TLD Design Center & Gallery : Westmont, IL (Chicago Suburb) Jewelry Arts Classes, Metal Smith Skills for Beginner to Advanced with Venus Cramer, Janice J Bailey, Copper Etching with Shannon Haug,Silver Metal Clay Classes with Patty Pulliam, PMC Classes and education, Silver Metal Clay Instruction, Silver Metal Clay with Hattie Sanderson. Metal Smith Skills, Jewelry Design Education, Hand Wrought Sterling Silver Jewelry Designing, Janice J Bailey. Wire Working Techniques for jewelry designing. Classes, education, instruction in Illinois.

silver metal jewelry design class, precious metal clay classes, workshops in jewelry design, pmc clay classes and workshops, PMC classes with Hattie Sanderson, Silver Metal Smith Jewelry design with Janice Bailey, silver working tools, hammers and supplies. Sterling silver metal, chain making, Illinois, DuPage County, Chicago Area,Westmont, IL (Chicago Suburb)Silver Metal Clay Classes, PMC Classes and education, Silver Metal Clay Instruction, Silver Metal Clay with Hattie Sanderson. Metal Smith Skills, Jewelry Design Education, Hand Wrought Sterling Silver Jewelry Designing, Janice J Bailey. Wire Working Techniques for jewelry designing. Classes, education, instruction in Illinois.

Instructor's Samples

JEWELRY ARTS: Silver Chain Making for Beginners

Instructor: Venus Cramer Click here to Learn about Venus

This class will introduce entry level students to 4 different basic link making techniques and connection methods for chain designing. Students will create one sample link from each style of chain presented by instructor, and then go on to choose one style to continue on with the creation of their own professionally finished bracelet complete with clasp. Students will use Design Center tools... but should feel free to bring their tool box if they've already started a collection. Students choosing the beaded chain style (as shown in bracelet style #1) should bring a small collection of beads to class (or purchase from the Design Center). Students may opt to make a necklace by purchasing additional materials.

Miscellaneous beads and findings are available in our "bead store drawers".

Date: March 19, 2011
Meets: Saturday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $135 (included sterling silver materials)

**If more than one date is showing, please indicate which date you are registering for in the Paypal comments box.

bracelets by instructor

JEWELRY ARTS: BEGINNERS WIRE TWISTS & BEADED LINKS

Instructor: Patty Pulliam

This class introduces the beginner jewelry student to the basic wire twist link that is a building block for most jewelry art assemblage. Students will learn how to make a collection of links and dangle components using head pins, eyepins and straight wire and then proceed to learn how to connect them for earrings, bracelets and necklaces or choose to make a charm bracelet. Regardless of your choice this class will offer the repetition needed to gain skill at professional looking wire wrapping. Projects may include one-of-a-kind lampwork beads, Bali silver beads, charms and Swarovski crystals (purchased separately). The bead obsessed will enjoy this class since we put a heavy dose of design strategy into our beading classes that will take students beyond the "cookie cutter" approach and challenges each participant to create their own wearable art.

A lunch break is built into the class time.

Bring your magnifying glasses if needed and task lighting if desired.
Beads and tools are available for purchase from the Design Center.

This class may be scheduled one-on-one or for a private party with your friends!

Date: April 21, 2011 **
Meets: Thursday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $58+

~or~

Date: May 6, 2011 **
Meets: Friday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $58+

~or~

Date: June 11, 2011 **
Meets: Saturday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $58+

**If more than one date is showing, please indicate which date you are registering for in the Paypal comments box.

JEWELRY ARTS: ENAMELING/ BEGINNER BASICS

Instructor: Georgia Philippe Click here to Learn about Georgia

Learn the basics of cloisonné enameling in this one day class. Students will learn how enameling is done, what materials are used, techniques and tricks, and best of all, you’ll leave the class with at least two enamels, more if you have time.

