Course description: This is a day for previous Tacoma Metal Arts students to practice what you learned in classes with help from Amy. Bring in unfinished metalsmithing projects or start something new. Amy will be able to help you with tool use, technique and review of what we covered in class. Questions about whether your project is appropriate? Email Amy at info@tacomametalarts.com

Materials: most materials included. Silver and stones available for purchase.

Prerequisite: At least one class at the TMA studio. Students should be familiar with the studio.

Course description - An in-depth workshop in three days, perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn jewelry-making but never had the time. Amy will cover all of the metalsmithing fundamentals, including sawing, filing, stamping, hammering, and texturing, and that is just the first day! We will also cover bezel setting of cabochon cut stones, making rings, and lots of soldering. Students will be guided step by step in the use of studio equipment like torches, hand tools, rolling mill and hydraulic press. The instructor will also talk about how to set up a home studio so you can continue on your own after the class. No prior jewelry experience is necessary, students of all levels are welcome.  Small class size ensures plenty of one on one instruction. Copper and brass provided for in class use, silver and cabochon stones are available for purchase.

Materials: Most materials included. You will learn to set a cabochon cut stone in a bezel setting. Students may purchase silver to work with and stones for this project (approx. $20 and up). You may bring your own if you wish. Bring an N95 or KN95 to wear while polishing.

Prerequisite: None.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Course description: Forging is a great way to add dimension and detail to your work.

Refine your hammer skills and learn hot-forging and cold forging technies for all kinds of projects.

Materials: included: 6" 10 gauge sterling wire, bronze rod for projects.

Prerequisite: Jewelry basics, sawing, filing, torch work etc.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Course description: This is a day for previous Tacoma Metal Arts students to practice what you learned in classes with help from Amy. Bring in unfinished metalsmithing projects or start something new. Amy will be able to help you with tool use, technique and review of what we covered in class. Questions about whether your project is appropriate? Email Amy at info@tacomametalarts.com

Materials: most materials included. Silver and stones available for purchase.

Prerequisite: At least one class at the TMA studio. Students should be familiar with the studio.

Course description - An in-depth workshop in three days, perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn jewelry-making but never had the time. Amy will cover all of the metalsmithing fundamentals, including sawing, filing, stamping, hammering, and texturing, and that is just the first day! We will also cover bezel setting of cabochon cut stones, making rings, and lots of soldering. Students will be guided step by step in the use of studio equipment like torches, hand tools, rolling mill and hydraulic press. The instructor will also talk about how to set up a home studio so you can continue on your own after the class. No prior jewelry experience is necessary, students of all levels are welcome.  Small class size ensures plenty of one on one instruction. Copper and brass provided for in class use, silver and cabochon stones are available for purchase.

Materials: Most materials included. You will learn to set a cabochon cut stone in a bezel setting. Students may purchase silver to work with and stones for this project (approx. $20 and up). You may bring your own if you wish. Bring an N95 or KN95 to wear while polishing.

Prerequisite: None.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Course description: If you've taken lots of classes but lack the confidence to push your metalsmithing skills then this is the class for you. Prong setting takes time to master; this class will give you the skills to start. Amy will introduce you to a variety of prong settings . We will start by fabricating aprong setting for a small round stone (cabochon or faceted) 3mm to 12 mm. Then learn how to use pre-made settings for oval faceted stones. If time allows, Amy will help you through fabricating a setting for different shape stones. If you have time, bring a piece to add a stone to (such as a ring), or you may make a project in class. We will cover precision measuring, solving design challenges and logistical planning of a complicated piece.

Materials: about $35 to cover the costs of a few basic sterling settings and cubic zirconia stones. Students may opt to bring silver to work with or purchase in class. Please bring a dust mask rated (K)N95 (available at the studio for $3) and any projects or stones you wish to work with.

OPTIONAL: Here is a suggested list of sterling, please bring whatever gauges you already prefer to work with: (NOTE: all of this is available at the studio for puchase)
1 ft 20ga round wire
1 ft 16ga square wire
6" 16ga half round
1ft 18ga round wire
1 ft 2x1 rectangle wire
20 ga sheet or thicker (small amount is fine)

Prerequisite: Beginning Jewelry and experience with simple stone setting (such as a bezel set cabochon) and be able to solder simple pieces.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Course description: An in-depth workshop in three days, perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn jewelry-making but never had the time. Amy will cover all of the metalsmithing fundamentals, including sawing, filing, stamping, hammering, and texturing, and that is just the first day! We will also cover bezel setting of cabochon cut stones, making rings, and lots of soldering. Students will be guided step by step in the use of studio equipment like torches, hand tools, rolling mill and hydraulic press. The instructor will also talk about how to set up a home studio so you can continue on your own after the class. No prior jewelry experience is necessary, students of all levels are welcome.  Small class size ensures plenty of one on one instruction. Copper and brass provided for in class use, silver and cabochon stones are available for purchase.

