Here is your opportunity to learn and experiment with basic metalsmithing techniques (sawing, soldering, drilling, forming, plier work) to create a chain. Students will at minimum learn how to hand saw, make a clean solder, and construct 6 inches of chain. There is no maximum in techniques to try! 

This class will fulfill one of two prerequisite courses for those interested in guild membership. 

WHERE: Goshen Jeweler’s Guild (located above the Farmer’s Market, up the stairs marked PRIVATE)

WHEN: January 9, 11, 16, 18 from 6:30-9 (10 hours, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 weeks)

INSTRUCTOR: Anna Mast, charter guild member

COURSE FEE:  $100 due at first class session. All tools & copper/brass are provided.  Silver available for purchase. 

CONTACT INFO: goshenjewelersguild@gmail.com

Instructor: Kristi Glick

Enameling is the process of using heat to fuse glass on metal. This workshop will cover all the basics including metal preparation, various enameling techniques, firing, and finishing. Students will have the chance to play and explore, creating a variety of tests and samples, as well as to create a finished pendant or set of earrings. Beginners will learn a strong enameling foundation while more experienced enamelists have the chance to deepen their skills and create new work.

When: Friday, June 28, 6:30-9:00pm

Saturday, June 29, 9am-5pm

Sunday, June 30, 9am-4pm

Cost: $160

Class Maximum: 8

Instructor: Judy Wenig-Horswell

This class will design and create a band ring or pendant in wax that will be transformed into bronze or silver using the lost wax casting process. Emphasis will be on designing, experimenting and working wax to create interesting forms and surfaces. Students with previous experience may choose other forms/subjects. You will experience the entire process from making wax models, sprueing, investing, casting your mold, polishing, and patina to achieve you finished piece.

When: Saturday, March 23, 12-5pm

Tuesday/Thursday March 26 & 28, 6:30-9pm

Tuesday/Thursday April 2 & 4, 6:30-9pm

Tuesday/Thursday April 9 & 11, 6:30-9pm

Cost: $155 (includes bronze, silver at extra cost)

Class Maximum: 8

Instructor: Lois Anderson

Chasing means to shape and texture metal with a hammer and special tools. Start with copper tubing and learn how to anneal, fold, and begin chasing. You will learn how to produce organic textures that result in a beautiful bracelet or pendant. All materials and tools will be provided for use including copper tubing, a vise and/or anvil, hammer, and a few dapping punch options.

When: Friday, March 15, 6:30 - 9pm

Saturday, March 16, 9am - 5pm

Cost: $95

Class Maximum: 8

Instructor: Caitlin Lanctot

This class builds on the skills learned in the first ring-making workshop. Students interested in this class will either need to take Workshop #1 or have experience/permission from the instructor. Students will learn how to fabricate a bezel setting for a stone that will be soldered onto a sterling silver band ring. This class utilizes skills gained from the first workshop (or other previous experience), including cutting, shaping, soldering, and
finishing metal to create a ring. Stones for the rings will be available for purchase at the workshop or bring your own.

Instructor: Caitlin Lanctot

This class is designed for anyone who would like to make a ring, whether that person is a complete beginner or someone who has a bit of metalworking experience. In this workshop students will learn traditional hand-fabrication techniques to create two rings: one made from copper, the other from sterling silver. Students will learn how to cut, shape, solder, and
finish metal for a ring, as well as techniques for creating pattern and texture on the metal through use of the rolling mill, hand-stamping, and metal chasing.

Instructor: Lois Anderson

Chasing is a term that simply means to shape and especially texture metal with a hammer and special tools. Join Lois Anderson and learn about the air chasing method which allows you to create custom shapes and forms out of metal. Start with copper tubing and learn how to anneal, fold, and begin chasing! You will learn how to produce fun and organic textures that result in a beautiful bracelet to wear home from the class. For those who wish to repeat this class, you may choose to refine your work with the creation of another bracelet and thus gain additional guided experience in this technique, or you may move on to the fabrication of a pendant with instructor guidance It is your choice.

Traditionally, chasing was done with pitch as the backing for the moving of metal. Air chasing uses pockets of air to provide the backing or support while moving the metal. With air chasing you can chase without an expensive investment. All materials and tools will be provided for you including copper tubing, a vise and/or anvil, hammer, and a few dapping punch options. Before you know it you will be chasing with air!

Instructor: Lois Anderson

Chasing is a term that simply means to shape and especially texture metal with a hammer and special tools. Join Lois Anderson and learn about the air chasing method which allows you to create custom shapes and forms out of metal. Start with copper tubing and learn how to anneal, fold, and begin chasing! You will learn how to produce fun and organic textures that result in a beautiful bracelet to wear home from the class.  
Traditionally, chasing was done with pitch as the backing for the moving of metal. Air chasing uses pockets of air to provide the backing or support while moving the metal. With air chasing you can chase without an expensive investment. All materials and tools will be provided for you including copper tubing, a vise and/or anvil, hammer, and a few dapping punches. Before you know it you will be chasing with air!     

Instructor: Judy Wenig- Horswell

For beginners:  a ‘collage’ approach to making a wax model for a pendant, brooch, bracelet, etc. which will be cast & finished.  Students from the May Mold & Wax class will focus on spruing/investing, casting those pieces and finishing them.  Experienced students will develop new waxes, sprue/invest and cast. 

Instructor: Kristi Glick

This workshop will focus on two processes, electrolytic etching and Champlevé enameling.  Champlevé is an ancient technique using enamel to fill in recesses in a piece of metal allowing the artist to create intricate patterns and images with contrasting glass and metal.  Electrolytic etching uses a low electrical current and an electrolyte solution to remove unprotected metal from a design, creating deep recesses for enameling or lower relief for other metalworking applications.  Students will focus on learning processes and techniques creating samples that can be used for reference when working on future projects.

Instructor:  Whitney Richmond Miller

This class will include methods of forming wax of all types, replicating designs for multi-part pieces, and will begin building a library of texture molds to draw on for future projects. You will finish multiple pieces in wax that can be cast at a later date, as well as custom made molds and/or stamps for future projects. Mold materials will include ceramic clay, polymer clay, mold putty.  The goal is to improve your waxing and molding skills for future casting.  *Previous casting experience not necessary*

Instructor: Jess Sprunger

Explore how metal can be manipulated through basic fabrication skills.  This workshop will cover the various “cold connections” and basic metalworking skills needed to make a pendant.  Techniques covered include texturing, sawing, riveting, tab setting, patinas, and finishing.  We will combine techniques to create dynamic pendants for participants to take home.  

Instructor: Jess Sprunger

Take this class to learn the basics of working with sifted enamels.  Participants will go through the process of fusing glass to metal to add color to their metalworking.  Skills covered in this class will include sift and dump, stencils, drawing, stoning and various firing techniques.  Each participant will work towards creating a finished pendant to take home.

Instructor: Jess Sprunger

March 4, 5, & 6. This weekend workshop class will focus on the basic techniques of liquid enamel. Students will have the chance to explore sgraffito, building up layers, add texture, and experiment with firing times. Creating images and how to design a successful piece will also be discussed. All levelswelcome.