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Fine Metals

Register now for summer classes and workshops. Learn the basics, or hone your metalsmithing skills in small classes with personal attention from our skilled instructors. Enrolled students can join us for open studio time, and groups of 3 or more are welcome to design their own class. Contact the Registrar at the link above to add your name to our "I'm Interested" list.

Click here to view PAST FINE METALS CLASSES

Jewelry Open Studio

Intermediate (Current Students, Experienced Artists)
Prerequisite: Completion of beginner level BCC jewelry class or demonstrated knowledge of the studio/equipment

Monitors: Rachel Morris + Suzanne Schwartz
(Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)
Every Tuesday morning 10am-1pm (No Open Studio to be held Tues. 4/23.)
Every Wednesday evening 7-10 pm
All day Friday 1/11 10a-7p (attend 1 to 3 sessions)
All day Friday 2/8 10a-7p (attend 1 to 3 sessions)
All day Friday 3/8 10a-7p (attend 1 to 3 sessions)
All day Friday 4/1210a-7p (attend 1 to 3 sessions)
All day Friday 5/10 10a-7p (attend 1 to 3 sessions)
All day Friday 6/14 10a-7p (attend 1 to 3 sessions)
Members of Brookfield Craft Center are welcome to join the Open Studio Program in the Jewelry/Fine Metals Studio. (Not a Member? Click here to learn more or sign up.) BCC fine metal students and local skilled jewelry artists can purchase time as low as $10/hr to use BCC's well equipped jewelry studio to work independently on projects.  Open Studio sessions are monitored by a jewelry artist, are 3 hours in length, and are held Tuesdays 10am-1pm, Wednesday evenings 7-10pm, and from 10am-7pm one Friday per month. Purchase an Open Studio Card to participate in the program.

- Open Studio Card to attend 4 monitored Open Studio sessions within 6 weeks    -  $144
- Open Studio Card to attend 8 monitored Open Studio sessions within 12 weeks  -  $240

Participants must be BCC Members, possess basic jewelry-making skills, and have had prior instruction and experience using BCC's Jewelry/Fine Metals studio equipment. Only members who can exhibit sufficient skills and knowledge of equipment will be granted studio access. Open Studio Cards expire 6 or 12 weeks after purchase date. No refunds or credits will be offered for unused Open Studio sessions.

Note: Valid Jewelry Studio Open Studio Cards can be redeemed at any scheduled Open Studio Session in the Jewelry Studio.
Riveting and Cold Connections
Riveting and Cold Connections for Mixed Metals
Tuition $120.00

Beginners, Experienced Beginner

Suzanne Pisano
JF1113 May 26,2013 (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM) Sunday (Metals Studio, Mill Building)
Mixed metals are the hot trend with the cost of precious metals soaring. Make copper and brass components to produce beautiful jewelry. Copper and brass will be included in the materials fee but students should bring their own materials if they wish to work in silver. You will learn various riveting techniques, make tab and stitched connections and others, but the focus will be on riveting. Students can expect to produce components. This is a great introduction to a variety of metal techniques and no experience is necessary.
Silversmithing 102
Silversmithing 102
Tuition $240.00

Experienced Beginner, Prerequisite "Silversmithing 101"
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Rachel Morris
JF1213 June 1 & 2, 2013 (10a-5p)  Sat/Sun (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)
This class is a continuation of “Silversmithing 101” but is open to students of equivalent experience. It will offer students, who have completed an introductory class (basic sawing, soldering, basic stone setting, and polishing experience), a chance to build on their skills and learn new techniques. You will learn more advanced stone setting techniques, make a bezel (the piece that holds a stone in place) and you will get more practice with soldering and using the torch as you make something you’ve designed yourself. You can choose to make another ring, a pendant, earrings, a brooch – you decide! A studio/materials fee of $100, due at time of registration, includes everything you'll need: 3" x 2" sheet of 22 gauge sterling silver, 6" x 1" sheet of 28 gauge sterling silver, 1' each of 12 gauge and 20 gauge sterling silver wire and 2 large cabochon stones.
Silversmithing 201-Intermediate Guided Projects in Metal
Silversmithing 201 - Intermediate Guided Projects in Metal
Tuition $240.00

Intermediate , Advanced
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Rachel Morris
JF1513 June 22 & 23, 2013 (10am-5pm)  Sat/Sun (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)
Looking to finish a frustrating project or try something you aren't quite sure you're ready to do without a little support? Intermediate Guided Projects lets students create a challenging project with guidance from instructor Rachel Morris. You will be asked to communicate your ideas to her at least one week in advance, either at open studio or via email, so she can advise you on the materials you'll need to bring to class. Not only will you learn cool new techniques for your own project, but you'll be inspired by what your classmates bring to the bench. A basic material fee of $25 will cover the studio perishables (gas, solder, etc.) Students must provide their own materials according to project needs. Silversmithing 201 comes with two free blocks of studio time for students who may want to continue a project they have not finished at their session.
VISITING MASTER SERIES: Non-Conforming Dies + Embossing with the Hydraulic Press
VISITING MASTER SERIES: Non-Conforming Dies + Embossing with the Hydraulic Press
Tuition $120.00

