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This class has prerequisites. Please see below.
Do you have a photo, drawing, or other sample of a texture or pattern that you want to use in your work but need a way to transfer it to your metal? To create patterns that are unique to your work, you can use the laser cutter to engrave paper with designs from your image files. Later, you can use the textured paper to transfer the pattern onto metal using a rolling mill. (You will not be embossing the metal in this class.)
You will learn:
· What types of designs work well with the laser cutter
· Which types of image files work with the laser cutter software
· Which settings to use in Inkscape and RetinaEngrave 3D
· What types of paper to use
You will be able to laser cut several samples using image files and paper provided by the teacher.
Details:
Instructor Bio:
Joan Hammond began working in metal in 1994, when she started taking metalsmithing classes as an antidote to documenting computer software. What she discovered was a medium that not only utilized her previous training in painting, printmaking, and ceramics, but also opened the possibilities of creating art that can be worn. Family artifacts and history, plants and animals, and the textiles and jewelry of non-Western cultures inspire her current work, which Hammond executes using the techniques of chasing and repoussé. Her long-time interest in Asian art, which deepened when she studied calligraphy and tea ceremony in Kyoto, Japan, continues to influence her aesthetics and sense of design.
Ongoing casting for Certificate of Craft Program Students Only.
What To Expect:
Session 2, come with appropriate casting wear (& hair up). After a review of the days plan we will get everything ready for the pour. Teams of 2 people will take turns casting until we finish. When all of the flasks are poured everyone can help clean up and show off their work!!
Contact: Jewelry.Programming@BainbridgeBARN.org
*Prerequisites required, please see below.
Every tiny precious object deserves a beautiful locket to keep it safe, a locket that opens smoothly on well-constructed hinges and closes with a satisfying snap of the clasp. We'll build such containers in this class, starting with roll-printing to decorate the locket case, followed by demos and discussion of the infinitely variable intricacies of constructing lockets, hinges, and catches.
Please wear closed-toe shoes. Wear hearing protectors when warranted and safety glasses; bring your own or use BARN's. Tie back long hair. Avoid loose-fitting clothing and jewelry; roll up sleeves.
Instructor: Julia Lowther Growing up in Monteverde, Costa Rica, my hands were always busy with embroidery, crochet, weaving, and other fiber arts. I moved to Seattle in 1996, discovered metal, and quickly gravitated to chains -- an appealing transformation of stiff, unruly wire into flexible structures of satisfying weight. The manual dexterity gained from decades of needlework translated neatly to working at a jewelry scale. I believe the craft arts have immense value. They are the best and finest expressions of the alliance between our big brains and our opposable thumbs. Fine craft is living art, coming down off the walls, taking to the streets, making every day artful and special, and inviting people to join the community and become makers themselves.
This class is geared specifically for the students in our Jewelry Certificate of Craft Program and is not open to the public. There are other classes available. Please see the ETA calendar.
Contact Certificate of Craft Coordinator: Nanz Aalund: Nanz@BainbridgeBARN.org
Jewelry Studio Orientation & Skills Assessment
This class is designed for participants who want to have access to open studio times and already have previous experience making jewelry. Participants will need to demonstrate basic tool use and studio safety. For BARN Guests and Members, successful completion of the short class will be allowed access to the Jewelry Studio for working on projects of your choosing during monitored Open Studio hours only. This class does not apply to personal use of the kiln or casting equipment. 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 for the skills class:
Questions? Contact jewelry.programming@BainbridgeBARN.org
Using the rolling mill is a fast way to impress a pattern into metal. The highs and lows of the textured surface reflect light in ways that enhance the design of your jewelry. You can further accentuate the pattern by patinating the piece with liver of sulfur or other chemical solution. To create gradients of the patinated color, gently remove the patina on the higher portions and leave the deeper parts dark.
Students will learn how to create textures using:
Students will be able to create samples of textures using all of the methods listed above.
