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Introduction to Jewelry Making

Looking to dip your toes in the vast waters of jewelry making and metalsmithing, but don’t know where to start? Look no further than this perfectly honed "crash-course" workshop focused on teaching you jewelry basics in a condensed time frame! This two-day workshop aims to teach the fundamentals of jewelry making through a project driven curriculum, with the ultimate goal of building a foundational knowledge of all things metalsmithing, while working to create a ovular bezel-setting with a textured band. Students will learn fundamental fabrication techniques, hot connections, texturing methodologies, finishing, ring sizing, and bezel setting a cabochon stone.

Meet the instructor

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William Vanaria is a Massachusetts based artist with a penchant for oddball materials. His work utilizes traditional metalsmithing techniques and a wide verity of non-traditional materials to produce jewelry which both questions and comments on notions of romanticism, value, fakery, and the hierarchy of materials present within modern day consumer culture. Through his work he pushes for a broader system of value which has been formulated though experience, consideration, and critical thinking.

William received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a concentration in "Jewelry & Metalsmithing" in 2012. Afterwards, he spent time working within the jewelry industry and volunteering as a teacher's assistant for various art institutions. He found that the latter was much more fulfilling, so he went on to further his education within the arts and to pursue a career in teaching. William received his Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts: Dartmouth in 2016; once again with a concentration in "Jewelry & Metalsmithing."

Materials & Tools

There is a $45 materials fee for this course which is payable upon registration. The materials kit includes sterling silver sheet metal, brass sheet metal, copper sheet metal, silver bezel wire, sterling silver rectangular wire, rotary components, black lace agate cabochon stone, and other miscellaneous items needed for course objectives. 

Students should bring
  • notebook and writing implement for notes / sketches
  • any round or oval cabochon stones they like - flat bottomed
 

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