Blog

Lost–Wax Metal Casting

January 15, 2019

Learn to cast metal using the lost–wax technique to cast work in silver. By creating jewelry models of your own design, you’ll learn about model preparation, investing, burning out and casting with centrifugal and vacuum–casting machines.

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Rustic Casting

January 15, 2019

Experiment 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.

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Chasing and Repoussé

January 15, 2019

Learn to move metal using traditional techniques of chasing (moving metal from the front or top) and repoussé (moving metal from the back side to push forward), which date back to the third century B.C. We’ll learn how to saw, file and anneal with the torch. You’ll also make basic chasing tools to take home […]

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Metal Clay Jewelry

January 15, 2019

Experiment 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 to add and […]

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Stackable Bands

January 15, 2019

Create a sweet stack of rings from 14–karat yellow gold–filled wire and silver. You’ll learn to solder bands and become proficient at single seams. We’ll also cover fabricating, embellishing and forging simple bands in different gauges and types of metal.

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Introduction to Metal Clay

January 15, 2019

Metal clay is a malleable material that can be used to make jewelry and other small, sculptural objects. Make a pair of silver earrings and a pendant that features a coil frame and appliqué focal design.

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Introduction to Metal Jewelry

January 15, 2019

Learn how to transform metals into beautiful works of wearable art. We’ll cover techniques such as sawing, drilling, texturing, working with wire, filing, sanding and polishing. We’ll also cover riveting, soldering with a torch and basic stone setting. You’ll use these skills to make one finished piece of jewelry.

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Introduction to Metal Jewelry

January 15, 2019

Learn how to transform metals into beautiful works of wearable art. We’ll cover techniques such as sawing, drilling, texturing, working with wire, filing, sanding and polishing. We’ll also cover riveting, soldering with a torch and basic stone setting. You’ll use these skills to make one finished piece of jewelry.

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Metal Jewelry Basics- New!

January 15, 2019

Discover the fundamental concepts of jewelry design and learn basic techniques for working with metals in this weekend-long class. The class begins with instruction on techniques such as riveting, forging, texturizing and finishing techniques. You’ll also be introduced to soldering with a torch. Students will make unique designs of their own and leave with a […]

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Glass Loves Metal: Jewelry Design – New!

January 15, 2019

Explore flameworking and metalworking to design and create a piece of jewelry. You’ll take this object from concept to design to completion. You can create a ring, brooch, pendant or earring set from borosilicate glass and fine silver. The first half of the class will be held in the flameworking studio to design and create […]

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Intermediate Metal Jewelry

January 14, 2019

Take 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.

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Second Friday Stamped Metal Tags

January 14, 2019

Have a night in our metals studio! Work with jeweler Susan Adams to make patterns and textures on copper dog tags using different types of hammers and metal stamps.

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Lost-Wax Metal Casting

January 14, 2019

Learn to cast metal using the lost-wax technique to cast work in silver. By creating jewelry models of your own design, you’ll learn about model preparation, investing, burning out and casting with centrifugal and vacuum-casting machines.

read more

Lost–Wax Metal Casting

January 14, 2019

Learn to cast metal using the lost–wax technique to cast work in silver. By creating jewelry models of your own design, you’ll learn about model preparation, investing, burning out and casting with centrifugal and vacuum–casting machines.

read more

Metal Casting (Ages 15-18)

January 14, 2019

At the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, high school students ages 15-18 can expand their artistic practice, grow their personal portfolios and prepare for art school. Take an Art League class and get the chance to work in professional studios, alongside working artists. For dedicated students, we offer a certificate program. Learn more about Art […]

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Metal Clay Rings

January 14, 2019

Learn the secrets to sizing metal clay rings as you form both coil and flat bands. You’ll make a slab “washer” style ring with a custom template, and fire a flat strip that you’ll bend into shape after firing. You’ll also learn how to account for shrinkage, strength and durability. You can use previously learned […]

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Metal Clay Jewelry

January 14, 2019

Experiment 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 to add and […]

read more

Make it Out of Metal

January 14, 2019

Explore the properties of metals and learn how to use basic metalworking tools. We’ll cover techniques such as forging, drilling, texturing and soldering. The instructor will discuss and demonstrate each technique, which students can use to create their original designs.

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Metalworking (Ages 13–14)

January 14, 2019

Get acquainted with metal and learn basic metalworking techniques. Students will create individual projects using traditional jewelry tools. You’ll learn how to cut shapes using a jeweler’s saw and heat your metal to soften and reshape your work. We’ll also drill into metal, then utilize bolts, screws and rivets to connect it in new ways.

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Metalworking (Ages 13-14)

January 14, 2019

Get acquainted with metal while learning basic metalworking techniques. Students will create individual projects using traditional jewelry tools. You’ll learn how to cut shapes using a jeweler’s saw and heat your metal to soften and reshape your work. We’ll also drill into metal, then utilize bolts, screws and rivets to connect it in new ways.

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Metalworking (Ages 13-14)

January 14, 2019

Learn to saw, drill, shape, texture, fasten and finish metals. Explore your creativity while applying these new metalworking techniques to fabricate your own individualized projects out of metal. Recycling and reuse of materials will be emphasized.

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Metal Sculpture (Ages 15–18) – NEW!

January 14, 2019

Transform metal with direct fabrication techniques. We’ll learn to hammer, forge, texture and shape brass and copper sheet or rods into components. We’ll use metal connection techniques such as riveting or torch soldering to build unique, 3-D structures. Students will take away at least one metal sculpture built to either large or small scale.

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Peyote Stitch Beading

January 14, 2019

Explore the peyote stitch, an ancient stitch that’s one of the most popular off-loom bead weaving stitches among contemporary beaders. We’ll learn the basics and then move on to different techniques for making bracelets, bead-a-beads and nesting boxes.

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Right Angle Weave Beaded Rope Necklace

January 14, 2019

Learn the beadweaving technique known as right angle weave. We’ll make a 3-D, square necklace using round beads, called druks. You’ll select from a rainbow of colored beads and complete a necklace in between classes. Finally, you’ll learn to attach clasps and explore ways to embellish the necklace.

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Rustic Casting

January 14, 2019

Experiment with alternative casting techniques that can be used in almost any environment. We’ll explore ways to cast silver objects using water, frozen vegetables and brooms. We’ll also explore charcoal casting techniques. You’ll work toward creating a finished charm or pendant that can be used in future jewelry pieces.

read more