Classes

Our classes are short term and conveniently scheduled, making them more accessible, realistic and perfect for out-of-towners in for a quick dose of creativity during a week-end workshop. Classes are taught by working local Austin Artists and Instructors who are excited to share their expertise and assist in your artistic growth.

All these classes will allow you to walk away with your own handmade piece of art–perfect for personalized gifts, for a place of honor in your home, or to market. Gain dexterity and skills which you can apply to any medium.

These classes are all appropriate for beginners, experienced and aspiring artists.

Whatever level you are on come discover your Creative Side that is dying to be explored and developed!

Summer 2008

We are Registering Now, Call Courtney 512-799-0589

please note that many of our classes have different

class dates to choose from to fit your schedule.

These separate classes are described as class 1,  class 2 etc.

You must register for each class duration individually.

To find out more about an instructor click on their name.   

Advanced Wax Carving
Instructor: Sarah King
 

April 26-27, Saturday and Sunday, 10-6pm
Whether your goal is to develop your own unique style of carving, discover new tricks or tools along the way, or to create and execute more complex designs this class will help you advance in your carving skills.  The main focus will be to push yourself as an artist to create more intricate sculptural or structural compositions in wax.  Sarah King has worked as an in-house designer and wax carver for a wholesale and retail custom jewelry shop for the past 5 years.

Check out her work at:  Karahsing.googlepages.com

Prerequisite:  Lost Wax Casting
Tuition: $325

Precious Metal Clay
Instructor: Janise Simmons

These are separate 1 day workshops, pick one that fits your schedule.

Class 1: Sunday, April 20, 10-6pm

Class 2: Saturday, May 24, 10-6pm

Class 3: Sunday, June 22, 10-6pm

Precious metal clay is powdered pure silver suspended in an
organic binder. It looks and behaves like regular clay. When
heat is applied in a kiln or by torch, the binder burns off and a
99.99% pure silver piece is produced. This day long class will
introduce you to the four forms of PMC and each person will
complete a number of jewelry pieces. Janise presents a unique
opportunity to learn this innovative product. Produce things
in minutes that would require hours of intense work with
traditional methods.
Tuition: $200 (includes materials)

New

Precious Metal Clay Studio Days

Instructor: Janise Simmons

Sunday, May 25, 10am-6pm

Sunday, June 29, 10am-6pm

This is for PMC experienced students who have taken a beginning class and would like to have fire time and work time with tools.

Cost: $50 (You must call one week in advance to reserve your spot and get materials)

Gem Stone Setting

Instructor: Steve Kriechbaum

May 17-18, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm

Are you ready to incorporate beautiful gemstones or diamonds in your jewelry?  With over 30 years experience in setting fine gemstones of all shapes and sizes, Steve offers you the secrets of his experience in setting fine gemstones of all shapes and sizes, Steve offers you the secrets of his experience.  Work one on one with Steve to develop the necessary skills to include stones in your work beautifully and accurately.  Setting techniques include tube setting, bezel setting, prong setting, graver use and much more.

View Steve's work at www.skriechbaum.com

(Some jewelry experience required.  Call for info 512-799-0589)

Tuition: $325 Materials $50  
 

Jewelry Making Methods

Instructor: Courtney Gray

June 11-July 30, 8 classes, Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30pm
Offered through Austin Museum of Art.

Find inspiration, explore and evaluate ideas, and decide which jewelry application is best for your vision.  Explore techniques in fabrication including sawing, filing, textures, and more.  Touch on basic casting processes, including lost wax casting and Cuttlebone casting.  Work hands-on and benefit from demonstrations and discussions.

Register for this class only at www.amoa.org

or 323-6380  Beginners welcome
Tuition:  $198, materials $81

Jewelry Inspired by Nature

Instructor: Rima Rex

July 7-28th, Monday evenings, 6:30-9:30pm    

What kinds of things invoke creativity and wonder for you in the world, around or within?  Is it the pattern on a leaf, the texture of a tree trunk, the human heart, or the dream you had last night?  In this workshop we will explore the different design possibilities for these inspirations.  Translate your inspiration into wearable art/jewelry.  Bring with you images and/or objects like a leaf, sticks, bugs, drawings, and objects of inspiration.

Techniques may include: soldering, sawing, piercing, copper etching, casting clasps, making molds and impressions, polishing, filing, and patinas. 

(Some basic skills are helpful but not required)

Tuition: $210 (some materials required)

Findings Galore!

Instructor: Rima Rex

June 26-27, Thursday and Friday, 6:30-9:30pm

In this 2-day workshop we will explore clasps and findings, look at ancient and modern methods, mechanisms and linkage techniques.  You will then experiment with making your own clasps and findings and learn to create the perfect finding to compliment the overall design of your jewelry or beaded pieces.

Techniques:  Hammering, filing, soldering, wire bending, measuring and polishing.

All skill levels welcome.

Tuition: $150 (some materials required) 
 

Etruscan Chain Weaving

Instructor: Rima Rex

August 1-2, Saturday and Sunday, 10-6pm

The Etruscan chain is one of the most beautiful styles of chain that is still worn today.  In this 2-day workshop you will learn this weave and create your own chain and a basic clasp mechanism.  We will discuss different chain styles and techniques, and have a lot of hands-on time.

Skills utilized:  Annealing, soldering, weaving.

Beginners welcome.

Tuition: $170 (some materials required) 

Jewelry With a Narrative

Instructor: Rima Rex

August 7-28, Thursdays, 6:30-9:30pm 
 

Create a piece of jewelry or a small series of pieces inspired by the story of your choice.  Your inspiration can be your favorite book or movie, or even a fairy-tale from childhood.  Perhaps you have a story from your own life you would like to translate into wearable art.  Challenge yourself!

Techniques:  Soldering, sawing, piercing, copper etching, casting, clasps, making molds and impressions, polishing, filing, patinas.

Beginners welcome.
Tuition: $210 (some materials required)