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Metalwork Jewelry Boot Camp is a self-paced, instructor guided workshop in which students challenge themselves to step out of their ‘Metal working skills’ comfort zone. Learning a variety of techniques to create jewelry projects of your own design or with the incentive of instructor projects. Come prepared to experiment with a variety of metalsmithing skills to suit your own individuality and interests.
- Class description
- Bio
- Supply List
- gallery
Class description
Learn a variety of metals fabrication techniques to create individualized sculptural, textured art jewelry. You will learn basic metals fabrication techniques that include sawing, filing, stamping, piercing, doming, fold forming to create cuff bracelets, spinner rings, basic cabochon setting, creating both tube and flush set gemstones and soldering.
Nervous about soldering or working with torches? Learn the 5 basics needed to ensure a successful soldering seam or just how to ball the end of piece of sterling wire! Unique patterns can be applied to projects free hand or from texture mats by etching the metal. Riveting will be demonstrated in addition to drilling river stones and professional finishing using motorized hand tools. Many projects can be made with either silver or copper metal to provide cost flexibility. Lots of options, lots of fun!
End of workshop will feature a student ‘gallery’ walk around to share projects and learned experiences. Students with chemical sensitivities should contact instructor.
THREE THINGS RETREAT GUESTS WILL WALK AWAY WITH UPON RETREAT COMPLETION:
- Multiple pieces of fun technically handcrafted jewelry.
- A creative bond and lasting friendships with like-minded women or ‘makers’.
- Confidence in your metalworking skills.
biography
Kay Rashka has taught various metalsmithing classes for the past 21 years, after learning to solder over 35 years ago. During the day she is a scientist at a local biotech company. Her website can be found at www.kayrashka.com and her blog is at www.kayrashka.blogspot.com.
Kay has written a book with Kalmbach Publishing titled "Bead Meets Metal" which features her metalwork designs incorporating an eclectic mix of beads. The cover of the September 2011 issue of Art Jewelry magazine featured a silver soldered earrings project designed by Kay.
Kay has taught at Sievers School of Fiber Arts (Washington Island, WI), Meant to Bead (Sun Prairie, WI), the Bead & Button show (Milwaukee, WI) and the Art Glass & Bead Show in Madison, Wisconsin. Her work is currently available at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Museum Store (MMoCA).
| Contact: | Website: | |
|---|---|---|
| kayrashka@yahoo.com | http://www.kayrashka.com/ |
Supply List
- Hard plastic safety glasses which can be purchased at hardware stores.
- Overhead magnification visor (See Amazon.com or RioGrande.com “Optivisor Optical Glass Binocular Magnifier”). Another option is a handheld Triplet loupe (RioGrande.com #113783; 10X magnification).
- Please wear ‘work clothes’ and/or an apron. Cotton fabrics are advised rather than synthetic materials.
Optional Supplies: Please contact instructor if you have any questions.
- Bring your own flat river stones (for drilling), coral and turquoise beads to incorporate in projects.
- Students can also bring their own sheet metal/wire but contact instructor for advice on gauges and quantities.
- Cabachons (oval or round shapes) only if you are interested in setting cabochons
- Bring your own necklace chains or cords or purchase sterling or copper bead chain from instructor.
Workshop notes: Retreat tuition fee includes a 4” x 6” sheet of 24 gauge copper sheet and detailed written instructions for multiple projects and basic techniques.
Additional metal sheet and wire (copper, brass, nickel and sterling silver) will be needed for workshop and can be purchased from instructor. Final materials costs will vary depending on quantity and metal type chosen but a basic range could be an additional $5 to $75. Students can also bring their own metal supplies but contact instructor for advice on quantity and gauges. Note that 24 gauge metal is recommended for many projects. Instructor will have river stones, turquoise, limited selection of cabachons and dyed coral donut beads available for purchase. Wearing safety glasses is mandatory during the workshop. Students may struggle with the fine detail necessary for projects unless they utilize magnification enhancement as advised in the supplies section. Contact instructor if you have any questions.
