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This class will teach you how to paint and design with different metal colors onto background metals. The results of a two year research project for the Society of North American goldsmiths, and 25 years of ongoing research. It includes fusion applications (gold painting), making doublee, Keum-boo, depletion gilding (tumbaga, guanin), fusion inlay, overlay, incised overlay procedures and a discussion of fire gilding and substitution approaches. Control factors for free compositional choice are defined and demonstrated. Predominately demonstration and instruction with time allowing for hands on practice.
Details:
Notebook, pens, camera to record samples if desired.
Thick (3mm/1/8th inch) copper, sterling sheet in mixed gauges, sterling wire, various carat 16-16g gold wire or some gold jewelry scrap to make wire.
Gold enamelling foil, one to three sheets per person, OR a minimum one gram 24k gold grain or sheet for us to make keum-boo foil with. (Suggested source is a coin shop)
Solder and soldering equipment and supplies, a hemostat is recommended.
Your favorite hand tools, saw, pliers, flex shaft etc. Silicon carbide separating discs, and flex shaft screw mandrel for them
Emery paper selection
Your favorite hammer, chasing tools, stamps, chasing tools etc.
Wiggly pattern scissors, and any paper stamps you have (like the scrapbookers use), don’t worry about buying them if you don’t have these.
Instructor: Master goldsmith Charles Lewton-Brain has trained, studied and worked in Germany, Canada, and the United States to learn the skills he uses. His work and writing on the results of his technical research, have been published internationally. In 1994 Brain Press was established which documents, publishes and markets the results of his research activities. His publications include two major books, Fold-forming with Brynmorgen Press, and The Jeweler's Bench Book with MJSA Press.
Contact: Jewelry.Lead@BainbridgeBARN.org
In this class you will learn tips and tricks for safer, easy patination methods for metals that involve easily obtainable and even kitchen chemicals to produce a wide range of blues, greens, browns, blacks, greys and reddish tones on most metals including precious ones. Application methods and options for control of pattern and surface are described. Also addressed are dyes, paints, sealing surfaces and finish choices. Japanese approaches, smoked surfaces, immersion, pastes, bound materials, sawdusts, plant and flame resists and more are covered. The information is addressed as a compositional system. Easy is the theme. Predominately demonstration and instruction with time allowing for hands on practice.
In this presentation you will see how recent societal changes in educational policy and industry corporate structures have created skills and compensation gaps for individuals entering the workforce. Nanz Aalund and Prof. Charles Lewton-Brain are two dedicated educators from the jewelry field that have gathered information from multiple research surveys to illustrate the current education to employment challenge faced by youth and industry alike. In this talk, Nanz Aalund and Prof. Charles Lewton-Brain will present their findings from the research and survey they conducted in 2018. Insights are incorporated from instructors in the field of arts education, trade organization out-reach programs, and business consultants. To complete the educational picture, they will address the recent history of high school shop classes, community college and university fine arts programs to identify challenges blocking entry into creative careers utilizing craft education. To highlight new pathways to job training, they will show the importance of community supported craft centers. Details:
Nanz Aalund served as a fine jewelry designer for Nordstrom, Rudolf Erdel, and Tiffany & Co., as a marketing consultant for Neiman Marcus, and as the associate editor for Art Jewelry Magazine. She taught jewelry and metals classes at the University of Washington under Mary Lee Hu, where she received her MFA. Aalund continued her education at Western Washington University receiving an M.Ed in College and Technical Teaching Curriculum (CTTC). Nanz is the author of multiple jewelry articles published since 1993 and the two books: “Masters Gold” from Lark Books in 2009, and the AM&P Excel Award - Silver Honors recipient, “A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeships” from MJSA published 2017.
Master goldsmith Charles Lewton-Brain trained, studied and worked in Germany, Canada and the United States. A distinguished Fellow of the Society of North American Goldsmiths, a member of the Royal Canadian Academy and a Fellow of the Gemological Association of Great Britain he has lectured and taught in England, Germany, the United States, Canada and Australia. He is a consultant in the international jewelry field, his writings on his technical research have been published internationally, and he has been called upon as an expert regarding health and safety for the U.S. jewelry industry.
Fold-forming is a completely new way of forming sheet metal quickly into wonderful 3-D shapes and textures, mostly from single sheets of metal without any soldering. Fold-forming uses sheet material, folds it, works it and then unfolds it. This process is about following what the metal likes to do rather than forcing form upon the material. Forms are to some extent derived from the natural tendencies of the plasticity, ductility and elasticity of the metal. Predominately demonstration and instruction with time allowing for hands on practice.
