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

Explore this ancient process of casting metal to create unique and individualized jewelry-scale objects in bronze or silver. The class will begin with a basic ring sample to run everyone through the entire process, and then allow for independently focused projects for the remainder of the course. Class demonstrations will depend on the needs of individual projects in addition to the basics: wax model-making, simple casting molds, sprue attachment (or preparing the wax model for casting), wax burn out, and casting the molten metal as well as surface finishing. Students should expect to get through multiple casting sessions with consistent attendance. Materials will be discussed at the first class. 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.

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 short course will cover basics of creating cuff and bangle bracelets out of copper, brass, or silver. Learn how to form metal, use the hydraulic press, and other basic metals skills such as soldering, surface textures, and patination. Students should expect to create at least two finished bracelets. If students plan to use silver they will have to purchase metal ahead of time or discuss with instructor on the first day of class. 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.

In this follow up course to Metal Skills.1, students will hone their sawing, soldering, forming, and surface finishing skills and apply those basic metalsmithing techniques to create more complex projects. Students will be encouraged to design and fabricate independent projects and can anticipate completing at least two projects. Demonstrations will cover various techinques. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE.

Students will have hands-on experience in both the Metals and Paper studios creating two wearable jewelry projects made out of original handmade paper mounted onto metal structures. Mills will instruct the class in the papermaking techniques of sheet forming and embellishment using plain and pigmented flax and abaca. Sortore will demonstrate the metalsmithing techniques of forming metal, creating surface textures, and making cold connections such as rivets.

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.