Experienced Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Joanne Conant
s JF1613 jULY 20, 2013 (10am-5pm) Saturday (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)
Learn to make your own dies, and explore embossing. Use hydraulics instead of muscle power to create one of a kind pieces, multiples of the same unit, or variations of texture. This one-day workshop will focus on use of the hydraulic press with Matrix and Embossing dies. These dies can be made with a jewelers saw and carbide burs. A Matrix die creates forms that are perfectly matching opposites which are great for earrings and pendants. Embossing adds texture to the surface of the metal and provides a relief design that can be flat or domed. Experiment with the dies to create one-of-a-kind pieces, multiples of the same unit, or variations of texture on the unit which can be used in conjunction with each other for a bracelet or necklace. Some basic knowledge of jewelry making is helpful, but no prior hydraulic press experience is necessary. A $20 studio/materials fee covers the cost of 32 ga. copper and use of tools. Students are asked to supply sheets of copper, die blanks and punch blanks. See Materials List tab above for complete materials and ordering information.
SAMPLER WORKSHOP: Quick + Easy Metal Rings
SAMPLER WORKSHOP: Quick + Easy Metal Rings
Tuition $80.00

Beginner
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Suzanne Pisano
JF1713   July 21, 2013 (12-5pm) Sunday (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)
Get started working with metals and produce some excellent rings while you’re at it. We’ll use mostly copper and brass included in the materials fee, but some silver will be available for purchase from the instructor. Students should bring their own materials if they wish to work in silver (a suggested list will be supplied).  Students can expect to produce several finished rings in this introductory class, and several styles will be adjustable (great for gifts)!  A small amount of soldering can be used for several styles for those students already familiar with soldering.  This is a great introduction to a variety of metal techniques and no experience is necessary. 
A studio/materials fee of $20 is due at time of registration.

Brookfield Craft Center's Sampler Workshops are designed with the beginner in mind. These short, low-cost workshops eliminate the intimidation of trying a new art medium and using a new studio. You might just find your new artistic calling, but you will never know unless you give it a try.
Have FUN making your own Spoons
Tuition $240.00

All Levelsr
Joy Raskin
JF1813 July 27 & 28, 2013 (10am-5pm) Saturday/Sunday (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)
Spoons and Utensils are surprisingly easy to make. We will make a simple spoon using wire for the handle and a piece of sheet metal that we dome to make a spoon bowl and then solder onto the wire handle. In a few hours or a day, you can have your own custom-made spoon! Hammer textures will be covered to show various ways of shaping and texturing metal. Utensils such as salad servers, serving spoons, measuring spoon, 3- piece flatware (folk, knife, spoon)) will be covered. 12g to 20 g sheet metal and think wire 2g to 12g will be used. A studio/materials fee of $60 will be charged at the time of registration.
Demystifying a Flexshaft
Demystifying a Flexshaft (Evening Session)
Tuition $35.00

All Levels
Michael Zagielski
JF24 13 July 29, 2013 Monday 7pm - 10pm (Metals Studio, Mill Building)
A flexshaft is often one of the first pieces of equipment a metalsmith student considers purchasing but many may not know how to maintain it or which of the available accessories or handpieces might  make their tasks easier or faster.  Whether you have a flexshaft already or are considering buying one, this workshop is for you!  In this hands-on and demonstration packed three-hour session, Michael Zagielski, National Sales Manager, The Foredom Electric Company will teach you how to maintain a flexshaft, explain the merits and let you discover the differences between various motors, let you compare a Foredom flex shaft and a micromotor, and learn how various handpieces and accessories may help you with your jewelry making tasks. Let Michael help demystify all the choices of bits, burs, motors and accessories in the Foredom line as well as give you a sneak peek at some of their new products for 2013. Please sign up early as space is limited.
Demystifying a Flexshaft
Demystifying a Flexshaft (Evening Session)
Tuition $35.00

All Levels
Michael Zagielski
JF25 13 July 30, 2013 Tuesday 6pm - 9pm (Metals Studio, Mill Building)
A flexshaft is often one of the first pieces of equipment a metalsmith student considers purchasing but many may not know how to maintain it or which of the available accessories or handpieces might  make their tasks easier or faster.  Whether you have a flexshaft already or are considering buying one, this workshop is for you!  In this hands-on and demonstration packed three-hour session, Michael Zagielski, National Sales Manager, The Foredom Electric Company will teach you how to maintain a flexshaft, explain the merits and let you discover the differences between various motors, let you compare a Foredom flex shaft and a micromotor, and learn how various handpieces and accessories may help you with your jewelry making tasks. Let Michael help demystify all the choices of bits, burs, motors and accessories in the Foredom line as well as give you a sneak peek at some of their new products for 2013. Please sign up early as space is limited.
Silversmithing 101
Silversmithing 101
Tuition $240.00

Beginner, Experienced Beginner
and find out.