Pen, notebook, fine-point Sharpie or other pen that writes on metal
Optional: testures to run through the rolling mill
If you want to work in silver, please bring your own 24 or 22 gauge sterling sheet
Instructor: Joan Hammond began working in metal in 1994, when she started taking metalsmithing classes as an antidote to documenting computer software. What she discovered was a medium that not only utilized her previous training in painting, printmaking, and ceramics, but also opened the possibilities of creating art that can be worn. Family artifacts and history, plants and animals, and the textiles and jewelry of non-Western cultures inspire her current work, which Hammond executes using the techniques of chasing and repoussé. Her long-time interest in Asian art, which deepened when she studied calligraphy and tea ceremony in Kyoto, Japan, continues to influence her aesthetics and sense of design.
Hammond exhibits locally and nationally, and her work has been published in Metalsmith magazine’s Exhibition in Print. She is a member of the Seattle Metals Guild; has served on the Board of Northwest Designer craftsmen; and co-chaired a national conference for the Society of North American Goldsmiths.
Whether you are a jeweler, wood maker, photographer, printmaker or videographer showing your work in the best possible light is key to selling and getting new “gigs”. Yes, you could find examples “on the fly” in your photo/video library or you could put together a compelling sequence that showcases your work, can quickly launched and tells your story visually.
These portfolios can be delivered via phone, tablet, YouTube or the web.
You already have the necessary tools on your computer to put together a portfolio “reel”. In this class you will learn everything you need to know to assemble your work into a professional presentation. We will focus on the tool and techniques using a variety of real world examples. After class you can put your knowledge into practice.
Topics to be covered
While this workshop focuses on Apple’s Keynote slide ware program, PC/Mac users who prefer PowerPoint can use similar techniques to achieve the same end results.
Ken Rothmuller has been shooting images since getting his first camera as a teenager. Later in life he had both a B/W and color darkroom before switching over to a digital workflow. More recently he has had the opportunity to study under some great mentors, including: Jay Maisel, Joel Meyerowitz, Eddie Soloway, and Margo Davis.
Adobe purchased Ken’s digital asset management company (Fotiva / PhotoTablet) back in 2001. While working at Adobe as a senior computer scientist, he help shepherd and promote the initial, internal Lightroom development efforts as an important alternative to Photoshop for Photographers (and mere mortals).
Ken especially enjoys traveling with his camera allowing him to see new places more deeply, cementing memories and giving him the opportunity to interact with locals.
He has taught photo workshops and photography courses at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA. You can reach Ken at: krothmuller@gmail.com
In this one day soldering class: students will learn through instructor demonstration and guided hands-on practice exercises, how to safely ignite a torch, and anneal (soften) and solder metals. During this class, students will be given the opportunity to work with both torches in the studio- the Smith Little and the acetylene/oxygen.
Instructor Bio: Sarah Jones is a local Bainbridge Island artist and jeweler with a background in ceramics, sculpture, stained glass, and photography. Her journey into metal arts and jewelry started in a beginner class gifted to her by her family. Completely hooked, she continued to take every class available to her while also assisting teachers, shadowing and learning from some of the PNW’s best.
When she’s not in her studio making her own art or spending time with her family, she enjoys teaching students from 8 to 80 years old, passing on what she has learned to new metal art/jewelry enthusiast, introducing them to the trade’s skills and opportunities.
Sarahs current work can be viewed on Instagram @sarahjonesjewelry
In this two day class, students will learn about precious metal clay and use it to make beautiful lentil style beads. In the 1st class, clay will be textured, embossed, or stamped, then cut, shaped, dried and assembled. Students can design for multiple pieces including earrings, pendants, charms, zipper pulls, etc. All pieces will be kiln fired between classes and ready for finishing in the 2nd class. Finishing will include polishing and basic wire wrapping techniques enabling students to wear their masterpieces home!
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.
Middle Schoolers: join us for creative time after school this spring! In this five-week class, students will be introduced to jewelry studio tools and equipment the first three weeks, followed by two weeks of guided project time to practice and build on their newly-learned skills. Students with all levels of experience are welcome!
Tools, equipment and content covered in this class will start with an introduction to basic use of jeweler tools of the trade, sawing, bench shear, step shear, guillotine, circle and shape cutters, dapping tools, stamping tools, rolling mill, flex shaft, introduction to metals, studio guidelines safety and policies.
Come see what you can create in the BARN Jewelry Studio!
