using forming blocks and mallets. To spice it up, you can opt to add texture with punches, hammers and or drilling holes which makes each one that much more unique. |
BRAIDED & SECTIONED BRACELET For something completely new, Kelly will teach you how to weave two sections for your bracelet. Doubling the exercise ensures you will have the techniques mastered as it is a little tricker than it looks. It's like magic watching the weave transform as you hammer down the sterling silver wires into a gorgeous braid. |
You will move onto fabricating all of your end caps, links and closure to finish your bracelet. Some fine soldering skills will be required and or attained for this project! This project is reminiscent of Viking knit but with a completely different approach and is much more durable. Once learned you won't want to stop making these which is a good thing because everyone will want one! |
LEAF SAWN CAPTURED STONE RING WITH ROLLED & FILED SHANK DESGIN
Pulling your inspiration from nature, this ring brings an organic component to your metal that otherwise can be difficult to attain. You'll begin by manipulating your wire into a tapered free-flowing, vine inspired ring band utilizing a hammer, files and rolling mill. (Kelly will also explain how to replicate this at home without the use of a mill.) |
From here you will design and saw your organic monstera leaf design or any leaf shape of your choosing out of sterling silver plate. These stunning little leaves will wrap around and slightly over your stone capturing it in place. Next you'll start piecing all of your components together. The ring is built one step at a time and by utilizing small increments of pinching and soldering, the metal will soon begin to secure your cabochon into place. |
FABULOUS FILIGREE EARRINGS WITH STONES SET FROM BEHIND (Or Pendants)
You will design and construct your earring frames in the shape of your choosing utilizing the materials supplied. You may can roll down your wire in keeping with the more traditional filigree style of fabrication or opt for a bit more of a contemporary look. You will design your own delicate pattern pieces for inside your frame ensuring that each students work is truly unique! |
Kelly will demonstrate two ways to assemble your filigree pieces, either by soldering for the less experienced student or by fusing of the fine silver for the more advanced. You will also learn a fun and clever way to set a stone or beautiful abalone shell from behind. Kelly will have a variety to choose from. In the end you will have a gorgeous pair or earrings or pendants. Lastly, you will make quick ear wires for earrings or jump rings for bails. |