This course introduces 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 you to choose from. Students must be able to hold a torch, pliers, and files for short amounts of time. No previous experience is required and Sarah provides all of your supplies.

TOTAL COST: $180

Course Fee: $120

Materials Fee: $60

LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced

AGE GROUP: Adult (ages 18+), Youth (ages 16-17)

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

Do you end your beach walks with a few special stones in your pockets? If you are a collector of beach stones and want to turn one into a big, fun beach stone ring, this class is for you. Teaching artist April Ottey will guide you step by step through the process of turning a found stone into a beautiful ring. Don’t have the perfect beach stone around already? Not to worry; April will have a plentiful assortment for you to choose from.

In this two-day class, April will teach you how to design your sterling silver ring, drill a rock or create a bezel to hold the stone in place, and fabricate the ring.  You will learn sawing, texturing, bezel making, soldering and finishing, to create your own one-of-a-kind big, beautiful beach stone ring.

TOTAL COST: $390

Course Fee: $320

Materials Fee: $70

LEVEL: Beginner to advanced, some soldering experience helpful

AGE GROUP: Ages 15+

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All required materials and supplies will be provided with the non-refundable materials fee. Students are encouraged to bring any special stones from their own collection.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

April Ottey is a Port Townsend jewelry artist whose work explores the transformative power of nature. She focuses on the intricate details of the natural world — the architecture, texture, and shape of natural artifacts. April has been making jewelry for 28 years. She has taught metalsmithing classes to high school students and adults and loves helping people create one-of-a-kind wearable art. 

Artist website: April Ottey, @april_ottey_jewelry