When she’s not in her studio making her own art or spending time with her family, she enjoys teaching students from 8 to 80 years old, passing on what she has learned to new metal art/jewelry enthusiasts, introducing them to the trade’s skills and opportunities.
Sarah's current work can be viewed on Instagram @sarahjonesjewelry
In this one day class, participants will learn simple forging techniques to create four different clasps for chains. Students will learn about different hammers used in forging and how they work. Three “S” style clasps and a Toggle clasp will be made from copper wire.
Instructor: 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 international since the 1980s. 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 Silver Medal in the national AM&P Excel Awards, in 2018.
Nanz Aalund, certifications@bainbridgebarn.org
Learn about the studio, its tools, safety procedures and assess your current skills.
We will talk about the Jewelry Studio's safety procedures, learn the names and uses for many of the fascinating hand tools, and cover the do’s and dont's for most of our tools and machines. It is a great chance to gain overall knowledge of how to safely occupy the Studio and give you ideas of the tools and techniques you may want to learn more about. If you are a Member and are interested in becoming a volunteer monitor, this class is a prerequisite. This class will have a little hands on time, but it is mostly about information exchange. If you have experience and want to gain access to the studio we can assess your skills during this class.
We recommend you read chapters 4-6 in the book A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeships by Nanz Aalund. Copies are available in the studio’s library. This will give you a lot of relevant information. (If you want a copy of the books tests to fill out, ask a Jewelry Studio Monitor).
Instructor: Jody Lyle is a goldsmith with over 25 years of experience designing and making jewelry. She has a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas where she studied with world-renowned enamel artist Harlan Butt. She has continued here education over the years with apprenticeships, trade school training, and skill building classes. She believes in learning by doing, and continues to home her skills, practicing and acquiring new techniques from other jewelers and is continually expanding the definition of her jewelry.
You need only your fingers and a single small knitting needle to construct a Freehand Knit chain bracelet in delicate gauge fine (pure) silver wire.
You will also learn to make sterling silver earrings in two linked chain patterns: Turkish Maille chain and Ribbon chain. Turkish Maille chain is striking, with a knotted and entwined finished look. Ribbon chain is a sleek and flexible design. Pre-cut sterling rings are provided, and simple clasps and ear wires to finish the bracelet and earrings are covered, so students leave with jewelry to wear themselves or to grace a lucky gift recipient!
Because such a short list of simple hand tools is required to make a very diverse selection of patterns, chain making is an ideal, and relatively portable, activity to continue enjoying long beyond the close of the class. Students are encouraged to bring favorite beads to incorporate into their work. No torch work is required for this class.
In this hands on workshop we will transfer an image to wax and layer by layer, expose the 3D object. We will have images you can choose from but if there is something you want to carve, bring a scaled drawings of it. That way, you can use it if it’s appropriate. This class is for those who want to carve objects, animals, plants, cool shapes or just improve their carving skills for lost wax casting. You must be able to work safely with sharp objects and hot tools.
Topics to be covered:
We will talk about the studio culture, the Jewelry Studio's safety procedures, as well as, cover many of the things to watch and listen for as a monitor, learn how to open and close the studio and talk about what a monitor does. Being a monitor is a great way to volunteer at Barn and it gives a member more access to jewelry studio. If you are interested in becoming a monitor, this class is a prerequisite. This class will have a little hands on time, but it is mostly about information exchange.
In this six session beginner skills class held on Wednesdays, students will be introduced to basic studio tools and equipment with instructor demonstration and lots of student hands on experience time. The class is designed for the curious, the hobbyist, or a new jewelry/metal artist. Also suitable as a refresher class for artists looking to get reacquainted and familiar with the studio.
Tools, equipment and content covered in this class will start with an introduction to basic use of jeweler tools such as: sawing, filing, bench shear, step shear, rolling mill, hammers, soldering, torches, pickling, flex shaft, circle and shape cutters, dapping tools, introduction to metals, how to order your own supplies, studio guidelines safety and policies.
By the end of this 6-week class students should feel comfortable working independently and practicing their skills in the jewelry studio during open studio times and ready to take specialized project classes.
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 jessh@bainbridgebarn.org or call (206) 842-4475 x221.
