Embellishing Jewelry
with Handmade Prong Settings
with Joanna Goldberg

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Through fabrication methods and proper soldering techniques, students will learn how to create a wire prong setting to trap objects in their jewelry. We’ll also learn a variety of soldering techniques (such as sheet & wire applique, open filigree wire work, and simple kinetics) which will help students add surprising and delightful details to their work. Many other short cuts, tips & tricks, and techniques will be covered as we go along! Soldering small to large components will be a major part of this class. Students should be prepared with ideas of jewelry designs they want to complete or the instructor can give assignments.
Please note: We will only be using a torch with two gases in this class, such as the Smith Little Torch or the Meco torch. Be prepared to have a mind-blowing experience time working with this tool!
PREREQUISITES
All levels, though soldering experience is helpful
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Joanna received her A.A.S. in Jewelry Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1997. She has been a self-employed studio jeweler for 20 years, selling her work at craft & jewelry galleries and fine craft shows in the US. She has authored four books on making jewelry (all published by Lark Books), and her work been included in numerous publications, such as Metalsmith Magazine, Ornament Magazine, 20th Century Jewelers, and 500 Wedding Rings. She teaches jewelry making for metalsmithing groups, Craftsy.com, and craft schools, such as Penland School of Crafts, Arrowmont, and Haystack Craft School.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT STUDENTS SHOULD BRING
Bring your regular jewelry-making tools. A basic kit is all you’ll need, as everyone is great about sharing and there is always plenty of tools to go around. If you are brand-new to making jewelry, email me and we can figure out the right tools for you to bring.
MATERIALS STUDENTS SHOULD BRING
Do not go get all of this if you don’t have it! Bring what you have! Suggestions for materials:
MATERIALS KIT* $10
I will bring special soldering blocks for sale at $10 each. You will want one!
*Materials kit purchase is required for all BoMA workshops. The kit insures all students have the same tools and materials require to learn the technique and allows the instructor and the students to focus on the technique rather than the materials.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 10. Students will be required to sign a waiver. Participants must be 18 or older.
CANCELLATION POLICY
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW SOLD OUT!
Through fabrication methods and proper soldering techniques, students will learn how to create a wire prong setting to trap objects in their jewelry. We’ll also learn a variety of soldering techniques (such as sheet & wire applique, open filigree wire work, and simple kinetics) which will help students add surprising and delightful details to their work. Many other short cuts, tips & tricks, and techniques will be covered as we go along! Soldering small to large components will be a major part of this class. Students should be prepared with ideas of jewelry designs they want to complete or the instructor can give assignments.
Please note: We will only be using a torch with two gases in this class, such as the Smith Little Torch or the Meco torch. Be prepared to have a mind-blowing experience time working with this tool!
PREREQUISITES
All levels, though soldering experience is helpful
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Joanna received her A.A.S. in Jewelry Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1997. She has been a self-employed studio jeweler for 20 years, selling her work at craft & jewelry galleries and fine craft shows in the US. She has authored four books on making jewelry (all published by Lark Books), and her work been included in numerous publications, such as Metalsmith Magazine, Ornament Magazine, 20th Century Jewelers, and 500 Wedding Rings. She teaches jewelry making for metalsmithing groups, Craftsy.com, and craft schools, such as Penland School of Crafts, Arrowmont, and Haystack Craft School.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT STUDENTS SHOULD BRING
Bring your regular jewelry-making tools. A basic kit is all you’ll need, as everyone is great about sharing and there is always plenty of tools to go around. If you are brand-new to making jewelry, email me and we can figure out the right tools for you to bring.
- Files-needle nose and large flat and large half-round
- Saw and size 3/0 blades (I like Laser Gold brand from Rio)
- Flex shaft accessories, including screw mandrel and split mandrel (https://www.riogrande.com/Product/Screw-Mandrel-303-332-Shank/333105 and https://www.riogrande.com/Product/Slotted-Mandrel-for-Emery-Paper/333130)
- Sand paper-220- and 400-grit, wet/dry
- Advantedge wheels: black (medium grit) and white (coarse grit) (http://www.riogrande.com/Product/advantedge-silicone-polisher-black-medium/33262110)
- Pumice wheels (https://www.riogrande.com/Product/AdvantEdge-Pumice-Wheel-Medium/332722)
- Solder pick, cross-locking tweezers, regular tweezers
- Snips
- Chain-nose pliers, Flat-nose pliers, round-nose pliers
- Steel ruler
- Scribe
- Drill bits
- Chasing hammer & raw hide/delrin/plastic hammer
- Parallel pliers (if you have them)
- Plastic-coated jaw pliers (if you have them)
MATERIALS STUDENTS SHOULD BRING
Do not go get all of this if you don’t have it! Bring what you have! Suggestions for materials:
- Half round sterling silver wire of a variety of thicknesses
- Sterling silver flat wire in a few sizes. I like 8 x 2mm, 5 x 2mm, and 3 x 2mm
- Sterling silver 20g, 22g, or 24g sheet (1 x 2”, but it depends on what you want to make!!)
- Sterling silver ound wire in a variety of sizes and lengths (20g, 18g, 16g, 12g)
- Beads, found objects, and stones
- Any decorated sheet, doo-das, or wire you already have
- Easy and hard 22g silver wire solder, 5 feet each (http://www.riogrande.com/Product/silver-wire-solder-22-ga/101707)
- Any other metal sheet or wire you want to use—brass, copper, nickel, bronze.
MATERIALS KIT* $10
I will bring special soldering blocks for sale at $10 each. You will want one!
*Materials kit purchase is required for all BoMA workshops. The kit insures all students have the same tools and materials require to learn the technique and allows the instructor and the students to focus on the technique rather than the materials.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 10. Students will be required to sign a waiver. Participants must be 18 or older.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- You may cancel up to 45 days prior to the start of the class and receive a full refund, less $25 processing. To cancel, send an email to info@bouldermetalsmiths.com.
- Cancellations less than 45 days prior to the start date will not be refunded,
- In the event we have to cancel a class, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.
- Registration is not transferrable. You may not sell your seat to another student.
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW SOLD OUT!