.leah m.
metalsmith
Chain Making
January 11-25
Students will learn the magic of creating funky, fun wearable chains. During class students will create a series of basic chain link samples; then design & create a one of a kind finished chain link bracelet. Materials provided will include copper and/or brass, with the option of purchasing silver for your final project. Techniques covered in class will include drawing down wire, basic clasps, and creating connection through jump rings, link and/or rivets. Students will also dive right into soldering each link in their final design, making this class is the perfect add-on for students who have taken Beginning Jewelry classes and want to brush up on their soldering skills.
Forging Onward
Saturday & Sunday: January 20-22
Explore foundations in forging new shapes out of wire and sheet. During class we will explore how to transform stock wire, ingots and sheet into new shapes. This class allows you to stretch your vision and experiment with new techniques, pushing your work to develop into something new and different.
Techniques covered in class will include tapering, twisting, folding and forming. Tools used will include the rolling mill, a variety of hammers, anvils and vices. Students will build onto skills learned in beginning jewelry classes and leave with a variety of sample forging techniques.
Metalsmithing & Jewelry 2
Thursdays: February 23-March 23
Students will learn how to marry metal and gemstones together with several torch-less techniques.
Create several types of rivets including standard, flush and tube rivets. Rivets are a durable, and popular way to connect metal to metal or other materials without a torch aka a cold connection in jewelry.
This class is perfect for starting your own torch-less home studio practice as we will also be covering rivets, textures & finishing techniques. Students leave class with sample pieces of rivets and a finished pendant that utilizes cold connections. Materials fee includes a cabochon gemstone, brass and/or copper, however, students can purchase a different stone and sterling silver from the instructor to utilize in their pendant.
Mentored Open Studio
Thursdays: January 12-26
Have you ever wondered how to create elaborate wire designs as jewelry? If so, this class series is for you. It is the perfect introductory class that will help you develop fundamental wire fabrication skills.
Throughout this class series, you will learn essential processes and techniques that allow you to create the designs of your dreams. Class time will be spent learning a variety of processes that include forging, transforming stock wire, fabricating & soldering wire. As well as how to use wire to create simple clasps, jump rings, and chain link systems. While a majority of the processes are reinforced through the creation of samples, you will leave class with at least one finished original piece of jewelry.
Metalsmithing & Jewelry 1
Wednesdays: February 15-March 29
Have you ever wondered how to create stunning one of a kind jewelry? If so, this beginning jewelry class series is for you. It is the perfect introductory class that will help you to develop fundamental metalsmithing skills, good studio habits, and an appreciation for handcrafted jewelry.
Throughout this class series, you will learn essential processes and techniques that create the foundation for good studio practice. Class time will be spent learning a variety of processes that include piercing shapes from metal with a jeweler’s saw, adding texture to metal, soldering, and annealing metal with a torch. As well as how to bezel set a cabochon gemstone and create a stunning sterling silver ring. While a majority of these processes are reinforced through the creation of samples, you will also leave class with several finished original pieces of jewelry including a ring and a pendant.
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!
The Art of the Ring
Saturday: February 25
Cabochon Rings
Weekend Workshop: March 17-19
Students will learn the basics of creating a sterling silver ring with the addition of a cabochon gemstone. Students will start with sterling silver sheet and learn how to size, saw, 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!
Mentored Studio Time
Book 2 hour time slots with Leah in her private studio based in Bellingham, WA.
Join Leah in her studio and work on a personal project that you need help with. Explore a variety of techniques and pick up a few tips and trips. Demonstrations will be tailored to your needs. Basic jewelry and metalsmithing skills are required.
Click the link below to contact Leah & coordinate time to work together. $40/hour
Open Studio time is also available. You must be able to work independently. $25/hour