Specialty workshops and Classes at Studio JSD
Lapidary Class--Thursday, August 22, 6-8:30pm
Lapidary Class is an introduction to using the studio lapidary equipment to cut and polish your own stones. Students will be able to cut and polish at least one stone in this engaging 2 1/2 hour class. This class is a pre-requisite to using the lapidary equipment independently in the studio. Bring a selection of rough material or use a bit of ours! Class is limited to 6 students. Instructor: Sookyung Jun
Coin Ring with Zac Tedrow--Saturday, August 24 10am-Noon
A coin is a thing of beauty, with sculptural reliefs and intricate designs. Using nothing but a single coin, you can create a treasured keepsake ring commemorating a special date, remembering a special place, or simply to enjoy the beauty of the artist's design. In this brand new class with Resident Artist Zac Tedrow students will use forging and finishing techniques to create a wearable ring--bring your own or choose from a wide variety of foreign and domestic coins. No previous metalsmithing experience is required, making this a great beginner class, but experienced metalsmiths will alsoenjoy learning this technique!
Drilling Stone, Glass and Found Objects--Thursday, August 29, 6-8pm
Do you have a collection of stones, glass or other found treasures? Would you like to learn turn them into beads, charms and attachable components? Then this class is for you. Learn tips and tricks to help you safely drill your precious items then line with a tube rivet for a professional finish. Bring your stones or use a few of ours. As time allows, students will be able to create several drilled and riveted pieces. Class is limited to 6 students. Instructor: Sookyung Jun
Spinner Ring Class--Thursday, September 5, 6-9pm
Make your own fun, kinetic spinner ring in this 3 hour class! This beginning to intermediate workshop will focus on basic metal and wire texturing, ring construction and sizing, and simple soldering. No previous skills needed. Ages 16 and up. A fun class to take with a friend-- great girlfriends day out or mother/daughter class! Class fee $65.00; includes all materials and supplies to make one ring and use of all necessary shop tools. Instructor: Sookyung Jun.
Cloisonne Enamel Whitecap Pendant--Saturday, September 7, 10am-5pm
Learn the ancient art of Cloisonne (kloy-son-ay) enameling while creating a beautiful pendant to take home. Cloisonne enameling is done by bending thin wires into unique shapes, applying layers of powdered enamel inside the shapes and firing each layer in a kiln.Several layers of enamel are used to build rich saturated color then layers of clear glass are applied to protect the piece.
Students will learn: to bend the wire to form the whitecaps image, blend and layer the enamel to build smooth saturated color gradation and to finish the piece to a high shine using multiplepolishing techniques.
Gemstone Stack Rings--Thursday, September 12, 6-9pm
Learn how to texture, size, solder and set stones as you create two stunning sterling silver rings with your choice of colorful gems! These versatile rings can be worn separately or stacked to create a variety of customizable looks. No metals experience required, so it's a perfect beginner project and super fun to take with a friend. This charming ring makes a great little gift, too--make one for you and one for someone special! Class size is limited to 6 students. All materials, including stones and silver, are included in the kit, and studio tools are provided for student use. Instructor: Sookyung Jun
Jewelry Photography: A Workshop with Teri Ritter--Thursday, September 26, 6-9pm
"Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman." Coco Chanel
The same can be said about your photos--photograph your jewelry well and they will remember the jewelry, photograph poorly and they will remember the photo! Whether you're marketing on Instagram or submitting photos for a juried art show, you need professional quality photos to show your work at its best. But with its small size and highly reflective surfaces, jewelry is notoriously hard to photograph.
Many artists think their only option is to hire professional photographers to take photos in fully equipped studios, but this is both impractical and expensive. With her background as a photographer and marketing professional, jewelry artist Teri Ritter can teach you how to take high quality photos of your jewelry, using inexpensive equipment, correct lighting, and great editing techniques, giving you the confidence to create images that will represent your work and enhance your brand.
Invest in your success and be prepared to grow as we head into next summer's show season--combine this class with Teri's "Build Your Brand" and "Marketing your Brand" workshops for a comprehensive set of tools to help you succeed as a professional artist!
Bring 1-2 pieces of jewelry and a camera (can be a phone). SLR cameras will need a memory card. Limited to 8 students.
Drilling Stone, Glass and Found Objects--Saturday, September 28, 10am-NoonDo you have a collection of stones, glass or other found treasures? Would you like to learn turn them into beads, charms and attachable components? Then this class is for you. Learn tips and tricks to help you safely drill your precious items then line with a tube rivet for a professional finish. Bring your stones or use a few of ours. As time allows, students will be able to create several drilled and riveted pieces. Class is limited to 6 students. Instructor: Sookyung Jun |
Lapidary Class--Saturday, September 28, 1-3:30pmLapidary Class is an introduction to using the studio lapidary equipment to cut and polish your own stones. Students will be able to cut and polish at least one stone in this engaging 2 1/2 hour class. This class is a pre-requisite to using the lapidary equipment independently in the studio. Bring a selection of rough material or use a bit of ours! Class is limited to 6 students. Instructor: Sookyung Jun |
Silver Reticulation with Teri Ritter--Thursday, October 3, 6-8:30pm
Reticulation is defined as "a pattern or arrangement of interlacing lines"...this is what occurs when you reticulate silver. In this technique based class students will learn the steps to prepare to reticulate silver as well as the reticulation process itself. Students will then fabricate the reticulated silver into a finished piece. All materials, including silver, are included, along with use of all necessary tools and equipment. Students may purchase additional silver or other materials from the studio if desired. Limit 6 students.
