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In this six session (4 hours each session) beginner skills class held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, students will be introduced to basic studio tools and equipment with instructor demonstration and lots of student hands on experience time. The class is designed for the curious, the hobbyist, or a new jewelry/metal artist. Also suitable as a refresher class for artists looking to get reacquainted and familiar with the studio.
Tools, equipment and content covered in this class will start with an introduction to basic use of jeweler tools such as: sawing, filing, bench shear, step shear, rolling mill, hammers, soldering, torches, pickling, flex shaft, circle and shape cutters, dapping tools, introduction to metals, how to order your own supplies, studio guidelines safety and policies.
By the end of this 6-week class students should feel comfortable working independently and practicing their skills in the jewelry studio during open studio times and ready to take specialized project classes.
Details:
For tuition assistance click here to complete the online application form. If you have any questions about the tuition assistance application process, please contact our Program Manager Jess Henderson at jessh@bainbridgebarn.org or call (206) 842-4475 x221.
Instructor Bio: Sarah Jones is a local Bainbridge Island artist and jeweler with a background in ceramics, sculpture, stained glass, and photography. Her journey into metal arts and jewelry started in a beginner class gifted to her by her family. Completely hooked, she continued to take every class available to her while also assisting teachers, shadowing and learning from some of the PNW’s best.
When she’s not in her studio making her own art or spending time with her family, she enjoys teaching students from 8 to 80 years old, passing on what she has learned to new metal art/jewelry enthusiasts, introducing them to the trade’s skills and opportunities.
Sarah's current work can be viewed on Instagram @sarahjonesjewelry
Contact: Jewelry.Lead@BainbridgeBARN.org
Jewelry Studio Orientation & Skills Assessment
This class is designed for participants who want to have access to open studio times and already have previous experience making jewelry. Participants will need to demonstrate basic tool use and studio safety. For BARN Guests and Members, successful completion of the short class will be allowed access to the Jewelry Studio for working on projects of your choosing during monitored Open Studio hours only. This class does not apply to personal use of the kiln or casting equipment. Please note that the general open studios times are free to Members. For guests/non-members there will be a $20 drop-in fee (please bring cash or check made out to BARN) to use Open Studio. To view the Open Studio times click here.
Areas generally covered for the skills class:
Questions? Contact jewelry.Lead@BainbridgeBARN.org
Ongoing casting for Certificate of Craft Program Students Only.
What To Expect:
Session 1, we will be investing, so come with your pieces sprued, weighed (don't forget to record your wax weight & bring it) and attached to the sprue base, so we can jump right in. Don’t plan on there being time to sprue your work during this time. If you have any concerns or would like some advice on spruing, come to open studio on Monday or Friday. We have set aside a locker where you can leave your sprued flask if you so choose. During investing, we’ll have time to make some last minute adjustments and weigh our metals. When everyone's done investing we’ll clean up and figure out the pouring order for the next morning. You're welcome to stay to help load the kiln for its’ overnight burn.
Session 2, come with appropriate casting wear (& hair up). After a review of the days plan we will get everything ready for the pour. Teams of 2 people will take turns casting until we finish. When all of the flasks are poured everyone can help clean up and show off their work!!
This two session class will introduce you to the art of stone cutting. Learn how to cut and polish cabochons from rough, using various cutting and polishing equipment in the process. All base materials will be provided. Students will have an opportunity to purchase additional varieties of rough stones and are welcome to bring any stones of their own that they have questions about or want to try cutting.
Instructor: Karin Lee Luvaas is a local Bainbridge Island artist and jeweler. With an art degree in encaustics, painting and metal sculpture, Karin has studied under acclaimed jewelry masters Michael Boyd, Kent Raible, Petra Class, and Sarah Graham and achieved Graduate Jeweler status under Alan Revere of the world renowned Revere Academy of San Francisco, California. Karin is also a GIA certified Graduate Gemologist and holds a Jewelers of America Bench Jeweler Technician certificate.
Karin’s current work can be viewed on Instagram @karinluvaas.
