Summary of Class Types 2024

These descriptions should give you a general idea of what is covered in each of our subject areas. You will still want to refer to the Class Descriptions for each individual class to find out specific skills, techniques, and materials covered by each instructor.

BASKETRY: Learn to start, weave and finish many different styles of baskets. BASKETS

BEADING: Learn to string and knot a variety of materials and to design your own projects using techniques employed by a professional beader. BEADING

BEADING, SEED: Learn various stitches, from brick to peyote, and various techniques including knitting, weaving, two-hole beads, structural beading, and Kumihimo. BEADING

BLACK CORAL JEWELRY: You create your own unique jewelry using Florida black coral, including how to collect the coral, smoothing and polishing. You will then form the limbs into shapes, and assemble the pieces with sterling silver findings, pearls and/or beads. UNIQUE OFFERINGS

CABOCHONS: Covers shaping rock slabs into finished pieces for bolos, belt buckles, or to be wire wrapped, incorporated into beading, or into silver settings. LAPIDARY ARTS

CASTING: Learn to use carving and waxes to create beautiful works, then cast and finish your pieces, as well as mold making and some use of pre-made waxes. METALS

CHAIN: Learn to use many kinds of jump rings to create bracelets, necklaces, fabrics, earrings, or other projects. CHAIN AND/OR METALS

CHASING & REPOUSSÉ: The ancient art of moving metal using punches and hammers to create 3D patterns and shapes to create both low- and high-relief designs. METALS

COLD CONNECTION: Learn to combine different kinds of metals by riveting, wiring, and the use of grommets, etc. METALS

ENAMELING: Enameling is the art of bonding paints made from pigmented glass to metal. Several techniques are taught. GLASS ARTS

ELECTRO-ETCHING: Learn simple, safe and repeatable ways to etch designs into metal using a variety of techniques. METALS (Surface Design)

FABRIC DYING: Students will be working with fabric dyes and Sharpies to dye fabric using Batik, Dye Resist and Dye Discharge, Shibori, monoprints, and other dying techniques. UNIQUE OFFERINGS

FACETING: Learn to select rough and patterns to produce stones in many different styles. This class requires patience as the cutting process must be very precise. Students should have the ability to follow technical patterns. LAPIDARY ARTS

FLAME PAINTING: Using a flame on copper to create precise pattern placement and colors by changes in the flame temperature. METALS (Surface Design)

FOLD FORMING: Explore the nature of metal materials by stretching, compressing, and using a variety of techniques using stakes, hammers, and more. METALS

GEM TREES: Using wire and gemstone you will create a wide variety of beautiful trees. You will also learn to identify different tumbled gemstones. GEM TREES

GLASS FUSING: Students learn compatibility of glass types and ways to combine dichroic and other glass to produce jewelry-grade cabochons. Class includes how to cut, arrange and stack glass, safe operation of a kiln and proper fusing techniques. GLASS ARTS

GOLD: Students should have extensive experience with silversmithing as they will be learning the specifics of soldering and fabrication of jewelry pieces with gold. METALS

INTARSIA: A variety of stones are cut to precision and fitted together to form intricate designs. This course teaches how to create pieces using a faceting or intarsia machine to cut, grind, and polish. Prior Cab or Faceting experience helpful. LAPIDARY ARTS

JUNIOR ROCKHOUNDS: Specially designed for the young rockhound to introduce them to various lapidary and related interests and to create a lasting passion. JUNIOR ROCKHOUNDS/JUNIOR JEWELERS

KALEIDOSCOPES: Learn how to build several styles of kaleidoscopes as you dive into the magic world of color and mirrors. GLASS ARTS

KUMIHIMO: Learn the mathematics of Kumihimo to better understand and build your own patterns, as well as the techniques for adding focals. BEADING

LAMPWORK BEADS: Learn how to make beads using oxygen/propane torches and soft glass. Students must wear 100% cotton clothing and Didymium glasses are required in class. GLASS ARTS

LEATHERWORK: Learn techniques used to work, construct, and decorate leather crafts. LEATHER

METAL CLAY: Learn to create fine jewelry the easy way. PMC fires to become .999 pure or 22K gold. Other clays fire to create copper and other metals. CLAY ARTS

MINERAL IDENTIFICATION: Learn to identify the different minerals (rocks) you have found or would like to find. Class includes several field trips, which will require old clothes and boots or shoes for wading in water. Hiking may be required. MINERAL ID

MIXED METALS – SURFACE DESIGN: Learn to combine different kinds of metals by riveting, wiring, and the use of grommets, etc. While working to change the metal’s surface, you could be using torch enameling, liquid enamels, flame painting, or even colored pencils. Very little soldering is required; however, torches may be used. METALS

OPALS: Learn to cut opals and find the best in the stone. Covers Australian, Boulder, and Mexican Opals. LAPIDARY ARTS

POLYMER CLAY: Learn to make various items including shaped beads, millefiori canes, faux stones, jewelry, folk vessels, baking and finishing techniques, inclusions, and more. CLAY ARTS

SILVER: Create rings, pins, pendants, and bracelets by learning to cut, solder, and finish silver and set cabochons. Incorporates many topics such as inlay, stone setting, and more. METALS

SOFT SOLDERING: Using a soldering torch rather than a flame, you will build lovely jewelry items with a “Tiffany lamp” style of low-tech soldering. It’s a great class for those who fear the torch or cannot have torch equipment on-site. METALS

STAINED GLASS: Covers copper foil (Tiffany) method of construction and leaded glass techniques. Design your own projects. Some classes also teach how to make Kaleidoscopes. GLASS ARTS

WIRE: Create bracelets, pendants, rings, and earrings using Gold-Filled, Sterling Silver and Copper wire. WIRE JEWELRY

WIRE WEAVING: Learn the unique and intricate technique of wire weaving, using several weaving patterns, to create spectacular pieces of artwork-quality jewelry. You will incorporate soldering, using patinas, and layering in your weaves. WIRE JEWELRY