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Intro to Metalsmithing with MJ Hodges

Tuesdays

10am – 2pm

Offered for:

Fall Session Two (Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8)

Winter Session One (Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9)

Winter Session Two (Feb. 23, Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30)

Get ready to learn the foundational skills of metalsmithing! Through sawing, forming, soldering, polishing, stone setting, and more this class will give you the skills to start creating amazing works of art in various metals. Gain confidence in the tools, skills, and techniques necessary to start creating wearable jewelry and creative works of metal art. Each project is designed to provide structure for learning the skills and also allows for a little creative freedom within the design. You may choose your own shapes, textures, designs, or you can create along with the teacher’s examples. This is a beginner friendly class. No experience necessary. The only requirement is to have fun with it.

Skills/Tools You Will Learn:

• Sawing & Die Cutter for cutting metals

• Filing, Flexshaft, Lathe for smoothing metals

• Hammers and Stamps for texturing

• Annealing

• Soldering- Sweat Soldering and Pick Soldering

• Patinas– Heat and Liver and Sulfur

• Polishing- Lathe and Flexshaft

• Bezels and Stone Setting Cabochons

• Make your own Jumprings and Earring Hooks

Projects You Will Complete:

• 1 Bookmark

• 3-4 Pairs of Earrings

• 1 Hammered Bracelet

• 4 Brass Hammered Circles (as rings or earrings)

• 1-2 Sterling Silver Stacker Rings

• 1 Sterling/Copper Gemstone Bezel Set Piece (ring, pendant, keychain, etc)

• 1 Solid Sterling Silver Gemstone Ring or Pendant

 

You will practice on copper sheet, copper wire, brass wire, and then your final project will be made from sterling silver. All of the jumprings and earring hooks are also in sterling silver so they are allergy friendly.

Price: 

$250 – not yet members

$200 members

*$60 materials fee paid directly to teacher at the start of class. Cash, Zelle, and Venmo accepted.

My name is MJ. I have been a silversmith since 2015, when I learned the artform at Pikes Peak Community College, where I was also a teacher’s assistant for 2 years. I have been a jeweler in two upscale boutiques, and had success selling my jewelry in stores, at markets, and online. Metalsmithing is my passion, and I love to share the techniques of the craft with others!

Class will be held at:
Morean Arts Center
719 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701