Art Class: Jewelry Metalsmithing

Local jewelry designer Debbie Kashdan will coach you through some of the fundamentals of metalsmithing, including the properties of common metals, safety concerns, essential metalsmithing tools, equipment and their uses. The class is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23 and runs from 10 am to 1 pm. The cost is $85+tax, which includes your supplies.

Plan to complete a pair of earrings and/or a ring. You’ll work on creating a simple project using copper, brass and accents of silver, You will practice essential techniques including designing and planning your project, sawing, annealing metal, texturing metal, filing, and beginning soldering utilizing small butane torches. There will be a discussion about the various ways to finish pieces with patinas, polishing and tumbling.

Please bring a small torch (crème brule type) and butane fuel (lighter fluid) which can be purchased at kitchen supply or hardware stores. Or bring a larger “BigShot” butane torch. If you have a Dremel tool, please bring that (we will have some available at the class). We’ll provide all other supplies and metals.

The class is held at The Craft Gallery at 5911 S. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach (just north of Forest Hill Blvd., next to Carvel). Bring a snack or sack lunch and plan to have fun as we explore this most fascinating (and sometimes addicting) art form. Register today at 561-762-8162 or potteryme@aol.com.