for students
Classes
Beginner Classes:
Discover Silversmithing Workshop $225
Learn the basics of silver fabrication techniques in this 2-day, beginner level workshop. Skills learned include the use of an acetylene torch, soldering, sawing, forging, and fusion. Students will create 3 pieces of finished silver jewelry of their own design. No experience necessary. This workshop makes you eligible for open studio time. More details here.
Discover Silversmithing 2 Workshop:
Using Stones $225
In this 2-day workshop you will learn the classic silversmithing technique of constructing a bezel for a cabochon stone. You will then incorporate your bezel into a design of your choice and set the stone. Must have taken Discover Silversmithing 1 or a Silver Saturday. Material fee based on individual’s choice of stone and project.
Silver Saturdays Workshop $225
Come out for this all day workshop offered one Saturday of every month. Each month has a theme, but it all starts with the basics in these appetizer workshops. Bring a bag lunch and your creativity!
Beginning Silversmithing $450
Learn the foundational skills of silver fabrication techniques in this intensive 5 week course. Skills learned include the use of an acetylene torch, soldering, sawing, forging, and fusion as well as how to create a bezel for stone setting. This course makes you eligible for open studio time. More details here.
Discover Sterling Silver Clay $225
Discover the amazing creative versatility of PMC (precious metal clay). Complete up to 3 pieces of jewelry while learning the basics of rolling, sculpting and stamping. Fired by the instructor, your clay creation becomes a beautiful piece of Sterling Silver Jewelry. No experience necessary. Min age 13. Mat fee $85 More info: here.
Lost Wax Casting $425
Learn the time honored craft of Lost Wax. You will learn to sculpt a ring or pendant (your choice) out of wax with two techniques, addition and reduction (carving & melting). Your wax will be cast in Sterling Silver for you to finish with traditional techniques; filing, sanding, & polishing using a flexible shaft and polishing wheel. Material fee based on weight of project.
Continue Your Journey:
Beginning Silversmithing 2: Next Step $450
Expand your newly discovered skills with a deeper dive into this ancient art. Explore more advanced soldering techniques and perfect your sawing skills while completing multiple one-of-a-kind creations. Your project(s) may be enhanced further with the addition of a facetted stone in a prong setting or a step bezel. Must have completed Beginning Silversmithing or the equivalent.
Intermediate Silversmithing $255
Continue your creative journey and learn more techniques of soldering, designing, and finishing. Take a project from concept to completion. Projects are student driven in this guided studio-like setting. Must have completed Beginning Silversmithing or equivalent.
Lost Wax Casting Continued $425
Continue your journey with Lost Wax. In this class we will explore duplication by replicating an original with the use of rubber molds and wax injection. The use of organic originals will also be explained. Must have completed Intro to Lost Wax. Material fee based on student's design.
Dive Into Studio 2 $450
Cool tools that add a whole new world to your smithing techniques. Explore the hydraulic press, rolling mill, pen plater, and sand blaster. This class makes you eligible for Open Studio in Studio 2. More info here.
Learn the traditional art of silversmithing from Blair who brings over 35 years experience to the craft and welcomes anyone who wants to discover how the silver speaks. She loves to share her knowledge and her studio with beginners as well as those who wish to improve their existing skills. Classes include basic silversmithing techniques, intermediate learning, and advanced jewelry making as well as career development in this time honored craft. Classes are kept to a maximum of eight. Expand your creative horizons by taking a class with Blair, or just stop by and watch her work and have a chat.
Take a tour of the classes here.
Resources for Classes
Techniques & Projects:
Silver Passport Workshops $225 ea
Broaden your skills by learning new techniques. A different smithing technique will be explored in each workshop. Fill your passport and take them all! Must have completed Beginning Silversmithing or equivalent. More info here.
Romantics Workshops $225
Tap into your feminine side with these beautiful project driven workshops. Learn how to make a tapered bezel for a faceted stone, or prongs to fit a unique stone, or how to set a pearl in your original piece. More details here.
Lecture Classes:
Setting Up Your Silversmithing Studio $95
Silver Jewelry Design Theory $95
Specialty Classes:
Enameling for Jewelry
Jewelry Enameling: The Basics $350
Learn how to apply and embellish jewelry pieces with colorful enamel. Basic techniques are introduced such as sifting powdered enamel and kiln firing. You will be introduced to ways to decorate your pieces with embellishments like sgraffito, stencils, silk screens and gold foil. Go home with multiple finished pieces. No experience necessary.
Jewelry Enameling: I Can See Clearly $450
Discover the mysterious world of transparent enamels. Work on copper, fine silver and sterling silver. Explore techniques for achieving the full potential of transparent color over textured surfaces. Sifting and wet packing for adding enamel to pieces, learn the fundamentals of Cloisonne, Basse Taille and a few special effects. No experience necessary.
Come And Play:
Need some creative space? SilverWorks offers open studio time for anyone who has taken a workshop, class, or has had private instruction with Blair. Access is given to all the tools and studio equipment. Silver and other supplies are available for purchase. Open Studio time is available during all normal studio hours except during class times. More about open studio here.
NEW! Guided Studio $25 per hour
Work semi-independently in the studio on your projects. GUIDED STUDIO is Open Studio with a little extra help. This time is set aside for you to come into SilverWorks with the projects that you are working on but may be struggling with or just need some coaching.
classes at SilverWorks
Private Instruction with Blair $95 per hour
Don’t like a crowd? Book a day for private instruction and get one-on-one undivided attention with Blair. She will tailor the private course to your skill level and what you desire to learn.