Beenie earrings by Lindsay Greenwald

Level: All Skill Levels
Requirements: Jewelry I or Equivalent
Program: Fall
Status: Open
Length: 2 Days
Tuition: $ 395
Only $ 375.25 for registration before 25 September 2008
Materials: $ 0
Date: October 25, 2008 - October 26, 2008
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Metalwerx

This workshop will focus on the beauty and history of the earring. Hoops, dangles, and posts, both large and small!

Earrings have so many design possibilities because they are not confined to a particular size like bracelets or rings. They frame the face making them easily visible to others and able to be seen from all sides. Whether they are long, short, colorful, delicate, dangling and moving, or sturdy and straight, they are the most common form of jewelry you'll find people wearing.

This two-day workshop will act as an introduction to the vast topic of earring design and making. Morning demos will take up the first part of class and then students will have time to work independently. It's helpful to have a sketchbook to keep track of notes and ideas.

The first day will focus on all things not soldered. Earring findings, French wires, plier-formed and hammered wire, pierced sheet, wire wrapping with beads as well as hoop earrings and variations. Other techniques include half round forming, twisting wire, and a folded ruffle with soldered post. On the second day students will work on bezel set post earrings and fold formed earrings with post or French wire. The class will also discuss efficient design and execution of earrings.

This workshop is appropriate for beginners as well as advanced students. There will be something for people at every level.

Materials & Tools

You are welcome to buy additional materials during class from Paulette if you do not have materials on hand or are a beginner. She will also will bring a variety of hand tools, dowels, and flex shaft tools for use during class. Argentium sterling silver, keumboo supplies, stones, pearls, and various thought provoking items will be available for purchase as well. Students can buy as much or as little as needed for their designs. Depending on the market, students may spend $40 - $60.

Students Can Bring:

• Sheet metal you'd like to work with
• 20 gauge sterling silver wire for ear wires
• A variety of stones, pearls, and found objects you may like to incorporate into your earring designs.
• Note: The Metalwerx studio has many of these tools available for use during class but if you have your own, you can bring them along so you don't have to share.
• Pliers: round nose, needle nose, half round/flat, flat jaw, and flush cutting pliers.
• Jeweler's saw
• planishing hammer
• rawhide mallet
• vise grips
• bench block/anvil
• files
• patience
• sketch book for taking notes
• pieces in progress, failures that need help, and questions about methods for earring construction.