Summer Jewelry Camp

Each Saturday in July 5, 12, 19 and 26

Online - Virtual Zoom Class

Four - 2.5 hour sessions

11AM MST

Class Fee $400

This month-long course is designed to guide you through design and fabrication with attention to good design and construction planning. It will offer live demos of techniques used in basic jewelry construction, beginner through advanced students will benefit.

We will share our designs and talk about our projects in session and in a private Facebook group set up exclusively for this course. Each student will be encouraged to design a piece of jewelry that pushes their technical and design skills with a focus on unique expression.

Registration

Please fill out the registration form and submit, then purchase workshop

This course is designed to give you a comprehensive introduction into making jewelry. It is perfect for the beginner or the intermediate metalsmith wanting to up their game or fine tune their skills.

Design and construction planning - How to build your design right the first time and avoid mistakes
Choosing the right stone, understanding the stones properties.
Settings: How to make the perfect bezel, Prong settings, tube settings , unusual setting and captures
Metal forming: Hollow Forms, Shell forming, Reticulation, Fold forming, Chasing and Fusing
Using Gold/Sliver bimetal
Using base metals - copper, brass.
Construction techniques, choosing the right solder, how to build a complex design,
Soldering tip and tricks!
Textures, Fusing, roller printing, hammer textures and more.
Setting stones, learn to set the perfect bezel or prong setting every time no matter the setting.
Patination - What patina to use to get the look you want.
Finishing - Hand finishing, tumbling and more.

Day 1: Introduction to design and how to draw your creations

Focus will be on understanding basic design principles and elements and how they apply to jewelry design.

Emphasis on drawing to understand mechanics and constructions to avoid mistakes.

Q&A at the end.

Homework: In between each session students will be expected to work on design.

Students should begin to post drawings in the Facebook group.

Day 2: We will take a look at each student's designs and discuss them together. You will end the session with complete instructions on how to begin construction of

your piece. Q&A at the end

Extra information: Students will be given private access to 6 techniques demos via

recorded link. You will have access to these videos during the month of class and for 30 days after class to watch at your own pace.

Hollow Forms
Shell forming
Reticulation
Fold forming
Chasing - a New Approach

Homework: In between each session students will be expected to work building their pieces. Students should post progress images in the Facebook group.

Day 3: This session will consist of targeted designed demos targeted to address the needs of the class. I focus on additional techniques not covered in the pre recorded videos and help you work through problems that have arisen in your projects.

We will begin to discuss finishing techniques. Demo on stone setting, Bezel and Prong setting.

Homework: Work on completing construction of project pieces. Share your progress in the Facebook group

Students should progress (step by step) images and or completed pieces in the Facebook group.

Day 4: This session we will discuss finishing techniques, how to remove fire scale and how to use patina’s effectively.

Open discussion on how your projects went.

Students will be required to photograph their finished (or almost finished) pieces and post them in the Facebook group.

Bonus information: Each student will be given access to the following publications:

Patination on Non Ferrous Metal - Complete guide to patination on sterling and fine silver

The Art of Keum boo - Step by Step video on the how to apply 24kt gold to silver using the technique of Keum boo.

EXTRA: 1.5 hour Zoom - Cocktail Critique - Monday July 28 5pm MST We will share our creations and celebrate our success!

REQUIRED: students must photograph and post their pieces in the Facebook group. Pieces will be presented in the critique.

Note: The Facebook group is an essential component in this course. It allows us to share processes, ask questions in between sessions, and support each other during class. It is not required but will deeply enrich the class experience.

About Me

Statement

"Creating is a process constantly in motion, one that keeps the maker searching for balance. I hope to create work that provokes thought. Bordering between sculpture and jewelry each is thoughtful in design and construction representing a meaning deeper than aesthetics."

"I am fascinated with juxtaposition and fluidity of materials. My work is about exploring the aspects of ephemeral impressions and the urbanity of metal. I use precious metals, stones and alternative materials to explore these expressions."

Using low-tech traditional metal smithing techniques and tools, each piece is created in Lesley’s studio in the tradition of the American Studio Art Jewelry movement of the 1940’s through the 60’s, which dictates that the work is created entirely in the artist’s studio. Her work is hand fabricated using recycled metals and ethically, sustainably-mined gemstones.

Biography

Creating jewelry since 1984, Lesley is the daughter of two professional artists. An artistically rich environment that molded her vision and ethic. Lesley's jewelry reflects a dedication to excellence in craft and attention to narrative. Each piece is unique with the intent to evoke conversation and represent the wearers personal expression. Lesley is currently exploring deep sculptural constructions with a botanical narrative.

Lesley lives and works in the high desert mountains of northern Arizona.