Foldforming for Bracelets In this class you will learn about using fold-forming methods for making bracelets, concentrating on techniques and folds that work for bracelets, and the most appropriate fold-forming approaches for textures and designs. Includes chasing on air, and trapping gems during unfolding of the bracelet.
Your favorite hammers and mallets. Best are forging and raising hammers.
Safety goggles and ear plugs or muffs.
Learn the basics of constructing and soldering a sterling silver bezel and then creating a resin center in this three-day intensive workshop. You will learn jewelry making basics such as sawing, filing, sanding as well as soldering and finishing including polishing and oxidizing. You will also learn to work with a non-toxic jewelry grade resin that gives you endless possibilities for your jewelry designs! Once your handmade bezel is ready you will learn all sorts of tips and tricks to mix, pour and color your resin hassle free. Once the resin has set you will also discover a multipede of finishing techniques to add depth and originality to your pieces. This workshop is also full of information and advice on troubleshooting common resin issues.
Instructor: Samantha Slater, originally from South Africa, Samantha's life in Seattle has drawn her toward the concepts and process of jewelry making. She taught classes at Fusion Beads for over 10 years, she has also guest lectured at Pratt Fine Arts Center and is currently teaching at Barn, NW Rockhounds, Seattle Findings, and Schack Art Center, as well as privately at her studio in Seattle. It is her desire to not only create beautiful art and jewelry but share her knowledge so others can do the same.
Create an enamel effects on metal with a simple, fun technique. Learn how to use enameling powders, enameling medium and resin to permanently adhere color to metal. This technique will create the same look as torch-fired or kiln- fired enamels but without the heat. Learn to create beautiful mixed-media metalwork in minutes. Students will leave with at least 3 enamel pendant or earring components perfect to make into jewelry.
This two session class (Saturday and Sunday) 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
Join others who are learning to use Fusion 360, a program that BARN participants can use to design projects for the new CNC router in the Woodworking Studio, the CNC milling machine or plasma cutter in Metal Arts, or the 3D printers in Electronic & Technical Arts.
The users group meets from noon to 2 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of each month to give people a time and place to work on their Fusion projects or simply to develop their Fusion skills. With many people meeting and working together, we’ll be able to share knowledge and increase all of our skillsets. The group is intended as a followup to BARN’s introductory Fusion classes, but people who are learning Fusion on their own are also welcome.
This event is free for members and $20 for non-members. Please register so we know how many will be attending.
By sawing and soldering copper, brass or sterling sheet metal you can create a beautiful pattern of highs and lows which when oxidized show lights and darks. We will be drilling, sawing, soldering, pickling, sanding and some finishing. You can choose to make a key chain, barrette, pendant or earrings. This class is best for people who have at used and jewelers saw and soldered but all are welcome. We will cover basic sweat soldering and sawing techniques.
Ideas of designs or patterns they want to cut out
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.
Learn you how to string a mala necklace using round gemstone beads, a statement bead and delicate tassel. In this class you will learn how to make the tassel and learn knotting and stringing techniques. Traditionally a mala necklace uses 108 beads and is made for meditation or prayer. There will be flexibility in class to come up with your own design or you can stick to a more traditional method.
107 x 8mm round gemstone beads, or something similar 1 x focal bead. You are welcome to bring smaller beads but your necklace length will be varied.
This opportunity has prerequisites. Please see below.
Do you want to join the team of jewelry monitors? This is your chance. We are starting to train people to become monitors in the Jewelry Studio in hopes of expanding our open studio hours.
We are looking for people who are comfortable working in a jewelry studio and only need to brush up on equipment safety, learn our procedures and/or learn more about a few tools. This is a free class open to BARN members who want to get more studio time and are willing to become active monitors. This 2 day class will be customized to meet the needs of the students, but you must meet the prerequisites.
Prerequisites:
Questions? Contact jewelry.Lead@BainbridgeBARN.org
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.
With this torch 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. Move into new soldering territory.
There will be demonstrations and exercises. Move into new soldering territory. Solder things you never thought possible. Students will solder a series of samples. Finished work is optional
An assortment of Sterling Silver, both wire and sheet. (metal from your scrap bin will work fine) Scrap brass and copper will be available, please note these solder differently from Silver. Silver examples: Sheet - 28,26 - about two square inches of each Wire - 22,20,18,16,14 gauge - about 6 inches of each Samples of your work, especially problem pieces.
An assortment of Sterling Silver, both wire and sheet. (metal from your scrap bin will work fine) Scrap brass and copper will be available, please note these solder differently from Silver.