The class will consist of dry enamels and silver blanks (provided through class fee), students own design work (patterns are available, do not be worried if you can’t ‘draw’) by bending pure silver wire. Students will learn how to prepare the blanks to accept enamel and how to lay on the cloisonné wire. Students will do the firing (after instruction) and go on to select enamel colors and learn how to apply them. Each piece takes from 10 to 20 layers of enamel before finishing to achieve depth of color and richness of finish. After students have completed the enameling phase, they will learn how to grind the pieces down and return them to the kiln for beautiful finish. Kiln safety will be included. Bring magnifying eyeglasses if you need for detail work.

Setting will be discussed (consider taking our Metal Smith Series) but this class will be intensive and exclusively enameling.

Come prepared to make beautiful ART! After your class, Studio/Kiln time is available at TLD for those who do not own a kiln. Wear comfortable cotton clothing to class.

Silver blanks and additional enamel powder will be available for purchase for those who wish to take their skills to the next level.

Date: tba 2011
Meets: Saturday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $100 (includes enameling materials for 2 pieces)

bracelets by instructor

JEWELRY ARTS: Byzantine Links Bracelet

Instructor: Patty Pulliam

Create your own Byzantine weave bracelet (a chainmaille technique). Using ancient techniques, students will learn how to link sterling silver (or copper) rings together to form their own high end bracelet. Materials and tools to use during class will be provided. Bring a few coordinating lampwork or other beads to use as spacers. The technique may be expanded for necklaces (more materials needed) or minimized for use in earrings.

Date: May 1, 2011**
Meets: Sunday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $70+ your kit fee (see below)

~or~

Date: May 27, 2011**
Meets: Friday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $70+ your kit fee (see below)

**If more than one date is showing, please indicate which date you are registering for in the Paypal comments box.

Choose:
Sterling Silver Materials: $60
Copper Materials: $15

JEWELRY ARTS: Silver Rings

Instructor: Venus Cramer Click here to Learn about Venus

In this beginner level, cold metal work class, students will learn about different silver materials suitable for ring making, how to manipulate and texture sterling silver sheet and the skills needed to work with various gauges of wire. Students will complete 3 to 4 projects during class time and wear them home the same day! One project involves cutting, texturing, filing, sanding, shaping silver sheet to make a “Split Shank Ring”. Another project involves bending a thicker (14 or 16 gauge) wire to create one or two “Swirl Rings”. Finally we will work with a 20 gauge wire and one bead (great to showcase your own lampwork beads) and wind it into a “Wire Wrap Ring with focal bead”. Since this is an introductory class, students can simply bring a pen and pad for note taking. Metalworking tools may be purchased from the design center the day of class, if desired.

Date: tba 2011
Meets: Sunday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $135 (includes silver materials for 3 rings**)

**tools & additional silver available for purchase through the Design Center

examples by instructor

JEWELRY ARTS: METALS 1 with Venus

Instructor: Venus Cramer Click here to Learn about Venus

In this beginner level class, students will learn the basics of how to design and create one-of-a-kind jewelry with sterling silver. Students are encouraged to use their creative ideas while making these unique pieces. Techniques of surface texturing, cutting, filing, soldering (including proper torch control and how to work with the three types of solder), and finishing & polishing will be covered. Students will explore surface textures while completing three stackable band rings and perfect their soldering techniques while assembling a multi-layered pendant.

Date: tba, 2011
Meets: Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Fee: $170 (includes supplies and use of our tools during class)

Additional silver, solder, tools and supplies available for retail purchasing in the Design Center.

examples by instructor

JEWELRY ARTS: Metal Smith 2 with Venus

Instructor: Venus Cramer Click here to Learn about Venus

Click the button to view student results

Expand on the skills you learned in Metalsmith 1 by learning how to bezel set a cabochon. Students will choose to create either a pendant or a ring. Designing the piece, measuring your cabochon, shaping the bezel to fit, soldering, and final finishing will be covered in this one-day class.

