Welcome to the wonderful world of jewelry making and metalsmithing!
More classes coming soon!
- Champleve Enamel on Precious Metal Clay
- Leaves of Fall: A Japanese Approach
- Introduction to Simple Prong Settings
- Introduction to Enamels
- Introduction to Jewelry- Fall 2022
- Etching and Making Multiples
- Connective Link Bracelet with Precious Metal Clay
- Flush Setting Fundamentals
- Mentored Independent Study
Champleve Enamel on Precious Metal Clay
Metal Clay and Enamels together? Absolutely! They love each other!
Learn how to add color to your jewelry using the ancient art of enameling. Enameling is a process by which powdered glass is fused to a metal at high heat. Ancient art meets modern material. Metal Clay’s ability to retain even the faintest of textures makes it a wonderful metal to enamel on. Translucent enamels need light to show off their beauty and texture reflects light! You will learn the proper way to construct a two-part metal clay piece that is structurally sound; which colors work best with silver and why, and how to create depth and shading when applying your enamel. You will leave with a finished pendant ready to wear or gift. This class is limited to eight students. Tool kits will be available for use.
Saturday, September 24 & Sunday, September 25 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
All levels are welcome, metal clay experience is helpful but not required (ages 18 and up)
Class Fee: $235 Materials Fee: $70 payable to the instructor. Includes 25 grams of PMC+ Silver, choice of various enamel colors, and other materials.
Instructor: Terri Hickey
Leaves of Fall: A Japanese Approach
In this introductory workshop to Japanese Kinko metalwork, students will create a Pendant or Earrings based on the Maple, Oak or Ginkgo leaf. Learn the history of this ancient craft, along with the names and uses of the traditional Japanese tools used. Students will learn & practice proper tool techniques, resulting in a beautiful textured surface using simple Tagane chisels & a chasing hammer. Topics will focus on the scale of leaf patterns for your work, using Pine Pitch to hold the metal, & finishing techniques using Stones & a Horsehair brush to achieve a final finish that is unique to this craft. This class is limited to eight students. The Japanese tools for this class will be provided by the instructor, but also available for purchase afterwards. Safety glasses are required, & magnifiers are suggested.
Saturday, October 8 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Basic metalworking skills are recommended (ages 18 & up).
Class Fee: $140 Materials Fee: $35 payable to the instructor.
Instructor: Eldon Kohler
Introduction to Simple Prong Settings
There are many ways to showcase a gem, and several approaches to prong setting. The gallery prong setting plays with the idea of framing and displaying the true beauty of a flat backed stone or focal with minimal coverage by the setting. This method builds a wire frame on the back of the piece and has prongs emerging from the sides. Techniques will include fabrication and precision soldering, along with adjustments and setting methods to securely set cabochons in this style of setting. You will leave class with a one or more finished gallery settings, which can be made into pendants, earrings, rings or brooches, depending on their design. We will use varying gauges of sterling silver wire to determine the best setting for your stone, then solder and set, using pliers and various setting burs. This class is limited to eight students. Project materials are included. Studio tools will be available for use. Safety glasses are required, and optical magnifiers recommended.
Basic metalworking experience with soldering skills required. (Ages 18 and up)
Saturday, October 15 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Class Fee: $150
Materials Fee: Project materials included. A variety of sterling silver wire and cabochons will be provided, but feel free to bring in any cabochons, cameos, or flat stones that you would like to work with.
Instructor: Tess Young
Introduction to Enamels
Add exciting color and design to your jewelry! Enameling is the ancient art of fusing colored glass onto metal. This fun and investigative class will introduce students to the basics of enameling using a kiln and torch. A variety of easy imagery techniques from representational to abstract will be presented. In addition to sifting and sgraffito, ways to make and use stencils will be also introduced. This technique-based workshop will be open to experimentation & play as you complete several sample pieces, and a variety of pendant and earring components. This class is limited to eight students.
Saturday, October 22 10:00AM – 5:00 PM
All levels are welcomed, and no metalworking experience is required (ages 16 and up).
