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Add dynamic color to your jewelry with enamel! Fired glass can be added to fabricated, cast, or even metal clay jewelry. It's fun, easy, and the results are stunning!
This two session class will introduce you to the vast world of enameling. Each session you will learn different techniques that can be combined or used separately. Topics to be covered include: torch and kiln firing, painting and sifting techniques, surface textures, sgraffito, limoges, and multiple enameling techniques. All base materials will be provided.
In each session you will make several samples of different techniques and walk out with one or more completed pieces of enamel jewelry!
Details:
Instructor:
Karin Lee Luvaas is a local Bainbridge Island artist and jeweler. With an art degree in encaustics, painting and metal sculpture, Karin has studied under acclaimed enameling jewelry masters Linda Darty, Jessica Calderwood, Mi-Sook Hur, and Aurélie Guillaume. Karin achieved Graduate Jeweler status under Alan Revere of the world renowned Revere Academy of San Francisco, California, is also a GIA certified Graduate Gemologist and holds a Jewelers of America Bench Jeweler Technician certificate.
Karin’s current work can be viewed on Instagram @karinluvaas.
Contact: [email protected]
In this 4-session class you will learn safe set-up of torches, soldering stations, flux use, and application techniques necessary for successful soldering. Focusing on the 3 torch styles available in the studio. The Blazer G-6000, Acetylene/Atmospheric, and Smith Little will be demonstrated. This class will demonstrate the advantages and draw-backs of using each torch for soldering applications. Students will receive instruction and handouts on the various alloys of solder. Soldering Practice Exercises from “A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeships” will be the focus for gaining torch control skills. Each student will prepare a sample ring of soldering examples for their portfolio. Materials include copper, brass, flux, and solder to complete these exercises. Soldering station set-up, tear-down and clean-up are included.
Instructor Bio:
Chris started his own custom Jewelry company in 1975 going to local crafts fairs and competing in local arts competitions. Although he spent much of his career as a model maker and educator he did spend some time working for Blue Heron jewelry in Poulsbo.
**This workshop will be conducted via live streaming with Zoom.**
In these 90-min online sessions, students will explore the fundamentals of object drawing. You will learn the rules and guidelines of rendering objects. The drawing systems of isometric, orthographic, and perspective will be introduced in this class and drawing for communication will be a focus.
Students will need to provide these supplies:
Professor Emeritus, Charles Lewton-Brain, is a master goldsmith, author, and artist. He invented Foldforming, internationally recognized as the first new metalsmithing technique in over 200 years. He co-founded the worlds largest, free, internet-based educational resource for jewelers known as Ganoksin. Over 1000 pages of his research on metalsmithing and jewelry making are in the archives on Ganoksin. His work has been internationally exhibited since the 1980s. He received Canada’s highest honor for fine craft, the Governor General Award, in 2012.
**This class has a prerequisite. Please see Cuff Bracelet PREPARATION - Torch Handling & Rolling Mill here to register.**
Proper File use in jewelry making is a fundamental skill. In these classes students will learn measuring and marking for pattern development on square copper rods. File use and handling to create textured patterns to exact specifications. The students will then shape the filed copper rods to create patterned cuff bracelets.
Guest Lecturer: Julia Lowther will provide a lecture on File shapes and cuts via Zoom online in the Studio on the big screen TV. Shaping, Finishing and Polishing of the bracelets will be covered in-studio with Nanz Aalund.
Nanz Aalund’s wide ranging career as a jewelry designer, goldsmith, and educator, began with high school shop classes. After serving as a fine jewelry designer and marketing consultant for Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Tiffany & Co., Aalund taught jewelry and metals classes at the University of Washington and at the Art Institute in Seattle. Earning a Masters of Fine Art (MFA/Metals) and a Masters of Education/College and Technical Teaching Curriculum (CTTC). Her work has been exhibited both national and internationally since the 1980’s. She authored the book, “Masters Gold,” published by Lark Books in 2009 and her most recent publication, “A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeship” published in 2017 for MJSA, received a national AM&P Excel Award in 2018.
In these 2 half day sessions, you will learn how to make post earrings using sheet metal and disc cutters. Students will strengthen their soldering skills through hands-on repetition and practice. Torch experience required.
Students will be able to see samples for inspiration and receive step by step demonstration, safety and tool use from the instructor. This class will be taught using the smith little torch. Open to ages 14 and up. All materials and tools needed will be provided for use during this class.
Students are encouraged to register for the open studio on Wednesday to practice their skills between the classes.