Students are encouraged to bring their own dime- to quarter-sized stone or fused glass cabochons. (Take our Glass Fusing class to make your own fused glass cabs!) Some assorted stone cabochons will be available for purchase in the Design Center. ($15-20 price range.) Additional silver, solder, tools and supplies available for retail purchasing in the Design Center.

Prerequisite: Metals 1 or equivalent experience.

Date: April 23, 2011
Meets: Saturday, 10am to 6pm
Fee: $150+ (includes supplies and use of our tools during class -- cabochons not included in class fee)

**If more than one date is showing, please indicate which date you are registering for in the Paypal comments box.

distressed knit & burlap textile

onion

instructor's samples

METAL CLAY TECHNIQUES (PMC/Art Clay Silver):
Capturing Low Relief Textures (even Textiles!!) in Metal Clay

Instructor: Patricia Weikersheimer Click here to learn about Patricia

Learn the basics of working with fine silver metal clay* while learning how to capture textures in a quick-curing compound to make reusable molds. The class is beginner level, but those who've worked with metal clay will stretch their skills by learning how to capture and incorporate texture in their work. You will create a pendant and/or pair of earrings using your new one-of-a-kind, low-relief texture. Textures may be natural (a leaf or a shell, for example) or one of your own works (such as a copper etching, peyote-stitched bracelet, or a woven textile).

Students will learn how to capture maximum detail with molding compound; how to use the mold to texture metal clay; how to consider options for form; how to work with metal clay in the wet, leather hard, and bone dry stages; how to fire silver clay in a kiln for maximum strength and durability; how to work harden finished pieces for further durability; and how to patinate and finish fired pieces to best reveal their textures. Metal clay is a delightful way to “pull and repurpose” textures you've already made -- or have found -- to create one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Various finishing methods will be demonstrated and available for student use. The class fee includes an 18 gram silver clay packet, mold-making compound, and the use of silver clay paste, silver clay syringe and patina solution during class. Students should bring a number of compelling “flattish” textures; the instructor will have a number of additional possibilities on hand. Beware: after this class, your world -- from the tread on your tires to the Savoy cabbage in the grocery aisle -- will become a carnival of textures.

*Silver clay is a combination of silver microparticles, water, and an organic binder. The “clay” is formed, dried, refined, and fired at high temperatures during which the binder burns off and the silver sinters, resulting in a piece that is .999 (fine) silver.

Date: May 7, 2011
Meets: Saturday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $165

patricia's onion mold

JEWELRY ARTS: Cold Connections 1 ~ Rivets & Links

Instructor: Shannon Haug Click here to learn about Shannon

Create 3-D jewelry without soldering! You will construct a pair of earrings -- possibly a pendant, too if time allows -- by making headpins with a mini torch. The headpins will be used to rivet different layers of metal together. We will explore the use of wire for connections also. Techniques that will be covered in this class will include creating headpins and basic riveting, with some essential wire wrapping, metal forging, shaping and filing. Everyone will walk away with a completed piece and the ability to create unique and professional jewelry at home.

Please bring any tin snips, jewelers saws, files and other tools you may have for the completion of the jewelry created in this class. If you want to incorporate etched copper into your design, bring your pre-etched copper sheet from the Copper Etching class.

Wire and metal for earrings provided in the class fee. Tools available for beginners to use during class. If you have your own tools, please bring them.

Additional metal, tools and supplies available for retail purchasing in the Design Center.

