Jewelry & Metals   

This class explores simple means of jewelry construction using metal wire as the main means of fabricating wearable pieces; no torchwork required and simple forming makes it a great approach for any home practice.  Students will gain an understanding of working and manipulating different gauges (thicknesses) of wire, how wire can be utilized to create loops for chains, wrap beads for inclusions, as well as other forming means and basic forging techniques to create necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.  Students will be encouraged to bring in gathered trinkets, old jewelry, beads, and other items to incorporate in projects.

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: Tool kits and some supplies included; see *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE and see link below or website for a materials list and links to sources.

*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.

*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.

*SAFETY NOTE: All metals classes require a strong ability to comprehend and follow directions, with full understanding of all safety protocols, requirements, and restrictions due to the tools and equipment used in studio processes. Students should possess good upper body strength and strong hand-eye coordination. Individuals who cannot meet these requirements should not register for metals classes, as this is essential for both personal and class safety.

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: Tool kits and some supplies included; see *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE and see link below or website for a materials list and links to sources.

*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.

*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.

*SAFETY NOTE: All metals classes require a strong ability to comprehend and follow directions, with full understanding of all safety protocols, requirements, and restrictions due to the tools and equipment used in studio processes. Students should possess good upper body strength and strong hand-eye coordination. Individuals who cannot meet these requirements should not register for metals classes, as this is essential for both personal and class safety.

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 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.

*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.

*SAFETY NOTE: All metals classes require a strong ability to comprehend and follow directions, with full understanding of all safety protocols, requirements, and restrictions due to the tools and equipment used in studio processes. Students should possess good upper body strength and strong hand-eye coordination. Individuals who cannot meet these requirements should not register for metals classes, as this is essential for both personal and class safety.

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 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.

*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.

*SAFETY NOTE: All metals classes require a strong ability to comprehend and follow directions, with full understanding of all safety protocols, requirements, and restrictions due to the tools and equipment used in studio processes. Students should possess good upper body strength and strong hand-eye coordination. Individuals who cannot meet these requirements should not register for metals classes, as this is essential for both personal and class safety.

This class takes the cost of silver in consideration by inviting students to reuse their own silver scrap to create new sheets and wire, while also expanding beyond traditional precious metals by fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and thoughtful material choices. Recycling silver is a slow, hands-on process that requires patience and care, and it becomes an opportunity to better understand cycle of material and its value. Alongside this, students will explore sustainable approaches to jewelry-making through creative material experimentation; the reuse of found and everyday objects will be encouraged to source, test, and manipulate alternative materials. Students will also have the option to sandcast found objects. Includes some materials, however students will purchase their sheet metal of choice (brass or silver); *see *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE and see link below or website for a materials list and links to sources.

*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.

*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.

*SAFETY NOTE: All metals classes require a strong ability to comprehend and follow directions, with full understanding of all safety protocols, requirements, and restrictions due to the tools and equipment used in studio processes. Students should possess good upper body strength and strong hand-eye coordination. Individuals who cannot meet these requirements should not register for metals classes, as this is essential for both personal and class safety.