In this two session class, we will cover simple gemstone identification. Using basic information about gemstones like hardness, optical properties, fractures, and luster, this class will help students begin to identify some popular gemstones, while learning the tell tale traits of classic gem imitations. Gemstone families, cutting styles, facet names, and how to use a jeweler’s loupe will be covered. The origins of birthstones, famous gemstone myths and ancient gem lore will be discussed.
Instructor: Nanz Aalund’s wide ranging career as a jewelry designer, goldsmith, and educator, began with high school shop classes. After serving as a fine jewelry designer and marketing consultant for Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Tiffany & Co., Aalund taught jewelry and metals classes at the University of Washington and at the Art Institute in Seattle. Earning a Masters of Fine Art (MFA/Metals) and a Masters of Education/College and Technical Teaching Curriculum (CTTC). Her work has been exhibited both national and international since the 1980s. She authored the book, "Masters Gold,” published by Lark Books in 2009 and her most recent publication, “A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeship” published in 2017 for MJSA, received a Silver Medal in the national AM&P Excel Awards, in 2018.
In this class you will learn several techniques on how to set a stone on another stone. You will learn how to drill a hole in stone, how to make bezel and set a stone, and how to set a faceted stone in a tube. (tube setting) We will also learn how to make some essential tools to finish this project and use at your bench in your everyday creations.
This is an action packed class! Bring your notebook and be ready to get hands on.
This workshop has prerequisites. Please see below.
Students will increase their design vocabulary through a series of exercises using paper, metal and found objects. There will be one-on-one guidance from the instructor. Each student will bring samples of their work to share with the class and one piece that they are willing to exchange with another student. Challenge yourself out of your comfort zone. You’ll learn how to confidently resolve your "I’ve been thinking about this but I’m not sure where to take it" moments, and leave with an increased ability to design the jewelry you want to make.
Tuition assistance is available. Click here to apply.
Instructor: Micki Lippe, currently living in Seattle, received a BFA from Washington University, St. Louis, in 1965. For the past 40 years her jewelry has been exhibited throughout the United States. Micki's work was a part of the 2010 Tacoma Art Museum Biennial and the 2017 metals exhibition at Bellevue Arts Museum. Her jewelry has been shown in many books - including Adorn and the 500 Earrings book. In 2010 she was awarded the Alumni of Distinction from Washington University, her alma mater. In 2015 Micki was the recipient of the Seattle Metals Guild Lifetime Achievement Award. Micki has taught jewelry classes in Seattle and other cities for many years.
She served as founder and president of the Seattle Metals Guild, on the board of Pratt Fine Arts Center and as president of the Society of North American Goldsmiths. With the Guild she currently runs The Women's Shelter Jewelry Program and is chair of the Symposium Committee.
Please wear closed-toe shoes. Wear hearing protectors when warranted and safety glasses; bring your own or use BARN's. Tie back long hair. Avoid loose-fitting clothing and jewelry; roll up sleeves.
This class is for beginners or intermediate students and is designed to teach you how to work with the Hardinge lathe. It is geared toward beginners who have an interest in making tools and accessories for jewelry making. You will be also producing a small cylindrical lidded container.
Please wear closed-toe shoes in our studio. Tie back long hair, avoid loose-fitting clothing and jewelry and roll up sleeves. Wear hearing protectors when warranted and safety glasses; bring your own or use BARN's.
Chris Stanley is a professional model maker and educator. He has done work for IBM, NASA, the Smithsonian, and many other companies. He has taught many an industrial design student how to bring their creations to life in the machine shop. For questions please contact the instructor at cstanley3@mac.com
Learning how to form metal using the hydraulic press opens new possibilities for your work! In this class, you’ll learn how to create multiples of the same shape, which you can turn into beads, pendants, and components for earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. If you’re using textured metal, you won’t lose any detail as you form the components.
Students will learn how to:
Students will be able to produce a bead, a pair of earring dangles, or a pendant. They will also have time to create samples of each forming technique.