Want to be a Monitor in the Jewelry Studio? Sign up for this if you’ve taken your Safety & Monitor Training for the Jewelry Studio Training classes. There will be a take home test (chapters 4-6 in the book “A Jeweler’s guide to Apprenticeships” by Nanz Aalund, that you should bring completed), a written test and a practical test. These are designed to show that you have all the information and experience needed to safely run an open studio.
This class has prerequisites. Please see details.
Do you want to cast outside of class?
Come be a part of Jewelry Studio Casting Club!!
This is an exciting opportunity to practice casting your own work in precious metals. This is a hands-on experience. You'll have an opportunity to do every step in the casting process yourself. This isn't a class, but more like an open studio for casting. It will require some casting experience (see below) and teamwork. We've started this club to give our community a chance to cast on a regular basis. We plan on growing and evolving to include the casting of 3D printed pieces and mold making. If you're interested in participating, see requirements and specifics below.
PREREQUISITES and Requirements for Casting Club:
Session 1, we will be investing, so come with your pieces sprued, weighed (don't forget to record your wax weight & bring it) and attached to the sprue base, so we can jump right in. Don’t plan on there being time to sprue your work during this time. If you have any concerns or would like some advice on spruing, come to open studio on Monday or Friday. We have set aside a locker where you can leave your sprued flask if you so choose. During investing, we’ll have time to make some last minute adjustments and weigh our metals. When everyone's done investing we’ll clean up and figure out the pouring order for the next morning. You're welcome to stay to help load the kiln for its’ overnight burn.
Students should have previous experience in chasing and repoussé or have taken a beginning class.
The focus of this two-day course is on working in sterling silver. There are special considerations when chasing and forming silver that will be addressed in detail. We will use pitch as a support, and learn to reduce the potential for firescale, while creating wonderfully textured and formed samples.
Instructor: Nancy Mēgan Corwin is a jeweler/metalsmith, teacher, curator and writer in the field of art metals specializing in the ancient techniques of chasing and repoussé. Mēgan has artwork in a number of private collections as well as The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, the permanent collection of The State University of New Mexico-Las Cruces, and at the Tacoma Art Museum, Washington.
In 2009 Brynmorgen Press published Mēgan’s book on the techniques of chasing and repoussé, titled “Chasing and Repoussé: Methods Ancient and Modern,” which is published in the US, England and China. She teaches master classes and lectures around the United States, Canada, England and Australia.
Recommended book: “Chasing and Repousse: Methods Ancient and Modern” by Nancy Megan Corwin (this book is available for viewing in the jewelry studio)
Documenting objects you have made and want to sell with great photos can be achieved with your smart phone, good lighting and attention to detail. In this workshop you will learn how to use natural light and LED lights with a light box for uniform illumination and bounce cards for highlights to light your object. You will learn how to use your phone’s editing software to correct color, crop photos, and size your images for publication. Using a tripod with your cell-phone to achieve proper exposure and a sharp focus will also be covered.
The second class session will provide more hands-on practice time. Students will capture and edit images of their own objects with their own phones and individual one-on-one assistance.
While learning how to make post earrings with sheet metal and disc cutters, students will strengthen their soldering skills through hands on repetition and practice. Students will be able to see samples for inspiration and receive step by step demonstration, safety and tool use from the instructor.
All materials and tools needed will be provided for use during this class. Students will receive a 1” by 2” piece of sterling silver sheet, posts and nuts to use for their finale piece. Additional materials can be purchased by students during class or open studio.
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: preparing metal for enamel, 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!
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.
Karin’s current work can be viewed on Instagram @karinluvaas.
In this class you will learn to make your own jewelry findings, claps and ear wires. You will learn to create ear wires from scratch. You will also learn how to create a variety of clasp styles ranging from toggles to S clasps to hook and eye.
Favorite beads if you have some
Instructor: Samantha Slater, originally from South Africa, Samantha's life in Seattle has drawn her toward the concepts and process of jewelry making. She taught classes at Fusion Beads for over 10 years, she has also guest lectured at Pratt Fine Arts Center and is currently teaching at Barn, NW Rockhounds, Seattle Findings, and Schack Art Center, as well as privately at her studio in Seattle. It is her desire to not only create beautiful art and jewelry but share her knowledge so others can do the same.
