torch and tree
newsletter for the emerging silversmith
August, 2011
Greetings!

New and exciting Fall & Winter classes are listed this month along with the addition of Lost Wax Casting that I am very excited about. I have a humble studio tip for your consideration in this issue, as well as how SilverWorks studio gets an upgrade.

NEW CLASSES for FALL!       

Lost Wax Casting $325 

Wed Sept 14,21 & 28 10:30am-1:30pm (3 sessions) 

Advanced Studio Critique Workshop $85 

Wed, Oct. 5 6:30-9:30 pm 

Jewelry Design Theory $85  

Sun, Dec 4 4:30-6:30pm

Setting Up Your Silversmithing Studio $85  

Sun, Oct 23 4:30-6:30pm 


banglesStudio Woe's: "I Have to Make a Gift!"  

As an instructor it gives me no greater pleasure than to see someone become confident in a new found skill. It gives me great dismay when someone just out of the creative gate, puts themselves in unnecessary stress because they are now "a silversmith" and anyone from friends to loved ones have requests. Coming to open studio with a plan is a good idea and can be rewarding and inspiring. Coming with an assignment can be quite different. Read more here. 

Thanks!

Thanks so much to all of your who came out to help tear down the show. Painting walls and removing vinyl text goes a lot quicker with the extra hands. Much appreciated!


Studio Upgrade 

Some of you may have witnessed semi-mayhem in the office of the studio recently. Expansion has its price. The next time you are in the studio it will look a little different. The office has gotten a facelift to make room for all the new casting equipment and some much needed storage. Here is our Element stuffed to the top with Ikea cabinets!  
Check it out here.

stuffed element 


Upcoming Classes in September
Silver Saturday Workshop $185  only 2 seats left!
Saturday, Sept 10 10:30-4:30
Spend a saturday getting your feet wet with the basics of silversmithing in this 1-day workshop. Learn how to use a torch, soldering, sawing, hammering plus other texture techniques. Students will complete 3-5 pieces of finished Sterling Silver jewelry. No experience necessary. Bring a bag lunch & your creativity!

Beginning Silversmithing $365
Thurs, Sept 8-Oct 6 6:30-9:30
A comprehensive introduction into the art of silversmithing. Skills addressed include how to use a torch, soldering, sawing, drilling, hammering, and texturing as well as bezel construction for cabochon stones. Good design theory will also be touched on. This course makes you eligible for Open Studio time.

Copper Enameling Workshop $185
Saturday, Sept 24, 10:30-4:30
Learn the art of creating a colorful glass finish on copper in this easy 1- day workshop. You'll create several finished projects by dusting a design of powder enamel on to a copper blank shape. Your project will then be kiln fired by instructor. No experience necessary but can be applied to small FoldFormed works. Material fee $25.

Lost Wax Casting $325
Wed Sept 14,21 & 28 10:30am-1:30pm (3 sessions) Morning class
or
Wed Sept 14,21 & 28 6:30-9:30pm (3 sessions) Evening class 

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.

Pick up Your Work

Thanks to everyone who participated in the student section of "The Fifth Element: Stories in Wearable Art". Your work is waiting for you in the studio to pick up at your convenience.

Thanks so much for being a part of SilverWorks Studio & Gallery. I hope that my studio continues to be part of your artistic journey. I'll see you in the studio!  
Blair Anderson
Director & Instructor
In This Issue
New Classes!
Studio Tip: No Gifts!
Upcoming in September
Studio Spotting
Classes at a Glance
Studio Spotting

A lot of great designs are born at SilverWorks. Here are a few
is just one of the recent spottings.
amanda manheim ring
Ring by Amanda Manheim
You asked for it...
Saturday Class: Using Stones!


For you good folk that wanted  a continued class from a Silver Saturday, I have added a Using Stones class on October 1. This is the next level of your creative journey. We learn how to create a Bezel for a Cabochon stone from scratch. This class increases your understanding of soldering and you come out with a great piece of jewelry too! Register here.

See what the last class made here.

Fall & Winter Classes & Schedule at a Glance

Lost Wax Casting 

Sept 14-21 10:30am-6:30 pm

Sept 14-21 6:30-9:30 pm

Nov 2-16 6:30-9:30 pm

Nov 30-Dec 14 10:30am-6:30 pm

 

Setting Up Your Silversmithing Studio
Oct 23, 4:30-6:30pm

Jewelry Design Theory
Dec 4, 4:30-6:30

Advanced Studio Critique
Oct 5, 6:30-9:30pm
Dec 7, 6:30-9:30pm
Feb 15, 6:30-9:30pm

Fold Forming Workshops
Nov 5, 10:30am-4:30pm
Jan 21, 10:30am-4:30pm

Copper Enameling Workshops
Sept 24, 10:30am-4:30pm
Nov 12, 10:30am-4:30pm
Jan 28, 10:30am-4:30pm

Silver Saturday Workshops 

Sept 10, 10:30am-4:30pm
Oct 22, 10:30am-4:30pm
Nov 19, 10:30am-4:30pm
Jan 7, 10:30am-4:30pm
Feb 18, 10:30am-4:30pm

Silver Saturday 2 Workshop: Using Stones
Dec 10 10:30am-4:30pm

Gift of Silver Workshop
Dec 3, 10:30am-4:30pm

Beginning Silversmithing
Sept 8-Oct 6, 6:30-9:30pm
Jan 5-Feb 2, 6:30-9:30

Discover Silversmithing 1 Workshop
Oct 5 & 6, 10:30am-1:30pm
Nov 9 & 10 10:30am-1:30pm
Jan 11 & 12 10:30am-1:30pm
Feb 15 & 16 10:30am-1:30pm

Discover Silversmithing 2 Workshop: Using Stones
Oct 19 & 20 10:30am - 1:30pm
Nov 16 & 17 10:30am - 1:30pm
Jan 18 & 19 10:30am - 1:30pm
Feb 22 & 23 10:30am - 1:30pm

Intermediate Silversmithing: Bezels for Faceted Stones
Dec 1-15 6:30-9:30pm
Feb 16-March 1 6:30-9:30pm

Intermediate Silversmithing: Piercing & Applique
Oct 20-Nov 3 6:30-9:30pm

 

blair anderson director and instructor
About the Director
Blair Anderson is an artist in residence at Glen Echo Park, MD.
read more...

 

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