Rachel Morris
JF1913   August 10 & 11, 2013 (10am - 5pm)  Saturday/Sunday (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)
In this introductory class, you will learn the fundamentals of working with silver as you create a sterling silver ring. Along the way, you will become familiar with the tools of the trade: Saws, hammers, torches, and more. You will learn the basics of adding a gemstone to your ring and then get started on a project of your own choosing. A studio/materials fee of $100, due at time of registration, includes everything you'll need: sawblades, blade wax, 3” x 3" sheet of 22 gauge sterling silver, 3 semi-precious cabochon gemstones, bezels for gemstones.  Teens are welcome! Students under age 16, please call for details.
Knitting, Weaving and More with Wire w/Joy Raskin at Brookfield Craft Center
Knitting, Weaving and More with Wire
Tuition $240.00

All Levels (Beginners welcome)
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Joy Raskin
JF2113 September 14 & 15, 2013 (10am-5pm) Sat/Sun (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)
Wire is such a fascinating, flexible medium that you can do so much with it. We will coil, wrap, tinker, weave, twine, braid, crotchet, knit, twist and much more to make all kinds of fabulous jewelry and accessories. Wire is not just confined to jewelry, but can be used to make vessels, baskets, lampshades and other wonderful home accessories. Even sculpture can be created with wire.  Knitted chains such as Viking chain and Egyptian Spiral will be covered and basic wire chain designs.   Findings such as making your own earwires and clasps will be covered as well.  Best of all, it's low-tech and does not require a lot of fancy tools to work with. A couple of pliers, wire cutters, masking tape, a Sharpie marker, a mallet, a steel square and a ruler is pretty much what you need. We will be using colored copper wire, brass, bronze, nickel and silver wire.  A studio/materials fee of $35 is due at time of registration.
Waxworking for Cast Jewelry Components and Objects
Waxworking for Cast Jewelry Components and Objects
Tuition $240.00

All Levels (Beginners welcome)
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Rachel Morris
JF2013 October7,14,21,and Nov 11 (6:30 -9:30pm)  Mondays (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)
Days one and two, students will work with casting wax and wax working tools to craft their choice of metal buttons, belt buckles, and jewelry objects. Students will not learn casting techniques in this class – instead, finished models will be sent away for professional casting in student’s choice of silver or brass (copper possible with multi-unit orders). Students will return four weeks later to de-sprue and finish the pieces they have made. The class is open to anyone, regardless of prior jewelry experience. It is also ideal for sculptors wanting to branch out into new media, and for knitters and clothiers who want to put the proper finishing touches on their handmade clothing. This is a great work-from-home hobby! Studio/materials fee TBA.
Silversmithing 101
Silversmithing 101
Tuition $240.00

Beginner, Experienced Beginner

Rachel Morris
JF2213   October 12 & 13, 2013 (10am - 5pm)  Saturday/Sunday (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)
In this introductory class, you will learn the fundamentals of working with silver as you create a sterling silver ring. Along the way, you will become familiar with the tools of the trade: Saws, hammers, torches, and more. You will learn the basics of adding a gemstone to your ring and then get started on a project of your own choosing. A studio/materials fee of $100, due at time of registration, includes everything you'll need: sawblades, blade wax, 3” x 3" sheet of 22 gauge sterling silver, 3 semi-precious cabochon gemstones, bezels for gemstones.  Teens are welcome! Students under age 16, please call for details.
Silversmithing 102
Silversmithing 102
Tuition $240.00

Experienced Beginner, Prerequisite "Silversmithing 101"
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Rachel Morris
JF2313 October 19 & 20, 2013 (10a-5p)  Sat/Sun (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)
This class is a continuation of “Silversmithing 101” but is open to students of equivalent experience. It will offer students, who have completed an introductory class (basic sawing, soldering, basic stone setting, and polishing experience), a chance to build on their skills and learn new techniques. You will learn more advanced stone setting techniques, make a bezel (the piece that holds a stone in place) and you will get more practice with soldering and using the torch as you make something you’ve designed yourself. You can choose to make another ring, a pendant, earrings, a brooch – you decide! A studio/materials fee of $100, due at time of registration, includes everything you'll need: 3" x 2" sheet of 22 gauge sterling silver, 6" x 1" sheet of 28 gauge sterling silver, 1' each of 12 gauge and 20 gauge sterling silver wire and 2 large cabochon stones.
MASTERS SERIES: Cut Card Prong Settings
MASTERS SERIES: Cut Card Prong Settings
Tuition $300.00

FEATURED WORKSHOP  We expect this visiting master's class to sell-out!
Intermediate, Advanced

John Cogswell
JF0613   Nov 9-10, 2013 (10am - 5pm)  Saturday/Sunday (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)
Master Instructor John Cogswell comes to BCC to teach his famous stone setting techniques. Explore the construction and setting techniques for ‘cut-card’ settings. This type of prong setting is assembled from sheet metal units, which are fitted together in a manner similar to the slotted assembly of cardboard displays. Hence, the name. The best-known example of this unique setting is the ubiquitous, commercial Tiffany setting. However, we’re moving well beyond that! This setting, which accommodates almost any cut of stone, faceted or cabochon, permits distinctive individuality, stylization. Topics to be covered include: creative design and layout; assembly and soldering techniques, and discussion about potential applications. A studio/materials fee is TBA.

Click here to view PAST FINE METALS CLASSES
 
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