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Focused Framing Techniques
A setting is usually required to frame and secure a stone, object, or your special enamel piece, whether you are making pendants, earrings, or even a brooch. This workshop will help jewelers and enamelists approach the setting part of the jewelry making process as an integral aspect of their design. We will examine historic and contemporary examples, putting ourselves in the right frame of mind (pun intended) in order to understand a variety of options for setting objects, stones, and enamels and how to develop a design strategy for your individual pieces.
Reverse settings are especially interesting as they allow for both a clean or ornate look. Barbara will explain two types of reverse settings by demonstrating how to cut simple and advanced tabbed settings, as well as how to solder prong settings onto metal frames. This class will also address the best placement for findings, strategies for properly fitting back plates, preparation of the tabs, notching prongs, and safe setting techniques. This is a hands-on workshop where technical demonstrations will alternate with work time at the bench, as students work to create stunning settings for their own artwork. Bring along your special piece that you would like to honor with an exquisite framing solution. Clear step-by-step instruction and technical handouts will be provided.
Onsite reopening will follow all necessary safety policies and state mandates. Please click here to read current and up-to-date information regarding Metalwerx health and safety protocols.
Meet the instructor
Barbara Seidenath was born and raised in Munich, Germany. She studied Jewelry making at the State School for Glass and Jewelry in Neugablonz, Germany where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Goldsmithing, followed by a Masters of Fine Arts degree from the Academy of Fine Arts, Munich.
Seidenath has been on the teaching faculty of the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI for nearly three decades. She also taught at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and has been a faculty member at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She has taught many seminars and workshops in the U.S. and abroad and has had her work shown in international solo and group exhibitions.
Seidenath's work has been seen at the American Craft Museum, New York City; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Design Museum of Munich, Germany. In 2002, Marjorie Simon wrote in Metalsmith Magazine "[Seidenath's work] is as delectable as the witch's house was to Hansel and Gretel. Putting it on would be like breaking the frozen surface and seeing the sun burst through again." Click here to read the full article: Bohemian Rhapsody - Importing Barbara Seidenath by Marjorie Simon [Metalsmith Magazine - Summer 2002]
Materials & Tools
There is a $10 materials fee for this workshop that is payable upon registration. The materials kit covers plenty of brass sheet to practice with, heavy gauge brass wire, and sawblades.
- stones, objects, or enamels they wish to make frames for
- 20g or 22g silver sheet - if they wish to work in silver
- 16g or thicker sterling round wire - optional
- 2mm or thicker sterling square wire - optional