Date: May 21, 2011
Meets: Saturday, 11am to 6pm
Fee: $150

JEWELRY ARTS: Copper Etching & Novice Level Jewelry Art/Designing

Instructor: Shannon Haug Click here to Learn about Shannon

Your ideas, your designs, etched on copper, using a resist and acid bath. Draw your own designs by hand or bring stamps (ink pad type) to experiment with different images. Fabricate your etched copper pieces into fabulous jewelry. We will also work on making hand made French ear wires, and "s" hook clasps, with no soldering involved. Team up your copper work with semi precious stone or glass beads (bring your stash or purchase from ours). Possibilities for finished work include bracelet & earrings... perhaps even a pendant or two. Be as creative as you like!!!! If you've taken one or more of our metal smith classes, please bring your files and a selection of plier tools (round nose, chain nose, flat nose, cutters) with a band of color to identify your tools at a glance.

(It is helpful to know how to do wire wrapped loops and jump ring making, but not necessary.)

Date: April 9, 2011 **
Meets: Saturday, Noon to 5pm
Fee: $145 (includes metal materials, etching solution and use of our tools)

~or~

Date: June 4, 2011 **
Meets: Saturday, 11a to 4pm
Fee: $145 (includes metal materials, etching solution and use of our tools)

Additional copper, etching solution, Lampwork and other beads, tools and supplies
available for retail purchasing in the Design Center.

**If more than one date is showing, please indicate which date you are registering for in the Paypal comments box.

*New Class**

JEWELRY ARTS: Cold Connections 2 ~ Linked Bracelets

Instructor: Shannon Haug Click here to learn about Shannon

Make an artistic linked bracelet using only cold connections - no soldering needed! Design, fabrication, stamping and texturing metal will be explored while creating your one-of-a-kind bracelet. We will also touch on patinas and polishing to give your piece the finishing touch. If you want to incorporate etched copper into your design, bring your pre-etched copper sheet from the Copper Etching class.

Cold Connections 1 ~ Rivets & Links or equivalent knowledge is required prior to this class. Knowledge of wire wrapping is helpful. Please bring files, pliers & your other favorite tools with you (please paint your tools with a stripe of your color nail polish for easy identification in classes). Copper sheet for your bracelet provided through class fee. Other metals available for an additional fee.

Date: April 16, 2011**
Meets: Saturday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $150 (base material and use of studio tools included)

~or~

Date: June 25, 2011**
Meets: Saturday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $150 (base material and use of studio tools included)

Additional Metal Smith tools, metal stock and supplies available for retail purchasing through our Design Center.

**If more than one date is showing, please indicate which date you are registering for in the Paypal comments box.

*New Class**

JEWELRY ARTS: Viking Knit Wire Working

Instructor: Patty Pulliam Click here to learn about Patty

Use simple tools to make a complex-looking chain with an ancient technique thought to be invented by the Vikings. In this class you will learn the single and double-weave techniques as well as how to finish the chain into a unique bracelet. Class fee includes copper wire (up-grade to silver for an additional fee) and a dowel/tool. Bring your wire-working pliers if you have them. (Chain nose, round nose, flat nose, and flush cutters.) Tools are available for use during class. Shop our "bead store drawers" for end caps, clasps, and beads to finish your bracelet. This is a perfect accompaniment to lampwork glass beads, so bring yours or purchase some in our Design Center.

Date: May 28, 2011
Meets: Saturday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $100 (includes copper wire & dowel/tool)

Additional metal, tools and supplies available for retail purchasing in the Design Center.

capped beads by Janice Bailey

JEWELRY ARTS: METAL SMITH / Bead Capping and Lining

Instructor: Patty Pulliam Click here to learn about Patty

Click the button to view student results

A beginner level class (no prior metal experience needed) in the technique of capping beads which is geared toward lampworkers but anyone with special beads can join in this class. Students will complete 1 to 2 simple capped beads and go on to learn how to stamp, pierce or hammer the caps before forming and attaching to beads. Capping beads is a riveting technique (no solder or adhesive) that attaches sterling silver domes (caps) on each side of a focal bead creating a finished professional look. Patty will include instruction on silver linings for "Pandora" & "Troll" compatible beads.

