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Register now for winter and spring classes and workshops. Our initial offerings are in place, and more will be added each month...if you don't see what you're looking for, please contact the Registrar at the link above with your "wish list" for jewelry classes. Small classes and personal attention make for an enjoyable creative experience!

In Session and Upcoming Schedule at a Glance

Feb 11-12 Sat/Sun 10a-5p Silversmithing 101 (weekend workshop) Rachel Morris,

Feb 15-29 Wed 10a-2p Silversmithing 101 (weekly class) Rachel Morris

Feb 15-29 Wed 10a-2p Silversmithing 102 (weekly class) Rachel Morris

Feb 18-19 Sat/Sun 10a-5p Masters Series: Color on Metal Joanne Conant

Mar 4+25 Sun 10a-5p Waxworking for Cast Objects Rachel Morris

Mar 10-11 Sat/Sun 10a-5p Masters Series: Rock On! Stonesetting Joy Raskin

Mar 17-18 Sat/Sun 10a-5p Silversmithing 102 (weekend workshop) Rachel Morris

Apr 12-May 24 Thurs 6-9p Sampler class: Jewelry in Silver, Glass + Wood

Corey Anderson, Rachel Morris + Suzanne Pisano

Jewelry Studio Newsletter

Click here to read the latest in news from the Jewelry Studio.

Open Studio Access

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

JO0212 (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)
Every Tuesday morning 10am-1pm
Every Wednesday evening 7-10 pm
All day Friday 2/10 10a-6p
All day Friday 3/16 10a-6p

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-6pm 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.

Silversmithing 101 (Weekly Class)

Tuition $240.00 Class in session--call us at 203-775-4526 for information on joining the next class.

Beginner, Experienced Beginner

JF0312 New dates! Feb 15 - 29, 2012 (10am-2pm) 3 Wednesdays (Metals 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.

Note that this course will run in conjunction with Silversmithing 102 at the same place and time. Silversmithing 102 students will arrive later on the first day, and pursue projects that require slightly more advanced skills than Silversmithing 101. It is an excellent opportunity to witness the growth of students as they progress through introductory jewelry classes.

Silversmithing 102 (Weekly Class)

Tuition $240.00 Class in session--call us at 203-775-4526 for information on joining the next class.

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

Rachel Morris

JF0512 Feb 15-29, 2012 (10am-2pm) 3 Wednesdays (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 materials fee of $100, payable to Brookfield Craft Center at the beginning of class, includes everything you'll need: 3" x 3" sheet of 22 gauge sterling silver, a 12-inch length of 14 gauge sterling silver wire and 2 large cabochon stones. A studio/materials fee of $100 is due at time of registration.

Glass Beadmaking 102

Tuition $250.00

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

Cynthia Saari

GL0212 Feb 18-19, 2012 (10am - 5pm) Saturday / Sunday (Glass Studio, Railroad Building)

This workshop is a continuation of Glass Beadmaking 102. More details to come soon. A studio/materials fee of $75 is due at time of registration.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Networking and Presentation Tips for Artists

Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Networking and Presentation Tips for Artists

Tuition $35.00

REGISTRATION CLOSED

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

Camilla Cook

SM0212 Feb 18, 2012 (12pm - 2pm) Sat afternoon (River Room, Mill Building)

Artist consultant and independent curator, Camilla Cook, will speak about basic marketing materials and techniques for visual artists. She will explain how to write a successful Bio, Artist Statement & Resume and explain why each is important. She will also identify various opportunities to increase your exposure including: tips on networking, building a mailing list, unlocking the Internet's potential, and applying for exhibitions, grants and residencies. After the talk, the floor will be open for specific questions and discussion topics.

Color on Metal (Feb 18-19, 2012) at Brookfield Craft Center

Color on Metal

Tuition $275.00

REGISTRATION CLOSED

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

Joanne Conant

JF0812 Feb 18-19, 2012 (10am-5pm) Sat/Sun (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)

Revolutionize your metalsmithing practice by colorizing your world in this weekend workshop. Experiment adding color to copper, brass, silver or pewter with colored waxes, colored pencils and enamel with master jewelry, metal and enamel artist, Joanne Conant.The first day of class will be dedicated to experimenting with colored waxes and colored pencils.The second day will be spent learning enameling.Explore the possibilities of adding color to jewelry, sculptures and two-dimensional pieces of metal. A materials fee, amount to be announced, will be required of students.

Writing an Artist Statement

Tuition $90.00

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

Camilla Cook

SM0312 Mar 3, 2012 (12pm - 4pm) Sat afternoon (River Room, Mill Building)

What is an Artist Statement and why is it necessary? Stumped and overwhelmed by the task of putting your visual process into words? Join artist consultant and independent curator, Camilla Cook, as she demystifies the process in a nurturing environment. You will develop your ideas through a brainstorming session and series of guided steps. Using the notes of one volunteer as an example, the group will go through a complete editing process together. Then Camilla will spend one-on-one time helping individuals craft their own unique versions. Bring a journal/notebook and a pen/pencil. Also bring rough notes about your artwork and/or past Artist Statement versions (or attempts), if you have them.

