.leah meleski.
metalsmith
Alternative Casting
Wednesdays, May 7-14
Most jewelers fall in love with making jewelry at first light of the torch. Often, it’s when they’re soldering that they accidentally turn their project into a beautiful, glowing molten puddle of metal. Did you know that it was possible to intentionally melt metal and cast it into a mold to create usable shapes?
In this workshop, students will learn to create both intentional and unintentional shapes by casting molten metal into cuttlefish bones and a variety of materials. These molds will completely transform the molten metal. Students start class by getting comfortable with a jeweler’s torch and playing with ideas around alternative casting. Alternative casting techniques will include: water casting, and broom casting. We will also create intentional shapes by pouring molten metal carved cuttlefish bones.
DIY: Earrings!
Wednesday: June 4
This one-day workshop shows students of any skill level how to design and create a set of original sterling silver earrings. Participants start with wire, and sheet metal and turn their materials into either stud or dangle earrings. Students are introduced to basic skills that are essential to metalsmithing, including sawing, soldering, texturing and finishing metal.
Students will learn the basics of creating a sterling silver ring with the addition of a cabochon gemstone. Students will start with sterling silver sheets and learn how to size, saw, and solder. They will then create their bezel, solder again, polish, set their gemstone, and then texture the ring. Each student will leave with an appreciation of the skills it takes to create original jewelry and a stunning bedazzled sterling silver ring!
Rings: Cabochons!
April 11, 12 & 13
Beginning Jewelry: Art of the Ring
Saturday, June 21
This one-day workshop introduces the basics of creating a sterling silver ring. Students start with a sterling silver sheet and learn how to size, saw, solder, polish, and texture the ring. You’ll leave with a solid foundation of metalsmithing skills and a beautiful new sterling silver ring!