Students should bring a variety of beads made on 1/8" and/or 1/4" mandrel that have gently domed ends (no cone shaped or pointed ends) or purchase beads in the Design Center. Wear comfortable working clothes to class. Class fee includes tubing for 3 beads and discs for 2 beads.

Date: March 2, 2011
Meets: Wednesday, 6pm to 9pm
Fee: $80 (Fee includes copper materials. Silver available for an additional fee.)

Additional materials available for purchase in the Design Center.

instructor's (L) student's (r)

METAL CLAY TECHNIQUES (PMC/Art Clay Silver):
Introduction to Silver Clay Jewelry Designing

Instructor:

Create fine silver jewelry using silver metal clay start to finish in just one day! This is an in depth, starter class for those interested in exploring precious metal clay for professional jewelry design and construction. The clay we use is fine silver particles suspended in an organic binder that burns away during kiln firing. The resulting jewelry pieces are .99 pure silver. The Instructor will guide students through the entire process of forming their own original designs and prep for kiln firing. Students will monitor the kiln firing schedule themselves to become comfortable with this important part of the process. Various finishing methods will be demonstrated and students will take their own work through to a final finish. Multiple pieces are possible during the class time. Students will create pendants, earrings and/or jewelry components. Class fee includes an art clay tool kit to keep, silver clay lump and the use of silver clay paste and silver clay syringe during class.

Date: December 19, 2010**
Meets: Saturday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $175

bangle by student Tracey H.

JEWELRY ARTS: Wire Working / Twisted Wire Bangle

Click the button to view a sample

Make a cool, chunky bangle bracelet during this 3 hour class. Learn how to make the twisted wire components that you add to your collection of unique charms, lampwork (and other) beads... all items are carried on a chunky wire core that is the base of the bangle. Learn how to create your own professional connector (clasp) that is also decorative.

Date: March 24, 2011
Meets: Thursday, 6pm to 9pm
Fee: $40+

**misc. beads and findings are available in our "bead store drawers"

student's work

JEWELRY ARTS: WIRE WORKING ARTISTIC WRAPPING (BEG LVL)

Click the button to view student results

Several different techniques in wire wrapping, knotting and chaining will be presented. It is possible to create 1 to 2 finished pieces during this 3 hour class. You may create pins, earrings, necklace, pendant or bracelet. 10 feet of copper wire provided but students should bring a selection of beads. (a great class for using your own Lampwork Beads!)

Date: tba
Meets: Saturday, 3pm to 6pm
Fee: $40+

Other materials and supplies are available, ask to see our "Bead Store Drawers"

student's work

JEWELRY DESIGN: Metal Smith Studio Time

For those students who have already completed Metal smith I & II and wish to work independently using our equipment, here's your opportunity. Bring tools and any supplies necessary for your projects (or purchase separately from us)

Date: Please inquire
Open Studio Time: Saturday, 11 am to 2 pm
Fee: $25 with shared use of acetylene torch

student's chain

JEWELRY ARTS: METAL SMITH SKILLS - CHAIN MAKING

Click the button to view instructor's sample

You must have experience in soldering to take this class. This class will advance your cutting, shaping and soldering skills in the creation of your own professionally finished, silver linked chain with clasp. Make a short chain for a bracelet or a longer one for a necklace. Choose one of the chain styles shown above and use studio equipment or your own (butane torch, third hand, soldering honeycomb, files & saw. Suggested Reading: "Creative Silver Chains" by Chantal Lise Saunders (available in the design center)

Meets: Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Class Starts: tba 2010
Fee: $100 Class fee + silver material and clasp (from $45 for bracelets to $75 for necklace)

Additional Silver may be purchased from the instructor + sterling silver supplies based on project choice

JEWELRY ARTS: METAL SMITH SKILLS / Marriage of Metals

2 session class whereby students get a chance to refine their torch skills by "marrying" different metals. Sterling silver, copper, red brass to name a few. Students will make 1 pendant or a pair of earrings from start to the final polishing.

