Fire up your creativity with this fun class where you will come out of class with a new partnership with your torch. Know how to dial in its full capabilities and make it a tool that executes your ideas.
Join us for 10 LIVE online sessions, perfect for all schedules. Can’t make it? No problem - access recordings within hours after the LIVE class until July 28th, EOD. You’ll have plenty of time to watch, play, ask questions on the private group, get answers, rewatch and try again!
In approximately 24 to 32 hours of highly detailed demos, including one Office Hour Session, you’ll make several projects from rings to chains to pendants. We will start with an understanding of the why behind the what, because how can you master any skill unless you understand what’s happening and why. We will learn to fuse flat and in the round, how to paint in the fire with wire, how to make rings, chain and pendants. You’ll learn how to use the right burs to create the textures you want and to also sculpt the work. Plus I’ll show you how to tube set stones (2 ways) and cab set stones. Perfect for seasoned beginners to advanced.
Don’t miss the chance to spend quality play time challenging your skills and exploring your voice through these fun techniques to make your jewelry truly unforgettable. Let’s fire up that creative spirit!
Find Your Unique Voice in Your Work
Are you feeling overwhelmed or maybe even underwhelmed by your own work? Do you want to stand out, like a needle in a haystack?
I understand. I spent years asking myself, "What is my voice? What's my thing?" I immersed myself in learning, striving to use techniques without replicating those I had learned from. Transference is a real challenge!
If you're ready to elevate your work and make your voice heard, look no further. My classes offer a blend of:
The “Why Behind the What”: Understand the deeper purpose and meaning.
The “How To”: Practical steps to achieve your goals.
The “What If”: Encouraging creativity and exploration.
The “Let’s See”: Hands-on experimentation and discovery.
Playing is how discoveries are made, and it’s also how you learn the most.
You will never leave my classes feeling unchallenged, with unanswered questions, or without a sense of fulfillment. Join me, and let's take your work to the next level.
Unleash Your Creativity with Fusing
Fusing, technically called welding, is the process of joining surfaces in a molten state. This artistic process allows you to use your torch, wire, and burs to sculpt your ideas into reality. It’s a liberating and exhilarating method that encourages you to let go of perfection and embrace creativity.
In this course, you’ll:
Explore Different Tools: Learn about various torches, tips, and flames to bring your dreams to life.
Master Burs: Discover how to use burs to impart detail and shape your metal creations.
Create Stunning Pieces: Work on rings, both round and flat bands, pendants, and chains.
Integrate Stones: Learn efficient and enjoyable ways to set tube stones and cabochons profitably.
Plus, there will always be bonus processes, techniques, tips, and tricks! You'll leave each session inspired, challenged, and full of new knowledge.
Join us and transform your artistic vision into tangible, beautiful creations!
Learn:
How to fuse sterling silver by sculpting in the flame with the torch
How to fuse branches, insect bodies and more!
How to season a crucible, make a charcoal mold and recycle your silver the traditional, plus contemporary, way.
How to paint metal with wire in the flame to build layers and structure
How to use the right surface, torch tip, mix of gas and control your heat
How use burs to sculpt and define textural elements
How to texture metal using burs and a hammer handpiece
How to use your scraps to save yourself 45% of your investment (this class will save you more money than it costs!)
Tips for soldering small rings and tubes.
How to tube set a stone “off the hump” and via traditional methods
How to bezel set small cabochons with an alternative to creating a bearing wall
How to use scrap to make interesting components and water cast shapes
How to build up layers on thin components using a secret material
Building rings in the fire, in the round, spontaneously and sculpturally designed…that fit! Yes there is math, but don’t worry I will provide a handout!
AND soooo many tips and tricks! My student’s favorite part that they rave about!
And if that's not enough, I've got even more in store for you! As a special bonus, I'm offering a complimentary 2-hour class on in-depth soldering that I personally produced and directed. You'll receive access to this valuable resource before the first official class date.
But there's more! You'll also receive an exclusive invitation to join our closed/private group. Here, we'll engage in live and recorded discussions, fostering a vibrant community of like-minded artisans. Your access to me will extend for six months after the class. As a group of intermediate to advanced artists, we can continue to support each other long after the class concludes.
My ultimate goal is for you to complete this class not only with a wealth of new techniques and knowledge but also overflowing with inspiration and creativity. Your toolbox will be brimming with new tools, and I can't wait to witness what you'll create with these newfound skills and insights. The journey ahead promises to be truly remarkable!
We will cover:
-Tools
-Supplies
-Handouts (will be posted the morning of the class)
I find that it’s hard to classify a person as a beginner or intermediate student. You might be intermediate in some areas and beginners in others. This class is for someone that has some confidence using a torch and has basic metalsmithing skills.
Take what you are ready for and let the rest go. You don’t need to master all things presented. It’s perfectly okay to take a class and be able to implement 30-40% of it and then as you practice that, you can try the remaining 60% of the material.
My best advice is to attend live classes and be engaged. Take excellent notes. Within 48 hours revisit the class or your notes. Things that do not make sense need a revisit. You’ll then have the video to watch it again. Post your questions on the private Ask & Answer Group and try to make a little progress every day during that month.
It is live AND recorded. Live sessions will be through Zoom. Recordings will be posted within 8-12 hours (or as soon as we can get them up) to the Online Learning Platform. Catch up when you can and post your questions on the Private Group. You have 6 months to get all your questions answered and 60 days (July 28th End of Day) to watch the videos as many times as you’d like.
Within 8-12 hours the classes will be uploaded to the Online Learning Platform. You will be able to view the classes there 24/7 for 60 days or until July 28th EOD. They are not downloadable. If you need extra time, it is available for a monthly fee of $50. Expiration of viewing extension time will be announced with a one month notice.
April 24th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
April 28th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
May 1st 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
May 5th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
May 8th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
May 12th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
May 15th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
May 19th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
May 22nd 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am London)
May 29th 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 Group.
You’ll get real time live classes with the best possible broadcasting equipment including 8 high resolution, 4k, cutting edge cameras and the best mic on the market. You’ll have different views to watch because seeing my hands is as important as seeing the up close surface fusing or a solder join flowing. Often in class you can never see the details from 6-10 feet away. So in many ways an online class is better. Plus you are at your own bench or in the comfort of your own home. You’ll have all your tools and be able to replicate it better because muscle memory in your studio at your bench is superior. Watch and rewatch. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and as you review your notes, if there is a question between sessions, I’ll be on call to answer them!
For this type of fusing/welding:
The perfect torch would be a propane + oxygen torch with a small tip, such as:
-Swiss Torch with Micro Head **this is what I will be demonstrating with
-Little Smith with Paige Tips
-Meco Midget with Paige Tips
And if you are only able to do a single disposable gas torch (no oxygen), the Bernzomatic FirePoint Creator will work as well (with propane gas only).
There are some butane torches with tiny flames. If you can find one of those, then that would work as well.
For Soldering:
Basically whatever torch you use now for soldering will work fine.
There is no kit for this class. You should stock a variety of metals in your studio “pantry” such as sterling wire, sterling sheet, sterling tubing, specialty wire, and jump rings. I will provide specifics when you have paid for the class as my lists are proprietary but these items are not out of the ordinary.
There will be basic hand tools and equipment, and I’ll show you some tools that you may want to acquire but are not required to buy.
There are firing surfaces that I love to use and will be demonstrating on. These are not expensive but will make your job much easier. You can always use what you have or adapt the technique to something you do own.
I will offer a special armature kit, just for students, and I don’t offer this any other time of year. It will be less than $35 so it’s something you might want to buy.
You will need some small stones for tube setting and some small cabochons as well.