Pen, notebook, fine-point Sharpie or other pen that writes on metal, 6” metal ruler
Optional: texturing punches, textures to run through the rolling mill
If you want to work in silver, please bring your own 24 or 22 gauge sterling sheet at least 2” x 4” (if you have a larger piece, don’t cut it)
Instructor: Joan Hammond began working in metal in 1994, when she started taking metalsmithing classes as an antidote to documenting computer software. What she discovered was a medium that not only utilized her previous training in painting, printmaking, and ceramics, but also opened the possibilities of creating art that can be worn. Family artifacts and history, plants and animals, and the textiles and jewelry of non-Western cultures inspire her current work, which Hammond executes using the techniques of chasing and repoussé. Her long-time interest in Asian art, which deepened when she studied calligraphy and tea ceremony in Kyoto, Japan, continues to influence her aesthetics and sense of design.
Hammond exhibits locally and nationally, and her work has been published in Metalsmith magazine’s Exhibition in Print. She is a member of the Seattle Metals Guild; has served on the Board of Northwest Designer craftsmen; and co-chaired a national conference for the Society of North American Goldsmiths.
This workshop has prerequisites. Please see below. This workshop is designed to help you overcome problems you have been having while soldering and learn to use the Smith Little Torch. We will focus on the individual needs of each participant.
In this class you will learn to solder hollow forms, wire structures, and findings. In addition you may bring in pieces that have been making your life difficult and move into new soldering territory.
There will be demonstrations and exercises. Students will solder a series of samples. Finished work will be optional.
Valentines Day inspired enamel pendants:
Add dynamic color to your jewelry with enamel! Fired glass can be added to fabricated, cast, or even metal clay jewelry. It's fun, easy, and the results are stunning!
Make for yourself or a gift for someone.
This three hour class will give you a taste of how fun and easy enameling can be! You will experiment with stamping, stencils, and embellishments. All base materials will be provided including gift boxes.
Instructor: Karin Lee Luvaas is a local Bainbridge Island artist and jeweler. With an art degree in encaustics, painting and metal sculpture, Karin has studied under acclaimed enameling jewelry masters Linda Darty, Keith Lewis, Heejoo Kim, and Aurélie Guillaume and achieved Graduate Jeweler status under Alan Revere of the world renowned Revere Academy of San Francisco, California. Karin is also a GIA certified Graduate Gemologist and holds a Jewelers of America Bench Jeweler Technician certificate.
Ever want to get a second chance with a piece, or want two or more of the same item? We will be making silicon molds that can be injected with wax to make duplicates. The waxes can then be cast in one of our casting classes or our casing club if you are approved to attend. Please bring several small pieces of your own original work, carved waxes, non copy written object, or piece of nature you might want to mold. (no rubber or hollow objects) Bring options to choose from. We will Sprue the object, mix and pour the RTV material on day one. On day two, we will cut the molds and inject them with wax.
Instructor: Jody Lyle is a goldsmith with over 25 years of experience designing and making jewelry. She has a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas where she studied with world-renowned enamel artist Harlan Butt. She has continued here education over the years with apprenticeships, trade school training, and skill building classes. She believes in learning by doing, and continues to home her skills, practicing and acquiring new techniques from other jewelers and is continually expanding the definition of her jewelry.
Kumihimo braiding is a relaxing way of making beautiful and innovative jewelry. This class will introduce you to the basic tools and supplies specific to this technique and get you started on your first gorgeous braided cord bracelet. Ending techniques and addition of beads will also be covered. A perfect lightweight and compact project for travelers!
Instructor: Chris Eisenberg discovered beading while recovering from an accident and the resulting traumatic brain injury. Beading was her therapy and credits it for helping her become whole again. Chris has a doctorate in classical piano performance from the University of Northern Colorado and am a performance coach and collaborator at Central Washington University. She has previously taught workshops at the Autumn Artist Retreat and in the Iron Mountain Arts studio near Port Gamble.
Every tiny precious object deserves a beautiful locket to keep it safe, a locket that opens smoothly on well-constructed hinges and closes with a satisfying snap of the clasp. We'll build such containers in this class, starting with roll-printing to decorate the locket case, followed by demos and discussion of the infinitely variable intricacies of constructing lockets, hinges, and catches. This is an intermediate level class. You should be able to solder on your own.