Meets: Saturdays, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Class Starts: TBA
Fee: $170 Class fee + Metals & Supplies

Additional Silver may be purchased from the instructor .

RETURN TO THE MAIN DIRECTORY

bracelet by instructor

JEWELRY ARTS: Metal Links / Flat Chainmaille Bracelet

Instructor: Patty Pulliam

Click the button to view instructor's sample

Create your own European 4-in-1 Bracelet with a custom clasp during this daylong workshop. Using ancient techniques, students will learn how to weave (link) sterling silver rings together to form a slinky bracelet. Student will also learn how to construct a custom clasp using sterling wire and a bead. Materials and tools to use during class will be provided. Bring a lampwork or other bead to use in the clasp.

Date: tba 2010
Meets: Saturday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $70+

Choose:
Silver Materials: $ tba
Copper Materials: $ tba

JEWELRY ARTS: METAL SMITH SKILLS / BANGLE MAKING

Create 1 to 2 sterling silver bangle bracelets during this day long workshop. No previous metal smith experience is needed. Use studio equipment while learning how to measure, cut, file, stamp (if desired) shape, solder and polish you piece. Materials cost will depend on the thickness and weight of silver chosen.

Meets: Wednesday, 11am to 5pm
Class Starts: TBA
Fee: $100 Class fee + silver

Additional Silver may be purchased from the instructor .

RETURN TO THE MAIN DIRECTORY

**If two start dates are showing, please indicate which date you are registering for in the Paypal comments box.

instructor's (L) student's (R)

METAL CLAY TECHNIQUES (PMC/Art Clay Silver):
Intermediate / Glass Inclusions / Clasps and other Elements

Instructor: Patty Pulliam

Students will learn how to design and plan a stunning pendant from start to finish whose focal element is a sparkling dichroic cab. Learn how to properly set and fire a piece with a larger glass inclusion in place. Students will leave with some polished, finished work such as silver clasp, earrings or other design elements, but the pendants will need to cool slowly in the kiln to be picked up at a later time. Silver Clay and 1 dichroic glass stone provided. (You can learn to make your own dichroic glass stones in our glass fusing class for beginners.)

Students should bring their tool kit from our first class to class (plus any other texture plates or goodies you've added to your collection). Additional Silver Clay products available for purchase from the design center the day of the class.

Date: October 30, 2010
Meets: Saturday, 11am to 5pm
Fee: $175

SILVER METAL CLAY - (PMC) (Intermediate/Advanced)

Instructor: Hattie Sanderson - Senior Level Instructor / Creator of Metal Clay Instructional DVD's / Creator of Hattie's Patties

Click the button for info about Hattie and see PMC photos

Construct a one of a kind interchangeable spinning bead pendant in metal clay. Change the beads to suit your mood! The design also allows you to vary the length and number of beads! Put it all together to create your one-of-a-kind masterpiece! Unleash your artistic expression as you are guided step by step through this fast-paced, fun and challenging workshop! Class fee includes a project kit. Students provide their own tools, PMC products and beads*

Class fee includes a project kit. Students provide their own tools and PMC products.*

Meets:
Date:
Fee: $200

Instructor's sample

PRECIOUS METAL CLAY (PMC): Exotic Essence Vessel Pendant (Intermediate/Advanced)

Instructor: Hattie Sanderson -- Senior Instructor for PMC / Creator of Metal Clay Instructional DVD's / Creator of Hattie's Patties

Click the button for info about Hattie and see PMC photos

In this exciting class you will sharpen and expand your skills as you use both wet and dry construction techniques to create a beautiful vessel in your choice of designs. Next, make a functional stopper lid to complete your stunning wearable work of art that will hold your favorite essential oil. Basic beading techniques will be covered as well. This class is fast-paced, fun and challenging!

Class fee includes a project kit. Students provide their own tools and PMC products.*

Date: TBA
Meets: Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Fee: $200