SEE OUR CLASSES AND ENROLL NOW!

Unlock your creativity and adorn yourself with the artistry of jewelry-making! Join our expert-led classes and delve into the enchanting world of crafting exquisite ornaments. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned artisan, our comprehensive curriculum caters to all skill levels. Master the art of beadwork, wire wrapping, and knotting, delve into the timeless allure of metal smithing or work magic with your hands in metal clay. With hands-on guidance and a supportive community, you'll hone your craftsmanship while designing stunning pieces that reflect your unique style. Unleash your imagination and let your creativity shine in our jewelry-making classes. Enroll today and embark on a journey of self-expression and craftsmanship! 

 

Upcoming workshops:

Lots of new classes and workshops will be coming in the new year! Check back soon to see!

Follow us on EVENTBRITE, FingernailMoonJewelry, to see all of the latest updates and to sign up!

 

 Keep Reading to find out more!  --->   --->  --->  --->  --->

NOW AVAILABLE! Classes, workshops, tutorials and special events!

• Are you ready to jump in the deep end and really develop your skills so that you can design and create your own jewelry? Then multi-week classes are for you.

• Aren't ready to commit to a full course? Check out the variety of one- and two-day workshops if you'd like to dip your toes in.

• If you have special event coming up, book a private jewelry-making party! WIN!

• Prefer to learn at your convenience in the comfort of your home? Coming soon: online classes and tutorials!

 

 

METALSMITHING

Metalsmithing or silversmithing, also known as metalworking or smithing, is a craft or trade that involves working with metal to create various objects, such as jewelry, sculptures, tools, or decorative items. It is a form of craftsmanship that dates back thousands of years. It involves various techniques, including forging, casting, soldering, and shaping metal using tools such as hammers, anvils, torches, and specialized equipment. Metalsmithing requires precision, patience, and creativity, combining technical knowledge with artistic expression. In other words, you'll get to bang on metal, play with fire and make beautiful jewelry!

 

Beginning Metalsmithing

• Skill level: beginner, no experience required
• 6-weeks, 3 hours per class
• Cost: $300
• Materials: metal must be purchased by student, total cost $150-$200 or more, all in-class supplies provided (solder, gas, pickle, tools, etc.)

Discover the wonderful world of metalsmithing. This class is intended for those with little or no experience in metal work. Through a structured series of projects, students will get extensive hands-on experience in the basics of metal work. Best practices will be taught including cutting, sawing, forging, soldering, polishing, etc. All necessary tools will be provided by the instructor.  Sterling silver wire will be provided for the first project, all additional metal must be supplied by the student.

 

Metalsmithing Open Studio

• Skill level: intermediate, advanced
• 4-weeks, 3 hours per class
• Class fee: $200

Enjoy collegial time with other jewelry makers. This class is for students with at least basic skills in metalsmithing. During this open-studio time, students can work on their own projects at their own pace. There will not be active instruction, special projects and/or skills will not be introduced in this class. Students work independently but the instructor is always available to answer questions and assist. All tools will be available for student use during class, but students must provide their own metal and stones.

 

Metalsmithing Special Projects

• Skill level: TBD per class
• Cost and duration: TBD per class

These classes are based on one unique project for the entire session. The classes are designed to create one project, and instruction will be provided for all skills required. Students will design their own piece within the parameters of the project. The number of classes and the cost are determined by the nature of the project. Tools and in-class materials are included, but student must provide their own metal.

 

 

PRECIOUS METAL CLAY

Precious metal clay was invented in Japan in the early 1990s. It is the only new method of creating jewelry to come along in millenia. Metal clay combines metal that has been ground into a fine powder with a non-toxic binder such as cellulose and water. This forms lump clay that can be worked like any other clay: rolled flat, shaped, molded, textured, carved, sanded, filed and formed. Once shaped, it is fired in a kiln or with a torch, depending on the type of clay, during which time the binders burn away and what is left is a solid piece of hand crafted metal.  Metal clays are available in fine and sterling silver, gold, copper, bronze, and many other base metals. It is a fun and fast way to make jewelry without the elbow grease and costly tools necessary for smithing.

Beginning Metal Clay

• Skill level: beginner, no experience required

• 6-weeks, 3 hours per class

• Cost: $300

• Materials: metal clay must be purchased by student, total cost $150-$200 or more

Discover the wonderful world of precious metal clay. This class is intended for those with little or no experience in metal clay. Through a structured series of projects, students will get extensive hands-on experience in the basics of metal clay. Best practices will be taught including rolling, texturing, cutting, shaping, refining, firing, finishing, etc. All necessary tools will be provided by the instructor.  10 grams of fine silver metal clay will be provided for the first project, all additional metal clay must be supplied by the student.

  Open Studio Metal Clay

• Skill level: intermediate, advanced

• 4-weeks, 3 hours per class

• Cost: $200

• Firing fee (optional)**: $5 per firing for any 2-stage fire clays (most sterling and base metals)

Enjoy collegial time with other metal clay makers. This class is for students with at least basic skills in metal clay. During this open-studio time, students can work on their own projects at their own pace. There will not be active instruction, special projects and/or skills will not be introduced in this class. Students work independently but the instructor is always available to answer questions and assist. Textures, molds, cutters, etc. will be available for student use during class, but students will be required to bring their own personal working tools.

 

 Metal Clay Special Projects

• Skill level: TBD per class
• Cost and duration: TBD per class

These classes are based on one unique project for the entire session. The classes are designed to create one project, and instruction will be provided for all skills required. Students will design their own piece within the parameters of the project. The number of classes and the cost are determined by the nature of the project. Textures, molds, cutters, etc. will be available for student use during class, but students must provide their own clay and bring their own personal working tools.

 

TIFFANY METHOD SOFT SOLDER

The "Tiffany Method" of soft soldering is so-called because it is the same process used by Louis Comfort Tiffany of the famed Tiffany stained glass. Jewelry is made with a low temperature solder that melts with a soldering iron rather than a torch, a difference of over 1,000 degrees! The solder used for jewelry is tin based with a small amount of silver, a metal similar to pewter but with silver in it. This method allows for tremendous versatility and a much lower price point, but with fabulous, organic results. With proper guidance, the initial learning curve is quick, you'll be making wonderful pieces right out of the gate!

Soft Solder Jewelry Workshop

• skill level: beginner
• 3hours
• $65, all materials included

BEADING, WIRE WRAPPING, KNOTTING