In this class you will learn first hand hints, tips and suggestions for everything you need to know to turn your hobby or passion into an art-based business. Marlene Richey who has been in the art, craft and fashion jewelry world for over 35+ will save you money, time and mistakes in this one day intensive class. Learn everything from choosing the name of your business, how to structure it, tips on working for yourself and by yourself, to creating a business plan, pricing, policies/practices/procedures, designing your image, and marketing materials. Come prepared to work hard, have fun, learn a lot, and get started on the right path to forming a successful business.
Check out more Marlene Richey workshops being offered this weekend:
Students please bring:
Instructor: Marlene Richey During my 35+ year career I have run an award-winning jewelry design business and retail gallery and participated in hundreds of craft shows and industry trade shows. I‘ve served on numerous art and jewelry board of directors (MCA, SNAG, CJDG, WJA), consulted with artists and corporations, taught higher education classes (FIT, MECA, NBSS), lectured, written articles for jewelry/craft publications and regular blogs for Rio Grande - Business Savvy and Influencers. Authored an award-winning book about running a small design business - “Profiting by Design.” The CJDG honored me with the “Designer Advocate of 2009.”
To be able to target your market, you need to send a clear, concise and consistent message. You can only do that if you know who you are, your product, your philosophy, your inspirations, your business and your image. In this class students will get an overview of what you need to start marketing and promoting your work. Without knowing who you are, how can you know where you are going? This class helps you develop a road map.
During this fast-paced, hands-on class you will learn about how to brand yourself, your jewelry and your business, writing a press releases, press kits, participating in craft and trade shows along with pre-show and post-show smartness (whether it is a wholesale or to the ultimate customer), networking, approaching a gallery, writing an artist statement and collection description, collecting words and creating a marketing plan for your specific needs and goals. You will be able to take all this information and plug it into an effective media and marketing campaign.
So many jewelers call themselves designers, without so much as giving a second thought to what exactly is a designer? And what exactly does a designer do? The concept of what is good design and what is bad design is very subjective, but in this fast paced, highly interactive, fun and creative class you are going to learn first-hand some answers to these questions.
You will learn the basics of designing or expanding your own cohesive collection with some fun hands-on interactive exercises. Also you will look at your jewelry with new eyes and see how you can improve and strengthen your own individual “designs” and become a more successful and thoughtful “designer.” Marlene Richey who is known for her business and marketing classes will reveal another part of herself most people don’t know. Her father was head of the art department at a couple major universities. Her uncle was head of the art department at Central Washington University. Between her father and uncle they published numerous books on art, design and art education. And Marlene majored in art and metalsmithing in college and did post-graduate work on Russian icons. Marlene grew up in an environment where at the dinner table “less is more,” Scandinavian design, Alvar Aalto and the post-modern movement were common topics. Marlene knows design.
Instructor: Marlene Richey "During my 35+ year career I have run an award-winning jewelry design business and retail gallery and participated in hundreds of craft shows and industry trade shows. I‘ve served on numerous art and jewelry board of directors (MCA, SNAG, CJDG, WJA), consulted with artists and corporations, taught higher education classes (FIT, MECA, NBSS), lectured, written articles for jewelry/craft publications and regular blogs for Rio Grande - Business Savvy and Influencers. Authored an award-winning book about running a small design business - 'Profiting by Design.' The CJDG honored me with the Designer Advocate of 2009.”
Be a Maker for a Day!
Enjoy an afternoon of creative hands-on activities in BARN's 10 artisan studios. It's free, and open to all ages.
For more information contact: info@BainbridgeBARN.org
Learn or review even count peyote stitch to create these versatile beaded beads. All aspects of basic bead weaving will be covered and implemented in this design. Students will use two of their newly woven beads to create a gorgeous pair of earrings and explore other designs in which their beads can become unique pieces of finished jewelry.
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 am 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.
In this class you will learn how to make screen prints for enamel application.
We will use the patterns and drawings to create screens for printing the pattern onto the enameled metal. We will kiln fire our enameled copper pieces then experiment with pattern layering and creating different textured surfaces that you can apply to your jewelry designs.