Materials: Most materials included. You will learn to set a cabochon cut stone in a bezel setting. Students may purchase silver to work with and stones for this project (approx. $20 and up). You may bring your own if you wish. Bring an N95 or KN95 to wear while polishing.

Prerequisite: None.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Course description:

Sand Casting is an extremely useful, rapid, and versatile technique for the small jewelry studio. This is a perfect process for anyone that has an interest in casting but does not want the mess of investment or the expense of casting machinery.

Master objects are never lost or damaged. (Master object refers to whatever object you want to duplicate in metal; you will make a sand mold based on this object)

Learn the basics of sand-casting small objects in bronze or silver. In this workshop, you will learn how to best select master object, which tools to use, and how to prepare your sand mold with gates and vents so that the molten metal flows best during the pour.

Then Jesse will guide you through melting bronze or silver in a crucible and pour it into your sand mold to create a solid metal sand casting!

After casting, Jesse will show you how to clean up your metal as well as different finishing and polishing options.

Students should bring:

-(K)N95 mask or purchase in class $3

-Master objects for casting exploration that are no more than 2" inches in the largest direction.

-one small fire resistant glass or ceramic container to hold casting grain (a shot glass is the perfect size)

Optional to bring:

shop apron to protect your clothes or borrow one of ours

shop towel or borrow one of ours

Material fee:

$35, payable to Jesse Bert in class.

Prerequisite:

Basic jewelry skills: sawing, filing, annealing.

Course description:

Students will explore the attributes of carbon steel to create unique and exciting tools much in the same way that has been done by artisans and jewelers for generations. As well as looking at some traditional tool forms and shapes, the instructor will also explain the value of exploring ideas to create your own unique tool designs that will enhance, embellish, and personalize each metal creation that leaves your bench. Tools will be made and given form by using a grinding machine, filing, or cutting with the jewelers saw. Sanding and polishing will be used to give final finish, followed by a two-step heat treatment process ensuring your tools will last a lifetime. Choose to take this class on it's own, or with the charm class the following day to incorporate the use of your own new tools!

Students should bring:

- A pair of thin flexible leather gloves that are comfortable to wear while filing
- A mask to help protect against dust (KN95's work great) or purchase in class $3

-Earmuff style hearing protection

Optional to bring:

shop apron to protect your clothes or borrow one of ours

Material fee:

$35, payable to Jesse Bert in class.

Prerequisite:

Basic jewelry skills: sawing, filing, annealing.

Course description - An in-depth workshop in three days, perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn jewelry-making but never had the time. Amy will cover all of the metalsmithing fundamentals, including sawing, filing, stamping, hammering, and texturing, and that is just the first day! We will also cover bezel setting of cabochon cut stones, making rings, and lots of soldering. Students will be guided step by step in the use of studio equipment like torches, hand tools, rolling mill and hydraulic press. The instructor will also talk about how to set up a home studio so you can continue on your own after the class. No prior jewelry experience is necessary, students of all levels are welcome.  Small class size ensures plenty of one on one instruction. Copper and brass provided for in class use, silver and cabochon stones are available for purchase.

Materials: Most materials included. You will learn to set a cabochon cut stone in a bezel setting. Students may purchase silver to work with and stones for this project (approx. $20 and up). You may bring your own if you wish. Bring an N95 or KN95 to wear while polishing.

Prerequisite: None.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Course description: A great starter class for absolute beginners. Learn to design and make your own jewelry step by step!  Amy will cover all of the metalsmithing fundamentals, including sawing, filing, stamping, hammering, and texturing.  Students will be guided step by step in the use of studio equipment with access to a rolling mill and hydraulic press.  Students will be guided step by step in the use of studio equipment like torches, hand tools, rolling mill and hydraulic press. The instructor will also talk about how to set up a home studio so you can continue on your own after the class. No prior jewelry experience is necessary, students of all levels are welcome. 

Materials included: Copper and brass provided for in class use, silver available for purchase or bring your own. Bring an N95/KN95 mask or purchase one in class

Prerequisite: none!

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Course description: Learn how to create settings for flat backed objects and cabochon cut stones. Bezel setting is also perfect for setting beach glass, coins, buttons, almost anything with a flat back. If it is your first time doing a bezel you can create a setting for ovals or freeforms.

In this class we will cover selecting appropriate bezel wire, silver soldering, fitting a cabochon cut stone, making a ring band or pendant bail, polishing and stone setting.

If you have done a bezel once or twice before, Amy will help you with the more difficult shapes such as squares, rectangles or pointed stones;as well as more difficult materials like thicker bezels and gallery wire.

Materials: Bring a cabochon cut stone to set, or purchase one from our assortment. Students should bring $10-$20 to cover the cost of silver, or you are welcome to bring your own. Jerry's Rock and Gem in Kent is a great local supplier for silver and stones. Ask for the student discount!

Prerequisite: Students should have a little experience with soldering, sawing, and filing.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students