Sarah Jones is a BARN founding member, jewelry studio programming and steering committee member. She is a local Bainbridge Island artist, and teacher with experience in fine metal arts, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, stained glass, and photography.
Because Sarah is a visual and tactile learner herself, her classes typically involve a lot of hands-on learning time. In addition, Sarah’s classes are accompanied by printed information and resources for her students to refer back to when practicing their new skills.
Sarah’s art has been displayed in the Seattle Metals Guild exhibitions and Bainbridge Arts & Craft exhibitions.
You can view her recent work on Instagram at: @sarahjonesjewelry and @foggyroaddesigns
Interested in accessing the Jewelry Studio Makers Space at BARN? Then this session is designed for you!
This orientation/ skills assessment is required for all who wish to work in the Jewelry Studio during open studio times and already has some previous experience making jewelry.
Participants will be asked to demonstrate basic tool use you are familiar with. At the end of your assessment, you will be issued a skills card noting what tools and equipment you are able use based on what you have demonstrated proficiency with during this assessment.
For BARN Guests and Members, successful completion of this short session will be allowed access to the Jewelry Studio for working independently on projects of your choosing during monitored Open Studio hours only. Please note that the general open studios times are free to Members. For guests/non-members there will be a $20 drop-in fee (please bring cash or check made out to BARN) to use Open Studio. To view the Open Studio times click here.
Areas generally covered during this orientation:
Questions? Contact Karin Luvaas [email protected]
This class has a prerequisite that must be met before registering. Please see details below.
This four hour class will introduce you to the glittery glamour of gold and silver leaf and how they can add drama and polish to your jewelry.
You will have access to all of the tools and techniques you learned in the Intro to Enameling Class.
This project class is structured for you to continue your enameling practice and students are encouraged to bring prepared copper blanks and unfinished pieces from previous classes to maximize their time experimenting with enameling techniques and improving skills.
Learn how to make fun and fashionable earrings. In this easy beginner level class students will learn through instructor demonstration and hands on practice to make and take home several pairs of leather hanging earrings. All levels of experience welcome, tools and material will be provided.
A Special Members-Only Free Event:
Join us to carve pumpkins!
Join us on Saturday, October 30th, and bring your pumpkins! We'll be carving, painting, and decorating as we welcome the changing season together at BARN. We will be outside, at the tables under the canopies out back. We'll have warm beverages to keep us cozy as we carve from noon - 2 pm. We hope to see you here on Saturday the 30th!
If you have questions, please contact our Membership Coordinator Jen Primm at [email protected]
In this 3 session (in-studio) youth class designed for students ages 14 -16. Students will learn through instructor demonstration and guided hands-on practice exercises how to: safely set up a soldering station in the studio, ignite the torch, anneal and solder metal together.
The last day of class students will get to make a project with their new skills.
**This workshop has been postponed to early in 2022. A new date will be posted soon**
This stunning “Eternity” pendant is created from a handful of very humble findings and seed beads. Learn the basics of square stitch while exploring combinations of bead colors and sizes. Kits will include materials to make three separate pendants
Class time is Pacific Daylight Time.
This class will be conducted via Zoom. For a great video on how to use Zoom, watch this tutorial. Please make sure you have the most current version of the Zoom software. You will need a desktop, laptop or tablet device to participate.
Instructor: Chris Eisenberg discovered beading while recovering from an accident and the resulting traumatic brain injury. Beading was her therapy and credits it for helping her become whole again. Chris has a doctorate in classical piano performance from the University of Northern Colorado and is a performance coach and collaborator at Central Washington University. She has previously taught workshops at the Autumn Artist Retreat and in the Iron Mountain Arts studio near Port Gamble.
This 4 session afternoon (in-studio) class is designed for students of all levels to become familiar with the jewelry studio space and tools. You will learn how to safely and efficiently use jeweler's tools through instructor demonstration and guided hands-on practice exercises. Students will start with a studio tour/facility walk through, studio guidelines, safety and policies. In addition, you will learn how to acquire a skills card and learn about our open studio protocols.
The skills you will be introduced to are: how to safely use a jeweler’s saw, bench shear, step shear, disc cutters, files, hammer identification, stamping tools, dapping tools, pliers, rolling mill, flex shaft, and the buffing wheel.
All of these skills will help you feel more comfortable and confident in our studio or yours and ready you for project classes. Each student gets to take home their samples and handouts for future practice and revision.
