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

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

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.

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: 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

Prerequisite:

None!

Course description:

Learn the basics of sand-casting small objects in Sterling, bronze or shibuichi* (*shibuichi is an alloy of copper and silver).

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)

In this workshop, you will learn how to best select a master object for succesful castings. Jesse will show you which carving 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. You will also learn how to clean the sand mold material for reuse. Casting molds, sand and crucibles will be available for purchase after class so you can continue at home.

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)

-bronze is included in the class but if you would like to cast with silver bring clean sterling scrap or sterling casting grain (approx 50 grams). If you want to create a piece using shibuichi you will need about 10 - 15 grams of silver.

Optional to bring:

-shop apron to protect your clothes or borrow one of ours

-shop towel or borrow one of ours

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: Sawing and filing

Course description: 

Join Jesse Bert as he takes you through everything you ever wanted to know about rivets! In this class we go over all the main styles of rivets and how to set them well, as well as what purposes rivets can serve and why you might want to use them! 
Rivets are one of the most versatile ways to cold connect pieces of metal or other materials together- you can make them invisible or intricate, decorative or functional! 
 Rivets or versions of that get covered in Jesse's class include (but are not limited to):
- standard rivets
- Tube Rivets
- Moving rivets
- Functional rivets
- Decorative rivets
- When to use rivets as a connection method
- How rivets fit into fabrication steps
- Protection of your piece while riveting
- Round raised head rivets
- Finishing for perfect rivets

Jesse has more than 20 years’ experience and his pieces are frequently made with found or repurposed materials sensitive to heat. Learn Jesse's personal techniques in order to demystify this topic while gaining insight on processes and procedures.
If you'd like to see more of Jesse's work, please visit his website: jessebert.com

Materials fee: $10 paid to instructor for wire and tubing

Prerequisite: sawing, filing, and soldering skills

Course description:

Learn to make the back of your jewelry as beautiful as the front!

There are many styles of pin-back mechanisms for Brooches. Jesse will demystify what to take into consideration for a superbly functioning and wearable brooch.  The focus in this class will be to lead students through the steps of creating and finishing a beautiful and functional pin-back mechanism with silver components. The elegant pin-back construction that students will learn is one of the very best options out there.

If you'd like to see more of Jesse's work, please visit his website: jessebert.com

Optional to bring: Bring a pre-existing brooch to create a pin back for (no stones set yet please)

Materials needed: (purchase in class for $40 or bring your own)

- 2mm OD heavy-wall Seamless Sterling Tube. 3 inch piece
Rio Grande Part No. 100450
- 2 x 4mm rectangle sterling silver wire. 3 inch piece
Rio Grande Part No. 100542
- 10 gauge square sterling silver wire. 3 inch piece
Rio Grande Part No. 100510
- 12 gauge round sterling silver wire. 3 inch piece
Rio Grande Part No. 100343
- 18 gauge sterling sterling silver sheet. one strip 3” x 1/4”
Rio Grande Part No. 100595
- 20 gauge copper sheet. one piece 3” x 4” inches
Rio Grande Part No. 132120

USE SCHOOL CODE RFSTMAC to order wholesale from Rio Grande

Prerequisite: sawing, filing, and soldering skills

Prerequisite: None!

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.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Prerequisite:

None!

Course description:

Learn the basics of sand-casting small objects in Sterling, bronze or shibuichi* (*shibuichi is an alloy of copper and silver).

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)

In this workshop, you will learn how to best select a master object for succesful castings. Jesse will show you which carving 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. You will also learn how to clean the sand mold material for reuse. Casting molds, sand and crucibles will be available for purchase after class so you can continue at home.

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)

-bronze is included in the class but if you would like to cast with silver bring clean sterling scrap or sterling casting grain (approx 50 grams). If you want to create a piece using shibuichi you will need about 10 - 15 grams of silver.

Optional to bring:

-shop apron to protect your clothes or borrow one of ours

-shop towel or borrow one of ours

Prerequisite:

None!

Course description:

Learn the basics of sand-casting small objects in Sterling, bronze or shibuichi* (*shibuichi is an alloy of copper and silver).

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)

In this workshop, you will learn how to best select a master object for succesful castings. Jesse will show you which carving 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. You will also learn how to clean the sand mold material for reuse. Casting molds, sand and crucibles will be available for purchase after class so you can continue at home.

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)

-bronze is included in the class but if you would like to cast with silver bring clean sterling scrap or sterling casting grain (approx 50 grams). If you want to create a piece using shibuichi you will need about 10 - 15 grams of silver.

Optional to bring:

-shop apron to protect your clothes or borrow one of ours

-shop towel or borrow one of ours

Prerequisite:

None!

Course description: 

Enameling is a great way to incorporate color into your jewelry.  Learn to add contrast and impact using opaque and transparent enamel in your jewelry pieces.  This class will cover enamel application basics such as cleaning metals, applying liquid enamel, sifting powdered enamel, and firing the work in a kiln.   We will work with various effects in enameling such enameling over textures and layering colors, stamps and more. You will leave this class with a few pieces ready to wear as jewelry.

Materials:

Most materials included, fine silver sheet available for sale.  Optional to bring small paint brushes, rubber stamps and stencils if you have them. An N95 or KN95 mask is required for enameling.

Prerequisite:

At least one enamel class or similar experience with enamels. Not sure if you qualify? email info@tacomametalarts.com with your questions

Course description:

This is a day for students with enamel experience to practice what you learned in enamel classes with help from Amy. Bring in unfinished projects or start something new. Amy will be able to help you with tool use, technique and review of what we covered in class.

Materials:

most materials included. Copper and thompson lead free enamel for your class projects is included. Silver and stones availalbe for purchase. An N95 or KN95 mask is required for enameling.

Note: No lead bearing enamels

Prerequisite:

None!

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.

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Prerequisite: none!

Course description: A great starter class for absolute beginners. Learn to design and make your own jewelry step by step!  The instructor 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 like torches, hand tools, rolling mill. No prior jewelry experience is necessary, students of all levels are welcome. 

Materials: 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

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Prerequisite:

None!

Course description:

Learn the basics of sand-casting small objects in Sterling, bronze or shibuichi* (*shibuichi is an alloy of copper and silver).

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)

In this workshop, you will learn how to best select a master object for succesful castings. Jesse will show you which carving 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. You will also learn how to clean the sand mold material for reuse. Casting molds, sand and crucibles will be available for purchase after class so you can continue at home.

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)

-bronze is included in the class but if you would like to cast with silver bring clean sterling scrap or sterling casting grain (approx 50 grams). If you want to create a piece using shibuichi you will need about 10 - 15 grams of silver.

Optional to bring:

-shop apron to protect your clothes or borrow one of ours

-shop towel or borrow one of ours

Prerequisite: none!

Course description: Designed for absolute beginners and those needing a refresher, this class introduces students to the fundamentals of metalworking. Through demonstrations, individualized instruction, and practice, you will develop basic skills in sawing, filing, soldering, tube riveting, texturing, and finishing, as well as in the safe use of tools and studio chemicals. You can expect to leave the class with a unique Charm or Pendant. No prior jewelry experience is necessary, students of all levels are welcome. You may find it beneficial to repeat this class several times, or with different teachers, not only to strengthen your skills, but also to benefit from the expertise of each instructor.

Note: this class does not cover stone setting

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

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

Prerequisite: none!

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

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students

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

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!

Class Size: Minimum 3 students, Maximum 6 students