Beginning Jewelry Classes
Level: Beginner
Fee: $42 (Includes Material Fee)
Discount: $2 (Cash Payment of Class Fee)
Monday & Wednesday 6-9 pm, AEC Rm 15, B. Smith
5/29/12 & 5/31/12 (2 Meetings) (#992116)
Discover the fun and personal satisfaction that comes from learning to make your own jewelry in Sterling silver. This two-day class will introduce you to all the basic tools and procedures needed to make your first piece of silver jewelry of your own design from scratch.
The project is a beautiful gemstone pendant. Instructor for this class is Brad Smith with 17 years of experience as a studio jeweler, lapidary and classroom teacher.
Those joining us will learn how to cut and shape each of the components for the design and solder them together with a small torch. You will use a jeweler's saw, files and sandpaper to finish the shaping, and we'll learn how to clean and polish the metal. A dark patina will then be applied to add contrast to your piece. Finally, the gemstone will be set, and you can wear the piece home.
We have a well equipped jewelry facility at the Santa Monica Adult-Ed Center with classes limited in size to ensure plenty of personal attention to learn and perfect your new jewelry making skills.
*Class fee total includes cost of material fees.
*Class fee discount of $ 5 for payment in cash.
All tools needed for the project are available in the classroom. Silver will be provided, and you will be able to select your own gemstone to use.
Belt Buckles
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Fee: $140 (Includes Material Fee)
Discount: $5 (Cash Payment of Class Fee)
Monday & Wednesday 6-9 pm, AEC Rm 15, B. Smith
5/16/12-6/13/12 (9 Meetings) (#992115)
A great way to show off your jewelry creativity is to fashion a special belt buckle that highlights your hobby, your favorite gemstone or a unique design. This class will show you two approaches to belt buckle construction as we fabricate one from copper or brass sheet with Sterling silver onlays and construct another buckle from wax to cast it in Sterling silver.
Techniques that will be highlighted in this session include both prong setting and bezel setting, soldering, patination, a variety of riveting, wax construction and wax carving. Your designs are simplified through the use of pre-manufactured hardware for attaching your leather belt to the front of the buckle that is cast or fabricated. This hardware will be furnished in class.
Students should bring two leather belts in the color of your choosing for use in the projects. Width can be 1 inch or 1 1/4 inches with the length being at least 2 inches longer than you would usually wear. The stock buckle will be cut off when the belt is attached to your new buckle.
The Adult-Ed Center has a well equipped jewelry facility with classes limited in size to ensure plenty of personal attention to learn and perfect your new jewelry making skills. All tools needed for the project are available in the classroom. All supplies and materials will be provided except for precious metals, findings and your choice of faceted gems and cabochons. The only metal used for casting will be Sterling silver.
*Class fee total includes cost of material fees.
*Class fee discount of $ 5 for payment in cash.
