Gold I
We start with pure (24 karat) gold and custom alloy it to create 14 or 18 karat gold in a choice of color ranging from pink, to shades of yellow, and green. The gold alloy is then hammered, rolled, and stretched to create sheet and/or wire for a jewelry design. The metal is alternately annealed and worked, fostering an understanding of the properties as well as the possible limitations that are characteristic of the specific alloy that has been created. Attention is focused on fabrication and refining skills, while students learn to open their design sensibilities in gold work.
- Next session: Aug. 21st thru Oct. 9th, 6 to 9pm, Thursday evenings.
- Duration: 8 weeks, 3 hours each session.
- Class size: limited to 8 students.
- Cost: $400; a deposit of $200 is required upon registration. We can now accept credit card payments, as well as checks and cash.
- Tools; students will provide their own gold and solders for this class-the price of gold changes daily, and has a market price; solder can be purchased after the karat and color of gold are created.
Wax II
Wax II will be offering instruction on one of the most requested class projects which is carving a ring that includes a bezel for either a cabochon or faceted stone. Focus will be placed on the steps that lead to planning of the design which is necessary for a well balanced ring as well as what needs to be considered for the setting of the stone once the ring is cast. The tools used in this class will be the same as those already purchased for Wax I. Design options will be will be shared through instruction as well as techniques like gallery carving ( open spaces on the side of the ring).
- Instruction: Susan Barth.
- Duration: 6 weeks, August 13th thru September 17th, 6 to 9pm,Wednesday evenings.
- Class size: limited to 10 students.
- Cost: $400; a deposit of $200 is required upon registration. We can now accept credit card payments, as well as checks and cash.
- Tools; list sent on registration.
Classical Ring Making
In this intermediate level class we work with a combination of design and technical skills to create a piece of fine jewelry in sterling silver. The class will focus on enrichment and decoration of the piece, while also concentrating on refining the soldering process and finishing skills. Techniques include reticulation, braiding, the use of wire decoration and faceted gemstone settings. Stones for the class project will be provided by the student or can be purchased from the tutor’s collection.
- Duration: 6 weeks, Oct. 11th thru Nov. 15th, 11am to 2pm Saturday afternoons.
- Class size: limited to 10 students.
- Cost: $400; a deposit of $200 is required upon registration. We can now accept credit card payments, as well as checks and cash.
- Tools; silver is provided for class projects.
Introductory Silversmithing
Learn the fundamentals of jewelry design and basic metal skills including sawing, filing, soldering, piercing, basic stone setting and finishing. Students will learn multiple techniques for texturing and putting patterns in metal. Structure, form and design techniques will be discussed and critiqued. There will be an emphasis on treating jewelry as wearable art.
Karen Fairborne's work can currently be found at exclusive boutiques, galleries, art shows and shopping events in the New York area.
Her jewelry was most recently featured at the New York Fashion Week Accessories Exhibit for Fall 2007, at the Second Annual Accessoirée sponsored by InStyle Magazine and The Accessories Council, and Best of America Jewelry Artists and Artisans.
- Instruction: Karen Fairborne.
- Duration: 6 weeks, Oct. 16th thru Nov. 20th, 6 to 9pm, Thursday evenings.
- Class size: limited to 10 students.
- Cost: $400; a deposit of $200 is required upon registration. We can now accept credit card payments, as well as checks and cash.
- Tools; all other materials are included in the course fee.
Enamel
- Instruction: Katrina Lapenne.
- Duration: 6 weeks, Oct. 19th thru Nov. 30th (skips thanksgiving weekend), 11am to 2pm,Sunday afternoons.
- Class size: limited to 10 students.
- Cost: $400; a deposit of $200 is required upon registration. We can now accept credit card payments, as well as checks and cash.
- Tools; list sent on registration.
Tools
All tools can be purchased from Metalliferous:
34 W 46th street, 2nd floor
New York, NY 10036
- 1 saw frame
- 3 doz saw blades 3/0
- 1 half round hand file (german cut #0, or swiss cut #2)
- 1 handle for file
- 1 set medium needle files
- 1 round needle nose pliers
- 1 half round pliers (flat with Half round)
- 1 chain nose flat pliers
- 1 sheet each wet/dry sandpaper: 220, 320, and 400
- 1 pair safety glasses.