This course will introduce students to the art and craft of silversmithing. Teaching artist Sarah Calautti will guide students through the process of creating a simple ring including forming a bezel, soldering, cutting out and filing backplates, forming a ring shank, burnishing a bezel around a stone, and adding textured details.

Students will work with an open flame torch, soldering flux, various tools, and sterling silver to create their very own heirloom. Bringing your own special piece of sea glass is encouraged, but various stones will also be available for students to choose from. Students must be able to hold a torch, pliers, and files for short amounts of time. No previous experience or prerequisites required.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All required materials and tools will be provided, however students can bring their own special cabochon or piece of sea glass if they wish.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Sarah Calautti is a self-taught silversmith who blends traditional, southwestern silversmithing techniques with Pacific Northwestern scenes. She began her journey as a silversmith while living full-time in a school bus. After landing on the Olympic Peninsula and becoming enveloped in its maritime forests and kelp beds, her work has become a direct reflection of the beauty that she finds here.

Artist website: Ómós Jewelry, @omosjewelry

Come and learn how to create a piece of jewelry using the ancient technique of sand casting with artist Madison Barnett as your guide. In this class we will use Delft clay to create a mold of an object, then cast bronze into the mold to create our pieces. In addition to learning how to properly create a mold in Delft clay, participants will learn proper venting techniques, casting safety, using a crucible, polishing a cast, and all about sand casting! At the end of the class, you'll come away with a finished bronze piece. While prior metal fabrication experience is helpful, no previous experience is required. 

All materials will be provided. Please bring a model of a simple small object you would like to cast. You can also bring your own silver if you would like to cast in silver rather than bronze. 

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All supplies are provided.  

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Madison Barnett is a community-taught metalsmith who uses traditional handcraft techniques to create slow-made works of art in bronze and silver. Madison is driven by the ability of craft to transcend time, as ways of working with one's hands and artistic inspirations are passed down through centuries of human experience. Her work is influenced by history, mythology, and the beauty of local ecosystems. 

Artist website: Madison Barnett, @melusae