For tuition assistance click here to complete the online application form. If you have any questions about the tuition assistance application process, please contact our Program Manager Jess Henderson at [email protected] or call (206) 842-4475 x221.
You can view her recent work on Instagram at: @sarahjonesjewelry and @foggyroaddesigns.
*This class has a prerequisite. Please see below before registering.
Do you have old cabochons you’ve previously purchased and haven’t used? Maybe the stone is too thick, the shape isn’t as interesting, or maybe it’s chipped.
In this class learn how to reshape precut cabochons into new shapes that are uniquely yours! Bring your stash of stones and get tips and tricks on the following:
Karin Lee Luvaas is a local Bainbridge Island artist and jeweler. With an art degree in encaustics, painting and metal sculpture, Karin has studied under acclaimed jewelry masters Michael Boyd, Kent Raible, Petra Class, and Sarah Graham and achieved Graduate Jeweler status under Alan Revere of the world renowned Revere Academy of San Francisco, California. Karin is also a GIA certified Graduate Gemologist and holds a Jewelers of America Bench Jeweler Technician certificate.
Do you love rocks and things that sparkle? Learn how to cut and shape a druzy for a ring or pendant. This three hour class will give you a taste of how fun and easy lapidary can be! You will learn cutting techniques and how to shape a druzy on the lapidary equipment.
*This class has a prerequisites. Please see below before registering.
This five hour class will show tips and tricks for adding enamel to fabricated pieces that have been soldered. You will have access to all of the tools and techniques you learned in the Intro to Enameling Class.
During this two session class, Jen Stenhouse of Little Metal Foxes, will provide a Use and Safety lecture on Monday. You will practice using the tool on your own projects. Then on Tuesday there will be an additional tool demonstration and lecture on bits and burrs for polishing with a flex shaft at the bench.
Safety in the Studio
Please read the Jewelry and Fine Metals Studio safety protocols here. BARN-wide safety protocols can be found here. All participants will be required to wear a mask.
Recognized as an outstanding educator and known expert in the arena of jewelry casting, Jennifer has more recently teaching at the college and adult continuing education levels. Currently, Jennifer works as a production jeweler for Baleen, teaches jewelry classes and workshops.
In this class participants will learn how to measure and mark the hard carving wax used in jewelry making with visible planning lines and precision cuts. We will be practicing 3-dimensional planning and layout techniques for subtractive Wax Carving.
We will begin with the preparation of Carving Wax. Ring blanks will be carved to selected ring size and design layout for a domed ring design. Once the practice Wax is carved, participants will be able to apply these new skills to their own design ideas.
The different carving waxes designated by color will be discussed. Green, Blue, and Purple waxes will be available for practice carving. Specialized Wax Tools such as wax saws, miter boxes, rotary files, mini lathe, electric wax pens and scrappers will be demonstrated.
BARN Jewelry Studio has all the tools necessary for this class, so no purchase of tools is required. No casting will be part of this class, but students are encouraged to take the Intro to Lost Wax Casting class that follows on Nov.16th & 17th. To read more or register, please click here.
*This class has prerequisites. Please see below before registering.
Ready to take your lapidary skills to the next level? Got a favorite piece of lapidary rough you’ve been waiting to make into something spectacular? In this class learn how to create perfectly matched earring pairs and safely drill holes into stone.
Session 1: Cut & polish earring pairs
You will learn multiple ways to cut and polish earring pairs as well as tips and tricks for drilling holes.
Session 2: Assemble your earrings
Several examples will be shown and instructor will provide suggestions on your specific design ideas.
Pearl knotting is not just for pearls. Pearls are a jewelry box staple and never go out of style. Always in fashion, pearls can be mixed with other gemstones or beads to create a unique, personalized necklace that can be dressed up or worn with a simple tee.
In this 2.5 hour class you will learn pearl knotting techniques and walk out with a new pearl necklace for yourself or for a gift.
Have you recently taken a BARN enameling class and want to finish some projects? Then this guided practice studio time is for you!
This is a great opportunity for students to finish independent projects with questions and guidance offered by an instructor.
Instructor: Karin Lee Luvaas is a local Bainbridge Island artist and jeweler. With an art degree in encaustics, painting and metal sculpture, Karin has studied under acclaimed enameling jewelry masters Linda Darty, Keith Lewis, Heejoo Kim, and Aurélie Guillaume and achieved Graduate Jeweler status under Alan Revere of the world renowned Revere Academy of San Francisco, California. Karin is also a GIA certified Graduate Gemologist and holds a Jewelers of America Bench Jeweler Technician certificate.