Instructor: Julia Lowther Growing up in Monteverde, Costa Rica, my hands were always busy with embroidery, crochet, weaving, and other fiber arts. I moved to Seattle in 1996, discovered metal, and quickly gravitated to chains -- an appealing transformation of stiff, unruly wire into flexible structures of satisfying weight. The manual dexterity gained from decades of needlework translated neatly to working at a jewelry scale. I believe the craft arts have immense value. They are the best and finest expressions of the alliance between our big brains and our opposable thumbs. Fine craft is living art, coming down off the walls, taking to the streets, making every day artful and special, and inviting people to join the community and become makers themselves.
While learning how to make post earrings with sheet metal and disc cutters, students will strengthen their soldering skills through hands on repetition and practice. Students will be able to see samples for inspiration and receive step by step demonstration, safety and tool use from the instructor.
All materials and tools needed will be provided for use during this class. Students will receive a 1” by 2” piece of sterling silver sheet, posts and nuts to use for their finale piece. Additional materials can be purchased by students during class or open studio.
When she’s not in her studio making her own art or spending time with her family, she enjoys teaching students from 8 to 80 years old, passing on what she has learned to new metal art/jewelry enthusiast, introducing them to the trade’s skills and opportunities.
Sarahs current work can be viewed on Instagram @sarahjonesjewelry
This class has prerequisites. Please see below.
Do you have a photo, drawing, or other sample of a texture or pattern that you want to use in your work but need a way to transfer it to your metal? To create patterns that are unique to your work, you can use the laser cutter to engrave paper with designs from your image files. Later, you can use the textured paper to transfer the pattern onto metal using a rolling mill. (You will not be embossing the metal in this class.)
You will learn:
· What types of designs work well with the laser cutter
· Which types of image files work with the laser cutter software
· Which settings to use in Inkscape and RetinaEngrave 3D
· What types of paper to use
You will be able to laser cut several samples using image files and paper provided by the teacher.
Instructor Bio:
Joan Hammond began working in metal in 1994, when she started taking metalsmithing classes as an antidote to documenting computer software. What she discovered was a medium that not only utilized her previous training in painting, printmaking, and ceramics, but also opened the possibilities of creating art that can be worn. Family artifacts and history, plants and animals, and the textiles and jewelry of non-Western cultures inspire her current work, which Hammond executes using the techniques of chasing and repoussé. Her long-time interest in Asian art, which deepened when she studied calligraphy and tea ceremony in Kyoto, Japan, continues to influence her aesthetics and sense of design.
Using the rolling mill is a fast way to impress a pattern into metal. The highs and lows of the textured surface reflect light in ways that enhance the design of your jewelry. You can further accentuate the pattern by patinating the piece with liver of sulfur or other chemical solution. To create gradients of the patinated color, gently remove the patina on the higher portions and leave the deeper parts dark.
Students will learn how to create textures using:
Students will be able to create samples of textures using all of the methods listed above.
Pen, notebook, fine-point Sharpie or other pen that writes on metal
Optional: testures to run through the rolling mill
If you want to work in silver, please bring your own 24 or 22 gauge sterling sheet
Whether you are a jeweler, wood maker, photographer or videographer showing your work in the best possible light is key to selling and getting new “gigs”. Yes, you could find examples “on the fly” in your photo/video library or you could put together a compelling sequence that showcases your work, can quickly launched and tells your story visually.
These portfolios can be delivered via phone, tablet, YouTube or the web.
You already have the necessary tools on your computer to put together a portfolio “reel”. In this class you will learn everything you need to know to assemble your work into a professional presentation. We will focus on the tool and techniques using a variety of real world examples. After class you can put your knowledge into practice.
Topics to be covered
While this workshop focuses on Apple’s Keynote slide ware program, PC/Mac users who prefer PowerPoint can use similar techniques to achieve the same end results.
Ken Rothmuller has been shooting images since getting his first camera as a teenager. Later in life he had both a B/W and color darkroom before switching over to a digital workflow. More recently he has had the opportunity to study under some great mentors, including: Jay Maisel, Joel Meyerowitz, Eddie Soloway, and Margo Davis.
