Jewelry & Metals   

Learn the fundamental techniques and tools used to create unique jewelry and small metal sculptures as you work through a series of projects focused not only on technique, but also on encouraging individual expression. Techniques covered will include sawing, basic forming, surface textures, silver-soldering, riveting, ring-making, and surface finishes. Note: Bilingual instruction is available. Tool kits and some supplies included. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE

 

Learn the fundamental techniques and tools used to create unique jewelry and small metal sculptures as you work through a series of projects focused not only on technique, but also on encouraging individual expression. Techniques covered will include sawing, basic forming, surface textures, silver-soldering, riveting, ring-making, and surface finishes. Note: Bilingual instruction is available. Tool kits and some supplies included. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE

 

In this fast-paced workshop learn how to make sculptural and colorful earrings using a variety of techniques. Exploring how unique pieces of jewelry can be created as a great introduction to wearable art or for those with prior metals experience to experiment with new processes and techniques. Students will begin by sawing shapes out of copper or brass and then use scoring and bending to create finished form. A variety of enamel techniques will be demonstrated to add color and texture. How to solder earring posts and create jump rings to connect multiple pieces together will also be covered. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE. Please bring a bag lunch.

*METAL SUPPLIES NOTE: Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment. Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted. Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for supply lists.

Jewelry & Metals Open Studio: Open studio time will be permitted prior to and immediately following class time; limited outside of class for open studio time will be discussed in class

Sand casting is a low-tech casting method using a reusable, ultra-fine clay sand mix that allows for small-scale single-use mold casting. This process allows you to quickly cast small objects or jewelry in bronze or silver and unlike investment casting does not require a kiln or large equipment, therefore perfect for home studios. Learn how to choose the right objects to cast, set up a successful mold, melt and pour metal as well as go through any troubleshooting. You should expect to finish several components or pieces. Basic metal skills and finishing processes will be covered in this course. Tuition includes bronze casting grain for one casting; selecting or purchasing silver for casting will be covered; see *METALS NOTE

*METALS NOTE: Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment. Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted. Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for supply lists.

Jewelry & Metals Open Studio: Open studio time will be permitted prior to and immediately following class time; limited open studio time outside of class will be discussed in class.

This intermediate level class allows students to build on their basic enameling skills to create more complex techniques. A variety of methods—including cloisonné and champlevé—will be covered for fusing colorful enamel powder (glass) to copper using both a torch and kiln. Students will be encouraged to experiment and can expect to complete two or more pendant projects. Prerequisite: Basic metals skills are required as is prior enameling experience. Tuition includes basic supplies kit and access to studio tools; see *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE.

Explore various ways to connect beads—from stringing, knotting, and using wire connections to make necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Different ways to finish the ends and use of different types of clasps and closures will also be covered. Along the way learn about the materials, and the tools and their purpose. Create your own unique designs from purchased or repurposed beads, have fun, and end up with several new pieces of jewelry. Includes some supplies; please see website for materials list.

Confidence when soldering is invaluable to metalsmiths and jewelers, and this class will hone that skill through jewelry-scale soldering exercises and practice of fundamental techniques.  Students will work through a series of projects focused to apply techniques covered, while also creating unique jewelry small metal forms. Students should expect to complete two to three projects. Tuition includes basic supplies kit and assess to studio tools; see *Metals Supplies Note.

*Metals Supplies Note: Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment.  Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted.  Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for specific supply list.

What does it take to make a ring? Construction of handmade rings will be the focus of this two-day course in metal. Students will be introduced to the basic techniques of working with non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, and silver), basic hand tools, forging, forming, silver-soldering using a torch, surface embellishment, and finishing techniques. In two days, students should expect to walk away with at least two finished projects. Bilingual instruction is available. Please bring a bag lunch. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE.

 

 

For the advanced student wishing to pursue a new or continued topic of metalworking and/or jewelry-making or to create a small body of work. Although projects are self-directed, the instructor will work with each student to assist with design, aesthetic, and/or technical decisions. Prerequisite: Students must contact Jill Sortore at jillian. sortore@utsa.edu for prior approval before registering and should have successfully completed of at least three metals courses or equivalent intermediate metals experience. See *METALS NOTE.

*METALS NOTE: Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment. Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted. Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for supply lists.

Jewelry & Metals Open Studio: Open studio time will be permitted prior to and immediately following class time; limited open studio time outside of class will be discussed in class.

 

For the advanced student wishing to pursue a new or continued topic of metalworking and/or jewelry-making or to create a small body of work. Although projects are self-directed, the instructor will work with each student to assist with design, aesthetic, and/or technical decisions. Prerequisite: Students must contact Jill Sortore at jillian. sortore@utsa.edu for prior approval before registering and should have successfully completed of at least three metals courses or equivalent intermediate metals experience. See *METALS NOTE.

*METALS NOTE: Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment. Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted. Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for supply lists.

Jewelry & Metals Open Studio: Open studio time will be permitted prior to and immediately following class time; limited open studio time outside of class will be discussed in class.