Please note that this class will not be covering how to make wax carvings. See details below.
This 2-day class provides an in-depth explanation of the lost wax casting method for making jewelry. From weighing and sprue-ing of wax models, to mixing and de-bubblizing the investment, and centrifugal force completion of the casting process.
In this class you will learn how the size and weight of the wax piece plays a role in the casting process. Demonstrations on the proper set up of wax models and appropriate placement of sprues will guarantee successful castings. Students will be guided through the casting processes including instruction on firing of the kiln, the burnout process, and working in teams during casting. Melting points of different metals, and overall finishing techniques will also be covered.
Please note: You must have your own waxes ready to cast. No wax carving instruction will take place in this class. Casting will be in Bronze only. No Silver. You can register for Wax Carving for Lost Wax Casting class that begins Wednesday, November 10th in order to be prepared for this class. To read more and register for Wax Carving for Lost Wax Casting, please click here.
To avoid injury, please follow these guidelines:
In this two session (in-studio) class, students will learn through instructor demonstration and guided hands-on practice exercises: how to safely set up a soldering station, ignite your torch, anneal and solder metal together. Students will be given the opportunity to work with the industry standard Smith Little torch and propane/oxygen torch during this class.
This is an introduction/beginner/refresher level class, all levels of experience are welcome. Ages 14 and up.
This two-day class will cover metal fabrication techniques for ring making. Simple stacking rings will be made to use in up-coming stone setting classes. Ring making techniques of sawing, filing, sanding and polishing will be focused on and practiced.
This is a skill building class. Competent independent soldering is required to keep up with the pace of instruction. Each student can make up to 6 rings with heads and tubes for use in stone setting practice
Culture is defined by our record of creative endeavors. All forms of governance, language, commerce, art, and celebration are born from the imaginative mind. As a community, mankind can do amazing things, but it is often challenging to harness the courage to set our ideas loose into our external communities. In the first of this series, Raffi will discuss the nature of our creative drives, the systems and processes that have been perpetuated to inhibit our creative energies, methods to allow more creative confidence into our lives, and how to release ourselves from the burden of creativity.
This live conversation will conclude with a Q&A.
Presenter:
Raffi Minasian is a designer, educator, innovation specialist, and start-up mentor. He holds degrees in Product Development and Transportation Design. His impressive thirty-year career includes projects with Boeing aircraft, Mattel toys, car designs for multiple automobile manufacturers, and work with numerous start-up companies.
A founding professor of innovation for the California College of the Arts DMBA program, Raffi also teaches industrial design and is a noted speaker at museums and corporate events on the subject of future industries, new ventures, and creative methodologies.
Raffi devotes much of his professional energy to educational programs for young people interested in design professions, including his Board of Directors position with the Collectors Foundation, Former Chairman of the Board for Zoolabs artist-based entrepreneurial training, and ongoing work as a graduate mentor and creative career strategist.
This two session class will introduce you to the art of stone cutting. Learn how to cut and polish cabochons from rough, using various cutting and polishing equipment in the process. All base materials will be provided. Students will have an opportunity to purchase additional varieties of rough stones and are welcome to bring any stones of their own that they have questions about or want to try cutting.
Youth guided practice class will be offered once a month, for ages 12-16. The instructor will provide guidance and supervision while students practice their skills and use studio equipment they may not have at home for their own projects. The instructor will also provide a new project idea each class for students looking for inspiration or wanting to try something new. This class can also serve as a refresher for students who previously took a class before the pandemic and want to get acquainted with the studio and tools again.
In this two session class, we will explore creating different finishes on copper and brass while learning multiple ways to clean and polish other jewelry metals. Flex-shaft and burr use for creating finishes will be demonstrated. The importance of pre-polishing parts to get uniform finishing after assembly will be covered. Polishing compounds and cleaning processes will be explained.
The safety procedures for use of tools to create textured finishes such as hammer texture, magnetic pin finishing and bright polishing with Buffing wheels are all covered and will be tested in this class. Participants may bring current projects and their own material to experiment on. No chemical finishing (patinas) will be covered in this class.
This is a BARN holiday. Doors will be locked to members and non-members.
In these 6 class sessions, students will learn to make and set standard and thick walled bezels for setting oval and round cabochon cut stones. This class will also cover tube setting and 4-prong setting of faceted stones. Factors that effect each style of setting are discussed. This class is an excellent in-depth exploration of stone-setting technique.
Tool List: Students should have these personal tools on hand.
