Learn what all the buttons on your digital camera actually do. You’ll learn about things like white balance, resolution and megapixels. We’ll discuss how to capture an image, ensure proper exposure and create an effective composition. Weekly assignments coupled with in-class discussions will help you troubleshoot problems and develop a creative eye.
read moreTake your metal jewelry making to the next level. We’ll focus on design execution, complex stone setting as well as fabricating and soldering with sterling silver. You’ll also advance your polishing skills for finishing pieces.
read moreExperiment with alternative casting techniques that can be used in almost any environment. We’ll explore ways to cast silver objects using water, coffee beans, frozen vegetables and spaghetti. We’ll also explore charcoal casting techniques. You’ll work toward creating components that you can use to create future jewelry pieces such as charms and pendants.
read moreBump up your bezel setting skills! This is a class for those with silver soldering experience who want to hone their bezel setting skills. Ideally you have tried a couple bezel settings but want to learn tips and tricks to become more efficient. Students will fabricate bezel settings for cabochons and set the stones during […]
read moreLearn to take photographs using 35mm film, process the film, and print photographs in a darkroom. Enjoy lots of technical guidance and aesthetic feedback, whether you’re just getting started or expanding your portfolio and skill set.
read moreExperiment with spinner rings, which allow several rings to be made into one. The outer band supports one or more moving rings. We’ll cover sizing, shaping and soldering sheet metal and wire into rings. The rings will become one using a forming technique known as anticlastic. We’ll also cover basic solder, forging and forming techniques.
read moreDiscover the fundamental concept of jewelry design and learn basic techniques for working with metals in this weekend introductory class. The class begins with instruction on techniques such as drilling, sawing, texturing, working with wire, and finishing techniques. Soldering with a torch will also be introduced. Students will then use these skills to make a […]
read moreCreate wearable art in copper or bronze and learn how to handle and kiln fire base metal clay. Less expensive than silver metal clay, base metal clays have unique properties and handling considerations. Learn a new technique each week and make a variety of designs to gift or wear.
read moreWork with a variety of tools to make three stacking rings with different surfaces. You’ll form and solder each ring using either wire or sheet. Demos will include using a roll mill, flex shaft (burs, cutting discs, silicone wheels), hammers and hand files to help you create a variety of patterns and textures for each […]
read moreThis class provides the space to experiment with bringing color into jewelry using the enameling process. Pre-cut shapes will be provided to allow focus to be on the enameling process. Students may bring pre-made copper jewelry-scale pieces. No final piece of jewelry will be made, but students will leave the class with pieces that can […]
read moreDesigned as a quick intro to jewelry and metalsmithing, this class will teach the basic skills needed to create a simple ring or pendant, such as sawing, soldering, and polishing. It’s a great starting point for students to get their feet wet with the tools and medium to decide if they’d like to pursue further […]
read moreExplore fusing glass and metals together using silver, copper, brass and aluminum. We will experiment with different ways to fuse metals into glass and the color reactions achievable with different metals.
read moreStudents will create low relief slumped glass projects by learning mold making processes. We will create our own molds using clay, plaster, and fiber products, which will allow us to make glass pieces with solid or open textured and ornamental designs.
read moreLearn to work with metal clay, a malleable, metal-bearing material that is perfectly suited for creating jewelry. Use your hands to shape it and a variety of tools to add detail and texture. You’ll fire the metal clay to transform it into a silver object. Add a new skill to your repertoire each week and […]
read moreStudents will create low relief slumped glass projects by learning mold making processes. We will create our own molds using clay, plaster, and fiber products, which will allow us to make glass pieces with solid or open textured and ornamental designs.
read moreExplore fusing glass and metals together using silver, copper, brass and aluminum. We will experiment with different ways to fuse metals into glass and the color reactions achievable with different metals.
read moreStudents will explore geometric shapes, repeating patterns, and tessellations in fused glass. We will learn methods for designing, measuring, and laying out shapes and patterns, while practicing and refining glass-cutting skills.
read moreThis class is for students who have previously taken a stained glass class at VisArts. Use this class to finish working on projects already started or begin a new project. This is a great opportunity to reinvigorate your creative practice with glass!
read moreStudents will work on fused and slumped glass projects to create functional and narrative pieces. We will be creating with glass sheet, frits, powders, stringers and rod.
read moreExplore the possibilities of fused glass! We’ll learn to cut, fuse and slump glass. We will cover many techniques to create jewelry, functional dishes, wall hangings and decorative art.
read moreLearn to fuse and slump glass in the kiln. We’ll create designs by cutting colored sheet glass, using glass stringers, rods and frits. By layering patterns and firing glass in kilns, students can create tiles, bowls, plates and panels. No previous experience needed.
read moreImprove your sewing skills or use class time for guided practice. Work on your own projects and explore more advanced techniques with weekly demonstrations. Demonstrations may include specialty seaming, pockets, elastic, zipper applications, sleeve insertion or other student requests.
read moreExplore the wonderful world of fabric printing with dye, which has wonderful color depth and infinite design possibilities. Learn the basics of textile repeat printing, how to mix fiber reactive dyes into a print paste, how make and print with stencils, use texture plates, and make and print stamps all while honing your compositional skills. […]
read moreLearn to dye fabric using the ancient Japanese tradition of shibori, otherwise known as tie-dye. You’ll use fiber reactive dyes to add color to white fabric and a discharge chemical to take color out of previously dyed fabric. Your finished fabric will be perfect for quilting, garment sewing and home decorating.
read moreLearn how to sew a simple, a-line skirt from start to finish in an afternoon. You’ll learn how to alter and fit a pre-made skirt pattern to fit you perfectly. Sew it all together while learning tips and tricks on sewing darts, waistbands and zippers. This is the perfect class for garment sewing beginners and […]
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