Fall 2023 Online Classes VEC
October 18-22
I have 6 new classes plus 2 "must have" shorts with Virtually Ever Crafting this fall
In Person Classes 2023
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Going forward with classes, I want to ensure my students are as safe as possible. So many of us have been personally affected by this pandemic, I feel this is the most responsible and considerate way to move forward in the "new normal" . I have been vaccinated and have received my most current booster for Covid 19. I ask that students follow whatever the most current guidelines are and will have masks available.
Maple grove Art Center
Bezel Bootcamp
August 27, 10-4
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Who doesn’t love jewelry? And what’s better than making your own? This class is the perfect introduction to metalsmithing, no previous experience is required.
Students will gain skills in an introduction into jewelry fabrication techniques including jewelry design, piercing, sawing, bezel making, soldering, stone setting and finishing. In this intensive workshop, Laura will demonstrate and teach basic techniques in crafting fine jewelry using sterling silver and gemstones. Students will complete a multi-stone pendant of their own design.
This class will also cover how to set up your own jeweler’s bench at home, without breaking the bank!
Class cost includes all materials needed to finish a pendant with up to 3 stones. Instructor will also have a limited number of jewelry stations for purchase as well as a complete list of where to purchase tools needed for set up at home.
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Beadfest, Lancaster PA
4 Workshops
August 3-5 2023 | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
10:30am – 4:30pm
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I will be teaching 4 workshops in Lancaster PA in August. The Stone in Stone Ring, Feather Earrings and Sticks and Stones Ring are for any level, including beginners. The Hollow Box ring is and intermediate class. There are many other great classes and instructors at this event. The class registration does not have a direct link to my specific classes, so you will need to scroll through and register for the workshops that interest you.
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Whole Bead Show Milwaukee
Stone in Stone Ring
Thursday, June 8, 2023
10:30am – 4:30pm
Class Fee: $255
Kit Fee: $55, pay teacher at class
Ever seen those amazing statement rings with a stone set inside of another stone? Well it’s not as hard as it looks. This class is great for all skill levels, even beginners. Students will gain experience in a variety or jewelry skills including design, lapidary, soldering, prong setting and tube setting. Laura will provide a wide selection of stones to choose from including ammonites, dendrite opal, aquamarine, bumble bee jasper and more. Students will be notified of optional tools they can bring once registered for class.
Student needs to bring: bench pin
Skill level: All levels
Hollow Box Ring
Friday, June 9, 2023
10:30am – 4:30pm
Class Fee: $255
Kit Fee: $60, pay teacher at class
Statement rings that are dimensional need not be heavy. In this workshop, students will learn to create a 3-dimensional statement ring with a fancy rose cut stone set on top of a hollow box. We will focus on skills that include jewelry design, granulation, bezels and bezel setting, soldering and finishing techniques. If you have never made a hollow ware piece, this is the perfect introduction to gain experience with that skill set. Laura will have a variety of rose cut stones for students to choose from to create their perfect one of a kind box ring.
Student needs to bring: bench pin
Skill level: Intermediate
VEC Online Classes Spring 2023
I am excited to announce that I will be teaching again this year with Virtually Ever Crafting
Fusing fine silver and sterling silver - VEC short $22
April 26 12:45-1:45
Fusing silver is fun and easy! Have you been told that you can only fuse fine silver? Untrue! In this short, students will learn basic techniques in fusing silver. Laura will cover a variety of applications you can use in fusing. This is a great technique for adding texture, organic finishes and attaching joins and is sure to add to your jewelry repertoire.
Painting with patina and gold - VEC short $22
April 26 4:30-5:30
Ever want to add color to your silver jewelry or elevate these pieces with real gold without breaking the bank? In this short class, students will learn a variety of techniques in painting with liver of sulfur to bring out vivid colors including shades of gold, green, blue and purple. Students will also receive instruction on a simple way to add high carat gold to finished pieces inexpensively.
Cloisonne' prep - VEC short $22
April 26 6-7 pm
Are you new to cloisonne? This short class will cover everything you need to know to prepare silver for cloisonne, including adding texture to create that dimensional look prized in translucent enameling. This class is mandatory for the cloisonne owl class and is required as you will need to bring the finished blank to the Cloisonne Owl workshop.
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Cloisonne' made easy $315
April 27-28 9-4
No need to be intimidated by the prospect of cloisonne’ enameling. Those beautiful jewel toned, translucent enamels are a splendid way of adding color and design options to your jewelry pieces. In this workshop, students will gain experience in wire work and enameling with translucent enamels. Techniques in shading and color blending will be taught. Students will finish a bright and whimsical snowy owl, ready to set as a ring or pendant. Students will need to bring finished, prepared blank to class (part of Cloissonne Prep - VEC Short).
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Ornamental key clasp. $158
April 29. 9-4
Ornamental clasps can be the focal point of art jewelry. In this workshop students will gain experience on a variation of a box clasp that includes a safety catch.
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Silver feather earrings. $79
April 30 9-12
This is a great class for you if you are brand new to silversmithing or want to add a unique project to your jewelry repertoire. In this workshop students will gain experience in basic fabrication including piercing, sawing , shaping and soldering. The finished earrings are sure to gain attention.
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Sticks and stones ring. $79
April 30 1:30-4:30
This is a great class for beginners! These highly textured rings look complicated, but are a great project for beginners or students who want to increase their jeweler’s vocabulary with organic materials. Students will gain basic skills in making bezels for unusually shaped rough stones and learn basic fabrication skills. Who says sticks and stones can’t be a work of art? Students who purchase the kit will receive their choice of a quartz crystal bar or a chunk of rough citrine.
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