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Mr. Chris Ploof

Chris started creating early in life. While growing up in Massachusetts, he used to visit a local living history museum. While there, Chris spent hours watching the blacksmith and tinsmith work their craft. It was amazing to watch simple tools, hands, and hearts make complex items of beauty. He would then go home, and using whatever was at hand, re-enact what he had seen.

"Thirteen years ago, the desire to recreate some of what I had watched being hammered out was overwhelming - my head was full of ideas - and with the help of a 55 gallon drum, some fire bricks, and a hairdryer, my career in metalsmithing was launched. I felt something was missing, however. "

Chris found the missing link when he started taking jewelry making classes. He felt very at home with jewelry scale items. After becoming a full-time student, he began an apprenticeship under a master goldsmith and stone setter which continues today. Chris learns and teaches in this relationship.

"I love exploring new techniques and materials, and I especially love to push the envelope of current and accepted techniques. Challenges always seem to lead down long roads even after they have been met, and spawn many future ideas and designs for me. Impossible is only a temporary condition. My favorite materials are gold, mokume, and meteorite."

Chris maintains a studio in Worcester, Massachusetts. Here, he designs and hand crafts several lines of exclusive production jewelry, as well as many custom pieces.

Examples of his work may be viewed on his website.


Japanese Metal Alloying: Shibuichi & Shakudo
 With Chris Ploof
 07 June 2008 - 08 June 2008
  
 In this class, you will learn how to mix alloys, pour ingots, and reduce them to usable sheet and wire stock. Special emphasis will be given to two of the Japaeses alloys of copper, Shakudo and Shibuichi.
  
 Complete Course InformationSign Up Now. It is Easy and Safe!
  

Intro to Miniature Forming and Raising

Plus Hollow Ring Construction

 With Chris Ploof
 16 July 2008 - 20 July 2008
5% Early Bird Discount for registration before 16 June 2008
  
 

This class will teach forming and raising techniques using the Fretz Hammers and Stakes. You will learn how to prepare patterns for sheet metal which can be formed into small vessels and hollow rings.

  
 Complete Course InformationSign Up Now. It is Easy and Safe!
  
May 09, 2008
 PMC Certification
 PMC Certification is the work of serious, dedicated, and well-trained enthusiasts. Certification ensures a standardized level of excellence and is earned upon successfully completing a Rio Grande-sponsored workshop.
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May 17, 2008
 Investigating Patinas and Cold Connections
 

Learn how to create an interesting colorful effects on metals such as brass, copper, and silver. 

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May 31, 2008
 Mechanisms and Movement
 This workshop will teach you how to tackle aspects of functionality and movement in your jewelry. Learn simple mechanics to make your work swing back and forth and spin from front to back.
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New Book! - Making the Most of Your Flex-shaft
  By Karen Christians
 

Making the Most of Your Flex-shaft
Making the Most of Your Flex-shaft is the one resource you'll need to ensure you gain maximum advantage from your flex-shaft system. Learn how to select the right system, how to choose and use the latest accessories and attachments, and how to properly maintain your system for extended life. See why so many jewelers are reading this book and discovering what they didn't know about their flex-shaft systems!

Prime Sponsor:
Rio Grande
Patrons:
Foredom
and 3M Inc

Price: $34.95
Shipping: $5 USA, $9 International

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