Workshops
2023 March 17,18,19 ,Jeanie Pratt , Designs on Woven Metal, Cost $352 (does not incl. kit $70)
Jeanie Pratt is coming to Diane Weimer's studio in Long Beach, CA on March 17,18.19 to teach Design In Woven Metal. Cost $352 Kit is $70 due first day of class.
Contact me at diaweimer@gmail.com if interested.
In this workshop you will learn how to weave small sheets of metal from flattened wire to incorporate in your jewelry. You will be introduced to a variety of patterns that can be achieved using different weave structures. They range from a simple over and under plain weave to beautiful flowing undulating designs. There are so many fun ways to achieve various effects in weaving, including the weave pattern itself, combining different metals for contrast in the weave pattern and varying the widths of the wire used in the weave structure. Students will be encouraged to create samples, and not finished pieces.
Kits will be provided with the materials to get started, as well as instructions on how to prepare the materials yourself. In the 40-page handout, a number of designs are introduced as well as a wealth of resources to inspire you.
2023 April 14,15,16,17 Multiples: Tools and Jigs with Jayne Redman
2023 April 14,15,16,17, Multiples: Tools and Jigs with Jayne Redman is coming to Diane Weimer's studio in Long Beach, CA. Cost- $572 Kit- $135
Contact me at diaweimer@gmail.com if interested.
This workshop will focus on ways to make tools and jigs to form three dimensional shapes and unique findings including ear wires, linkage systems, and clasps. You will make a series of tools that will give you time saving ways of measuring, cutting, connecting and forming sheet and wire accurately in coils or circles and straight lengths. You will make several variations of jigs for single and reverse curve ear wires and linkage systems of your own design. These methods can also be used for perfectly duplicating cloisonné wires. You will also learn how to draw wire down from a larger diameter to a smaller one, work hardening the wire to make it suitable for unique findings that will retain their shape.
You will modifying pliers to create perfect wire loops with accurate inside diameters, tapered tube crimps to attach tubular clasps to chain or neck wire coils, notches in handmade ear posts and specialty forming pliers.
Hard and thermal reactive plastics, are perfect for forming tools and jigs that won't mar metal. Some of the tools you will make include a "u" tool for conforming both sides of a shape at once, pushing tools that model sheet metal in various ways, and a fingernail tool that will slide over and under shapes to be bent and also assist in closing loops. Other tools can be dapping molds, wire jigs, and devices for stone settings.
You will leave the workshop with the knowledge to comfortably modify existing tools and invent tools and jigs of your own design. You will be able to make exact duplicates of your forms and findings, enhancing your craftsmanship and adding appeal to your jewelry.
2023 Sept. 8,9,10 "Feeding the Heart and Soul :Making Utensils" Cost $475
2023 Sept 8,9,10, Feeding the Heart and Soul: Making Utensils with Pauline Warg is coming to Diane Weimer's studio in Long Beach, CA. Cost. $475
Contact me at diaweimer@gmail.com if interested
Utensils may be treasured keepsakes that enrich our lives and transport nourishment to our bodies. Using a number of different techniques such as construction/fabrication, forging and forming a distinctive eating tool ( flatware ) may be made. Students will be shown a variety of ways to approach making a spoon, fork, knife or cocktail server ( condiment or olive fork / pate’ knife).This class will cover an array of methods to construct, forge and decorate a wide range of tools to help us feed and imbibe. Chasing, stamping, matting forging, using natural (found) stone, alternative gems setting, cold connections and resin inlay will all be covered. There are a myriad of techniques and styles to be explored for many different levels of skill. Students will be encouraged to move beyond what we think of as traditional flatware to create their own heirlooms.
The class will be able to work with silver and non precious metals. It is advised that any metal touching food directly (not the handle) be made of silver. Silver has an antimicrobial quality, as it has been proven to destroy bacterial cells. Cool.