Adobe purchased Ken’s digital asset management company (Fotiva / PhotoTablet) back in 2001. While working at Adobe as a senior computer scientist, he help shepherd and promote the initial, internal Lightroom development efforts as an important alternative to Photoshop for Photographers (and mere mortals).
Ken especially enjoys traveling with his camera allowing him to see new places more deeply, cementing memories and giving him the opportunity to interact with locals.
He has taught photo workshops and photography courses at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA. You can reach Ken at: krothmuller@gmail.com
In this one day soldering class: students will learn through instructor demonstration and guided hands-on practice exercises, how to safely ignite a torch, and anneal (soften) and solder metals. During this class, students will be given the opportunity to work with both torches in the studio- the Smith Little and the acetylene/oxygen.
In this two day class, students will learn about precious metal clay and use it to make beautiful lentil style beads. In the 1st class, clay will be textured, embossed, or stamped, then cut, shaped, dried and assembled. Students can design for multiple pieces including earrings, pendants, charms, zipper pulls, etc. All pieces will be kiln fired between classes and ready for finishing in the 2nd class. Finishing will include polishing and basic wire wrapping techniques enabling students to wear their masterpieces home!
Instructor: Chris Eisenberg discovered beading while recovering from an accident and the resulting traumatic brain injury. Beading was her therapy and credits it for helping her become whole again. Chris has a doctorate in classical piano performance from the University of Northern Colorado and is a performance coach and collaborator at Central Washington University. She has previously taught workshops at the Autumn Artist Retreat and in the Iron Mountain Arts studio near Port Gamble.
Middle Schoolers: join us for creative time after school this spring! In this five-week class, students will be introduced to jewelry studio tools and equipment the first three weeks, followed by two weeks of guided project time to practice and build on their newly-learned skills. Students with all levels of experience are welcome!
Tools, equipment and content covered in this class will start with an introduction to basic use of jeweler tools of the trade, sawing, bench shear, step shear, guillotine, circle and shape cutters, dapping tools, stamping tools, rolling mill, flex shaft, introduction to metals, studio guidelines safety and policies.
Come see what you can create in the BARN Jewelry Studio!
In this one day class, participants will learn simple forging techniques to create four different clasps for chains. Students will learn about different hammers used in forging and how they work. Three “S” style clasps and a Toggle clasp will be made from copper wire.
Nanz Aalund, certifications@bainbridgebarn.org
Learn about the studio, its tools, safety procedures and assess your current skills.
We will talk about the Jewelry Studio's safety procedures, learn the names and uses for many of the fascinating hand tools, and cover the do’s and dont's for most of our tools and machines. It is a great chance to gain overall knowledge of how to safely occupy the Studio and give you ideas of the tools and techniques you may want to learn more about. If you are a Member and are interested in becoming a volunteer monitor, this class is a prerequisite. This class will have a little hands on time, but it is mostly about information exchange. If you have experience and want to gain access to the studio we can assess your skills during this class.
We recommend you read chapters 4-6 in the book A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeships by Nanz Aalund. Copies are available in the studio’s library. This will give you a lot of relevant information. (If you want a copy of the books tests to fill out, ask a Jewelry Studio Monitor).
You need only your fingers and a single small knitting needle to construct a Freehand Knit chain bracelet in delicate gauge fine (pure) silver wire.
You will also learn to make sterling silver earrings in two linked chain patterns: Turkish Maille chain and Ribbon chain. Turkish Maille chain is striking, with a knotted and entwined finished look. Ribbon chain is a sleek and flexible design. Pre-cut sterling rings are provided, and simple clasps and ear wires to finish the bracelet and earrings are covered, so students leave with jewelry to wear themselves or to grace a lucky gift recipient!
Because such a short list of simple hand tools is required to make a very diverse selection of patterns, chain making is an ideal, and relatively portable, activity to continue enjoying long beyond the close of the class. Students are encouraged to bring favorite beads to incorporate into their work. No torch work is required for this class.