Keum-Boo (Mar 3, 2012) at Brookfield Craft Center

Keum-Boo

Tuition $95.00

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

Joanne Conant

JF0912 Mar 3, 2012 (10am-1:30pm) Sat (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)

With the price of gold at an all time high, this quick and easy technique allows you to add gold to your jewelry at a fraction of the price. Keum-boo is a Korean technique, also widely used in traditional Japanese and Chinese metal work, which translates to “attached gold.” Learn how to apply 24 kt gold foil to flat and three-dimensional pieces of silver with the use of a hot plate. There is no studio/materials fee for this workshop, instead students are asked to bring in their own silver pieces to be embellished and to purchase a sheet of 4” x 4” 24 kt gold foil and a 6” x 6” sheet of 20 gauge brass. Click on the above materials tab for more information.

Buttons, Buckles, Bangles, Oh, My!: Waxworking for Cast Objects

Buttons, Buckles, Bangles, Oh, My!: Waxworking for Cast 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

JF0712 Mar 4 + 25, 2012 (10am-5pm) 2 Sundays (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)

Day one, 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 two weeks later to de-spur 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! There is a base studio/materials fee of $40 due at time of registration for wax model-making materials. You may also opt to purchase a tool kit (contents listed under Materials List tab above) for an additional $60. Casting fees vary, and are dependent upon size and metal.

Rock On! Stonesetting with Joy Raskin (Mar 10-11, 2012) at Brookfield Craft Center

Rock On! Stonesetting with Joy Raskin

Tuition $250.00

Experienced Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate
Pre-requisite: Basic jewelrymaking skills, including torch experience
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Joy Raskin

JF0212 Mar 10-11, 2012 (10am-5pm) Sat/Sun (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)

If you have ever wanted to know the best style and type of setting for different types of stones, then this workshop is for you. Students will be taught various types of settings, from the basic bezel mounts to more elaborate tube bezel settings, prong setting for round, oval, square, trillion, emerald-cut faceted stone and more. Flush setting to set small stones in ring bands will also be covered. (This workshop will not include pave or illusion settings.) We will work primarily in silver, but with some gold settings an option as desired by students. The advantages and disadvantages of the various gold alloys relative to a specific gemstone will be discussed. Students may bring their own stone setting projects to work on along with any stones, silver and gold they may have. There is no set studio/materials fee due at time of registration for this workshop. Instead, silver, gold, settings and stones will be available for purchase from Joy during class.

Writing on the Wall: Social Media for Artists

Writing on the Wall: Social Media for Artists

Tuition $35.00

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

Heather Lawless

SM0412 Mar 17, 2012 (12pm - 2pm) Sat afternoon (River Room, Mill Building)

The principles of networking haven't changed in decades, but the social scene is all new. Whether you are apprehensive, dragging your feet, or ready to embrace social networking online, this seminar will introduce you to the world of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and more. Learn all the tips and tricks of how to gain a following, expand your art's audience and get your name out into the world without having to shamelessly self-promote. Social networking is about building a community of like-minded people and sharing ideas, but it is also a science. Are you aware that there is a right and a wrong time of day to announce your upcoming exhibit? Did you know that you can tweet like you're out on the town while you're really fast asleep? Are you wondering what the heck a tweet is? Learn the nuances of privacy settings, the dirt on posting copyrighted original artwork, and the outright importance of social networking in the business of art.

Silversmithing 102 (Weekend Workshop)

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

JF0612 Mar 17-18, 2012 (10am-5pm) Sat/Sun (Jewelry Studio, Mill Building)

Photographing Your Work

Tuition $110.00

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

Joe Larese

SP0112 Apr 1, 2012 (10am-5pm) Sun (River Room, Mill Building)

Do photos never do your art justice? Present your work in the best light by learning simple digital photography tips with this one-day workshop. Professional photographer and fine craftsman, Joe Larese, is here to help non-professionals take clear, well lit photographs of your handwork. The course will introduce students to tabletop studio photography, which will allow you to photograph your work for documentation and marketing purposes. Demonstrations will include professional lighting techniques with inexpensive store-bought fluorescent lamps and reflecting materials, making a photo studio framework for supporting backgrounds and lights, and understanding digital camera settings. Students should bring one of your pieces to be photographed during hands-on exercises, your digital camera (if you own one), a tripod (if you own one) and your camera’s manual.

Glass Beadmaking 101

Tuition $250.00

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

Cynthia Saari

GL0412 Apr 21-22, 2012 (10am - 5pm) Saturday / Sunday (Glass Studio, Railroad Building)

Learn the ancient craft of glass beadmaking in the flame of a oxy-propane gas torch. Students will melt Italian glass rods to form and decorate numerous glass beads to take home. Studio materials and safety will be covered along with principals of glass. Basic shapes and patterns will be learned, including the use of applied and tooled decorations--stripes, dots, glittering foils and more. A studio/materials fee of $75 is due at time of registration.

Blowing Bubbles: Intro to Glassblowing on the Torch

Blowing Bubbles: Intro to Glassblowing on the Torch

Tuition $250.00

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

Marta Bernbaum

GL0812 Apr 28-29, 2012 (10am - 5pm) Sat/Sun (Glass Studio, Railroad Building)

Has glassblowing always intrigued you? Try learning the basics of glassblowing using a Minor Bench Burner torch. This workshop is designed to start students on the path to making hollow beads, sculpture, ornaments and vessels using tubing. Over the weekend students will work on pulling points, making appendages, popping holes, and, of course, blowing bubbles. It's a challenging but fun process that opens the doors to abounding creative opportunities not to mention preparation for other more advanced hollow classes. This workshop is open to students at all levels of experience. Some prior torch experience is helpful, but not mandatory. A studio/materials fee of $75 is due at time of registration.