Class Fee: $130 + $20 Materials Fee payable at registration
Instructor: Susan Skoczen
Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing- Fall 2022
This introductory class is perfect for anyone who wants to learn, or refresh, the fundamental skills involved in making jewelry and metalsmithing. Working primarily in copper, nickel and brass, each student will be guided through the design and fabrication of a piece of jewelry or small metal object of their own design. Skills covered will include sawing, filing, forming, surface textures, soldering with a gas fueled torch, and bezel setting stones. This fun and interactive class will involve many demonstrations and lots of hands-on work. This class is limited to eight students. Studio tools and equipment will be available for use.
Five Tuesday's, October 25 - November 22: 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Make up class Tuesday, November 29.
All levels are welcome, and no metalworking experience is required (ages 18 and up)
Class Fee: $250
Materials/Supplies: Basic materials included. Silver, stones and additional materials available for purchase.
Instructor: Kim Baxter
Etching and Making Multiples
NEW Class Date!
Learn the process of etching with paint pens a sheet of copper to create a series of pieces…. quick! Once etched, we will explore ways to cut shapes, fold copper, and come up with an unique collection of etched jewelry. You will leave with a one-of-a-kind limited-edition collection of pendants, charms or earrings perfect for wearing, selling or gift giving! This class is limited to eight students. Tools will be available for use. All levels are welcome, some jewelry making experience can be helpful but not required. (Age 18 & up)
Saturday, October 29 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Class Fee: $130 + $30 Materials Fee payable at registration
Instructor: Emily Joyce
Connective Link Bracelet with Precious Metal Clay
Students will learn how to create a linked bracelet in PMC (Precious Metal clay). Learn tips and tricks for creating two-sided texture links and connecting the links together that when fired in the kiln as one piece will not melt to each other during the firing process. Students will also learn how to create a clasp or toggle to attach their bracelet. Basic techniques covered will include using texture plates, rubber stamps, design, structure, sizing, and durability of different grades of PMC. This PMC class is limited to only six students. Tool kits will be available for use. All levels are welcome, and no metalworking experience is required (ages 18 and up).
Saturday, November 12 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Class Fee: $105
Materials Fee: $70 payable to the instructor at the beginning of class (cash or check only). Includes 25 grams of PMC+, use of tools, and materials. Additional Clay will be available for purchase.
Instructor: Deb Perry
Flush Setting Fundamentals
Flush setting is the perfect way to embellish your jewelry creations with the beautiful sparkle of faceted stones. This introductory-level technique based workshop is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to flush set round faceted stones in metal. Topics will include selecting stones, bur control, proper tool usage, finishing & problem solving. Students will have time to practice the technique in addition to crafting a simple pendant of their choice to wear or gift. This class is limited to eight students. Studio tools will be available for use. Safety glasses and optical magnifiers are required.
Basic metalworking experience required. (Ages 18 and up)
Saturday, November 19 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Class Fee: $130 + $30 Materials Fee payable at registration
Instructor: Meghan Sweeney
Friday Mentored Independent Study
To protect all who are in our creative community, we are still cleaning all shared tools, equipment, furniture, etc. according to CDC and State of Ohio guidelines. We will also continue cleaning(s) of commonly used areas such as entries, exits, bathroom, front desk area and beyond. At the moment sneeze guards are still installed at the benches.
We are still encouraging students to do following:
- Washing hands upon entering the studio.
- Regular cleaning sanitizing of shared tools, equipment, and high touch areas will be done.
- Coffee & tea service is temporarily discontinued.
- Please bring only necessary tools and project supplies with you.
- Wearing a mask in the studio is optional for classes.
Flux Metal Arts is our creative home away from home. If you have a fever, are asymptomatic or sick with COVID, or showing other symptoms of COVID-19 (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea); or have been recently exposed to or are caring for a person who is ill or quarantined, please stay home. (We reserve the right to send you home if you appear to be symptomatic.)
As time passes, requirements may change. If we must cancel or reschedule a class, we will communicate important updates as need to students through email.
If you have any questions or concerns, we invite you communicate through our contact page.