Silver examples: Sheet - 28,26 - about two square inches of each
Wire - 22,20,18,16,14 gauge - about 6 inches of each
Samples of your work, especially problem pieces.
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.
In this class you will learn how to create dapped metal cups and then learn how to rivet them onto leather to make a wrapped bracelet. Students will cut sheet metal into small discs, dap the discs into cups, rivet them discs onto leather and then finish the bracelet with a magnetic clasp.
Jewelry Studio 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 to use Open Studio).
Areas generally covered for the skills class:
Ever want to get a second chance with a pieces, or want two or more people to get to own it? 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 at casting club. 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 clean up and cut the molds and inject them with wax.
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 bigger than 2 1/2” x 3/4” in size and no rubber or hollow objects) Bring options to choose from.
You will be able to cast your waxes in casting club if you have recent casting experience or a casting class if you have no casting experience.
Test Day!
Come show us what you know. Sign up for this if you’re ready to take your Monitor Training tests for the Jewelry Studio. You must have taken the 2 day Monitor Training class before you can take these tests.
See available Monitor Training class here.
Memorial Day Holiday
Create a statement ring or pendant using epoxy clay and raw crystals. This easy technique pairs molding and sculpting with raw stones to create dynamic organic rings and pendants that are bound to knock your socks off. Get the same look as PMC without the kiln work.
In this class you will learn to work with ICE Resin, a non-toxic jeweler's grade resin that gives you endless possibilities for your jewelry designs! Create a unique and personalized pendant by incasing materials of your choosing. Pour the resin into a bezel setting or silicone mold, or even use it over paper. You can use lots of different images and materials with ICE Resin that will be sure to get your creativity running wild! You will be able to carefully take your piece with you after class or come back the next day to pick it up.
Images (printed with a laser printer only) Photographs, magazine cut outs, old calendar images or images from old cards like birthday or anniversary cards. Tissue paper, wall paper, origami paper, velum, stickers. Found objects like: Fabric, Lace, Yarn buttons or sequins Feathers, rocks, sand, shells, stones Little trinkets or beads like metal or plastic charms, findings, old washers, nails, screws. Dried flowers/leaves.
Do you want to cast outside of class?
Come be a part of Jewelry Studio Casting Club!!
This is an exciting opportunity to practice casting your own work in precious metals. This is a Hands-On experience. You'll have an opportunity to do every step in the casting process yourself. This isn't a class, but more like an open studio for casting. It will require some casting experience (see below) and teamwork. We've started this club to give our community a chance to cast on a regular basis. We plan on growing and evolving to include the casting of 3D printed pieces and mold making. If you're interested in participating, see requirements and specifics below.
What's included
When you sign-up, you automatically get two small to medium flasks to cast. We ask that you:
Additional Flasks
If you’d like to cast more than two flasks, please email us so we can confirm there is available space. Each flask beyond the two allotted will incur an additional materials fee paid on the investing day. (All participant’s first two flasks will have priority over additional flasks in case of a full kiln).
PREREQUISITES and Requirements for Casting Club:
What To Expect
On Friday evening, 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.
On Saturday morning, 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!!
Contact Info castingclubbarn@gmail.com
Learn to forge tapers that you can shape into a sculptural hoop earrings, brooches or whatever you want to turn them into. We will break out the forging hammers and lean to stretch out and shape the wire. In this class, you will file, sand anneal, pickle, and handle a hammer.
Goldsmith hammers or smaller forging hammers if you have them. (The studio has hammers, so no need to buy) Sterling silver wire if you want to do more than a pair of earrings (10-6 gauge)
Goldsmith hammers or smaller forging hammers if you have them. (The studio has hammers, so no need to buy)
Sterling silver wire if you want to do more than a pair of earrings (10-6 gauge)
So you want to make something to put around your neck. What will it look like? Long? Short? In between? Will it be a pendant? Or have elements all around the neck? What sort of clasp will it have? In this class we will answer these and more questions about making necklaces.
Through demonstrations and individualized instruction, students will designs several types of necklaces. There will be some assignments but students will have time to explore their own creativity. Students will finish several pieces of jewelry and/or make samples as metal sketches.
Your favorite tools (studio tools will be available for use) Current projects you are working on, unfinished projects that you want to incorporate into a new design, previous projects you made to take apart and create anew.
Your favorite tools (studio tools will be available for use)
Current projects you are working on, unfinished projects that you want to incorporate into a new design, previous projects you made to take apart and create anew.
BARN Bazaar begins for public at 10 am to 3:00 pm
More information to be posted in October.