Introduction to Keum Boo with Teri Ritter--Thursday, October 10, 6-9pm
Learn the ancient Asian art of Keum Boo (Korean for "attached gold"), the process of applying thin sheets of 24k gold to sterling silver. Students will learn the background and history of this fascinating process, how to prepare the silver using depletion gilding, and applying the 24k gold leaf. Students should be comfortable using a torch and sawing. Class fee includes all materials, including sterling silver and 24k gold leaf, plus use of studio tools and equipment.
NOTE: The focus of this class is on the process rather than a project; the image shown represents an example of the process used and not a specific piece that will be completed in class.
Build Your Brand: A Workshop with Teri Ritter--Saturday, October 19, 10am-NoonWhat is your brand? In the Old West, ranchers branded cattle so as to identify their own in a herd. Modern branding does so much more, engaging with customers to tell a compelling, cohesive story, communicate values, and build loyalty. Your personal branding is what helps your artwork stand out in a crowded market, helping customers to recognize and connect with you and your product. In this enlightening 2 hour workshop with veteran marketing professional and artist Teri Ritter, you'll learn to identify and build your own brand, using vertical integration through packaging, booth set up, social media, and more. Teri's business degree and 23 year history as a marketing educator gives her a wealth of experience to draw from and many real-world examples to share, and her experience as a jewelry artist and photographer helps her to translate these concepts in ways that are practical and meaningful to the entrepreneurial artist. Invest in your success and be prepared to grow as we head into next summer's show season--combine this class with Teri's "Marketing Your Brand" and "Photographing Jewelry" workshops for a comprehensive set of tools to help you succeed as a professional artist! |
Marketing Your Brand with Teri Ritter--Saturday, October 19, 1-4pmThis follow up to Teri's popular "Building Your Brand" workshop goes beyond identifying your brand's focus, equipping you with a complete step-by-step, month-by-month marketing plan to ensure your message reaches the right audience! Veteran marketing professional and artist Teri Ritter's business degree and 23 year history as a marketing educator gives her a wealth of experience to draw from and many real-world examples to share, and her experience as a jewelry artist and photographer helps her to translate these concepts in ways that are practical and meaningful to the entrepreneurial artist. Invest in your success and be prepared to grow as we head into next summer's show season--combine this class with Teri's "Build Your Brand" and "Photographing Jewelry" workshops for a comprehensive set of tools to help you succeed as a professional artist! |
Silver Gypsy Ring with Teri Ritter--Saturday, November 2, 10am-1pmExpress your style as you refine your techniques in this great 3 hour project class! You'll utilize essential metalsmithing skills, including sawing, texturing, hammering, soldering, finishing, and patina application as you construct this bold statement piece. Students should be comfortable with soldering. Limit 6 students.ALL materials are included, along with studio tools for student use. This is a uniquely personal ring you'll be proud to show off! |
Anticlastic Bracelet with Teri Ritter--Saturday, November 2, 2-5pmAnticlastic--having opposite curvatures at a given points, curved convexly along a longitudinal plane section and concavely along the perpendicular section (Merriam Webster) Having oppositely curving forms gives this beautiful bracelet graceful contours as well as exceptional comfort for the wearer. Students will learn to create this intricate sculptural shape in our brand-new class with artist Teri Ritter, creating a finished bracelet in copper. Students who wish to work in silver may purchase metal from the studio or bring their own 1.5 x 6" 22ga pieces. Limit 8 students. |
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"My niece made a cool ring in high school many years ago, and I always wondered if there were opportunities out there for me to do the same. My daughter's birthday was coming up, so I did some Googling and found Studio JSD. I knew nothing about it other than from the website. Julie was an awesome instructor. We had a blast making spinner rings, and I can't wait to go back! Thank you!!!" 
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More Workshops
Schedule your own class!
Etching on Silver with Susie PenningLearn all you need to know about how to etch on silver, including developing and sizing your designs, transferring designs to silver, the process of etching, and adding patina to your piece to highlight your design, all with an emphasis on safe practices. All of the materials are included in this fun and informative workshop. Due to the use of chemicals, we suggest you wear old clothes and/or bring an apron. This workshop is limited to 6 students. 
Chainmaille Byzantine Bracelet with Randy BennettLearn the intricate medieval art of chainmaille with artist Randy Bennett! Students will learn the basics of chain mail, making a byzantine chain and a hand wrought clasp. Students will go home with their own hand-made bracelet in sparkling bright finish aluminum and copper. Fee includes all materials (including pre-made jump rings) and use of studio tools, however you may wish to bring your own needle nose, chain nose and/or jump ring closing pliers..
