And what the heck do you mean by buffet?
Well, imagine this: Back in the day, I took a course in stone setting. It was like learning to set stones on a basic level for a week and then advancing my skills for another week. But let me tell you, that pavé project was just a taste of what pavé setting is all about. I wasn't quite ready to be a pro, but it helped me decide if I wanted to dive deeper into it before I committed to a 8 week course. It was a test drive!
Now, hold on tight because this class is a feast for your jewelry-making skills. I’m serving up six different gold application techniques, and we're not skimping on time to practice between demos. And here's the twist: Instead of a quick two-day class, we're spreading the fun over seven classes. We're going all in, diving into each technique and uncovering the "why" behind the "what."
But wait, there's more! I've got plans to offer even more in-depth technique classes to show you all the amazing things you can do with each method. But this class will get you started on creating incredible pieces that will fetch a higher price and be admired by all. And guess what? You won't have to break the bank by signing up for multiple expensive classes. I'm here to save you money, including the biggest expense of all: travel and accommodations. This class is all online, right from the comfort of your own studio!
You see, we learn better and become more efficient when we see how different techniques fit into the bigger picture. When you only know one technique, how can you be sure it's the best choice for the results you want? This comprehensive opportunity will help you connect the dots and choose the perfect technique for each project.
So, get ready to feast on knowledge, save some cash, and become a jewelry-making superstar!
Better understanding of gold fusing and which torch to use for the desired outcome
The best flame and setup for accomplishing the task of fusing and fire gilding your silver
A demystified understanding of alloying gold…math and all! We will cover a minimum of 3 alloys…maybe more! How to alloy up (raise the fineness) and even how to cost out your alloy. I’ll show you an easy way to manage the casting an ingot process!
A practical and easy way to understand the role of the rolling mill in your studio for these types of projects. If you don’t have a rolling mill, I will show you how to work around it but you can do more with one. It is a great investment and I’ll show you why.
How to roll out the shape you want…a square shape versus a rectangle and how to calculate the size easily
Bur deformation (incising, removing material). We cover what sizes to choose, the shape, and how to use them to get the best results. This is one of my favorite texture techniques.
How to hold your work when you need to free up your hands, engrave, set stones, and how to do it quickly and cost efficiency without a lot of additional work
When to use sterling silver, Argentium and fusing silver (a proprietary silver) for the gold applications you desire (let’s make your job easier and outcome more successful)
How to use gold bezel, make your own gold bezel, and make/use bimetal bezel.
How to make traditional Gold Bimetal Doublée. This is a German technique of alloying gold into a thin sheet and fusing it to the surface of silver. The gold is 30x thicker than Keum Boo and can withstand wear and tear unlike most other gold applications.
Gold fused to the surface of silver
Keum Boo (make your own) and apply 3 different ways
Painted and Fused Gold (Fire Gilding)
Gold Dust Texture
April 11th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
April 29th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
May 2nd 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
May 6th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
May 9th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
May 13th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
May 16th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
**You do not need to be present for any or all of the LIVE classes. The classes will be posted to the online learning center for you to watch anytime that is convenient for you. You’ll have plenty of time between classes to catch up and you can ask any questions on the group which I will promptly answer.
There will be additional impromptu LIVE videos and recorded videos broadcast and posted on our Facebook Group.
We are going to be doing 2 things: fusing and melting gold.
For fusing:
The perfect torch would be the EZ Orca Propane and Ambient Air ($141 at Otto Frei + $7 propane tank), or the German Blowpipe Torch #114.920 Kit at Otto Frei ($198.00 + $7 propane tank). These are my go to torches for reticulation and fusing. If I’m not using my German BlowPipe Torch for granulating or fusing, I’m using the EZ Orca. I’ve got a video on Instagram that shows how easy it is to use. It’s portable and runs off small 1lb camping tanks that pose little to no danger in your studio.
A good second torch for this class would be the Smith Acetylene Ambient Air Torch. Not the Little Smith. This is a different torch. Although acetylene is dirty, it can be used to accomplish these techniques.
For melting gold:
It’s best if you have a oxy/propane torch like the Swiss or Little Smith with rosebud head. Or just be resolved to alloying smaller amounts of gold.
You can also use the Bernzomatic Reach Hose Torch (see Tonya Recommends). I have been able to fuse the bimetal with the Bernzomatic but it's not as easy or foolproof and we are working with expensive materials.
If you have acetylene, you can run a splitter to a oxy tank with a Little Smith and you’ll be able to melt large amounts of gold or silver.
Butane torches are fine for basic soldering but not for these techniques, sorry.
Tools help us accomplish our tasks. They are very important. Class #1 will be a comprehensive class on tools, supplies, and materials. We will go in depth as to what you must have and possibilities for you to consider acquiring at some time.
These are tools that I personally use. You might have something similar and that’s fine. You do not need to buy all the things, however I have been in so many classes where one of the tools the instructor used often was not on the list. I felt that my ability to do the task was hindered because I didn’t have it. So all my fave tools for the task will be on the list and if you want to wait to see if you want to buy it, that’s fine.
Please remember that I used to own a jewelry tool and supply company for 10 years and was a senior instructor for Rio Grande. So I feel like I have tried nearly every tool possible. I probably bought it too. I don’t recommend tools unless I know they are the best. Sometimes it an inexpensive tool and sometimes it’s costly. If it saves me time and makes the job enjoyable, it’s a good tool. I know that down the road I can sell them because good tools increase in value.
You will have 17 days between Class #1 and Class #2 to acquire the items needed. Let me help you decipher what that is.
I usually don’t sell kits at classes because they are frankly time consuming to procure and assemble. There is not enough mark up to warrant doing them from a business standpoint. However I make an exception when I know that it would be so time consuming and costly for you to get the supplies from many different places and pay the shipping from so many places. So, if a kit is offered, it will include materials and consumables that you might need. Tools are only included if I think it would benefit you.
Buying the materials for the kits is an expensive outlay of money tied up in a product that fluctuates in price. I do my best to time the purchase at the best time. I also get better deals when I am ordering 250 ounces versus you ordering 3 ounces.
So no you do not have to buy a kit. If a kit is offered I will ask for your commitment, yes or no, to purchase. You'll be expected to use the links to purchase what you committed to when the items arrive and are ready to ship.