Intro to Silver Clay with Cristine GrimmExplore the fun of silver clay in this lively class designed to de-mystify the basic techniques needed to create original, fine silver jewelry & embellishments at home…without a kiln!
Reversible Penny PendantCommemorate a birthday or anniversary, or create a unique conversation piece with this reversible sterling, gemstone and penny pendant. You will learn Fundamental metalworking skills in soldering, bezel setting, balling up wire, bail construction, patinas, and finishing. This is a great introduction to bezel setting and pendant fabrication. Students will be able to choose from a selection of gemstones and pennies. You can bring your own penny but it has to be solid copper (1981 and older).
Argentium Demystified with Judith JansenHave you heard about Argentium? Jewelers are learning to use this new alloy of 93.5% silver, 1.2% germanium, and 5.3% copper because of its unique properties and exceptional beauty. Copper provides strength to the metal and germanium stops fire-scale (and that fact alone makes it worth checking out this amazing metal). Other advantages to using Argentium: it is highly tarnish resistant, it fuses and granulates easily, has better ductility than traditional sterling silver, has a brighter whiter finish when polished, and is absolutely just fun to use. In this one day introduction to Argentium, artist Judith Jansen will present the history and basics, then students will complete 3 exercises to become comfortable with using the metal: fusing a stacked ring, making and fusing granules to embellish the rings, and employing these skills on a fabricated pair of earrings. All materials are included. 
Advanced Chainmaille: Persian Chain Bracelet with Randy BennettNew Class! Learn the art of chainmaille with artist Randy Bennett. This more challenging pattern is best for students who have taken at least one of Randy's beginner level classes, or have previous chainmaille experience. Persian Chain is a more dense pattern weave with a nice weight, suitable for men or women. Fee includes all materials and use of studio tools, however you may wish to bring your own needle nose, chain nose, bent nose, flat nose, and/or jump ring closing pliers.
Forged Gingko PendantCreate a beautiful copper and silver gingko leaf pendant as you learn or refine skills in metalsmithing--no soldering necessary! Students will saw, forge, rivet and bezel set your choice of stone in this exciting three hour workshop. $65.00 class fee includes ALL materials and use of studio tools and equipment. Ages 16 and up. Original design by Julie Sanford
Intermediate Chainmaille: Japanese Lace BraceletTake the next step in chainmaille artistry with this brand-new design from artist and instructor Randy Bennett! If you've taken one of Randy's beginner chainmaille classes you'll want to try your hand at the unique Japanese 12-in-2 pattern. This 4 hour class will give you ample time to master this complex weave and finish your bold beautiful bracelet.
Textured Copper Link BraceletLearn several essential jewelry making skills--or become more proficient--as you make a bold but airy copper bracelet in this brand new class with instructor Sookyung Jun! You'll get lots of practice cutting, soldering, texturing, and hand finishing as you fabricate copper links in 2 sizes with your choice of hammered technique. Add a clasp you make yourself and assemble the links to create a one of a kind bracelet you'll be proud to wear or give as a gift! Prefer to work in silver? We'll have upgrade kits available for purchase.
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Open Heart Pendant with Tube Set StoneFabricate fine jewelry with this whimsical and elegant pendant, accented with your choice of colorful faceted crystal! You will learn to forge and file a taper, anneal, solder, tube set a stone and professionally finish silver. Create a meaningful gift for mom, sister, or best friend, or invite them to join you for a fun shared experience and you will each have a beautiful keepsake!
Bead Loom Weaving: Beginner Bracelet Learn to weave a designer seed bead bracelet and finish it off with a clever vintage button toggle! You'll choose from a variety of colorful bead combinations to create a bracelet in your choice of pattern--stripes, triangles, crosses, diamonds, and more! Fee includes beads, string, button, needle, instructions, and use of bead loom. Bring reading glasses if needed. Taught by Jo Miller.
$75 includes all materials to make 1 complete bracelet 
Fold Forming CopperFold forming is a distinctive metals technique developed, researched and cataloged by internationally known goldsmith, writer and instructor Charles Lewton-Brain. In this workshop, you will learn to create dramatic color and texture in sheet copper as you are introduced to basic folding techniques. You will also have plenty of time to practice techniques with materials to make two cuff bracelets, a leaf pendant and disc components for earrings. Ages 16 and up. 
Beginning Chainmaille: Gemini Chain NecklaceJoin instructor Randy Bennett for a BRAND NEW chainmaille class--our first ever Necklace project! In this fun 3 hour class, beginning students will learn the fundamentals of this fascinating art form while creating a beautiful chain necklace in their choice of Aluminum or Copper rings. Returning students can try their hand at a unique new weave, utilizing 2 ring sizes, developed by the instructor himself--so this is one you won't learn anywhere else! Depending on student speed and proficiency, the finished piece will be approximately 18 inches long and can be finished with a hook and eye or toggle clasp. Aluminum and copper jump rings and wire are provided, as well as tools for student use. 
Swing Top BraceletMaster multiple metalsmithing techniques while creating a beautiful mixed metal bracelet. Enhance your style as you increase your skill with this lightweight sterling silver hinge topped bangle with a stunning clasp--a textured brass disc with a gallery set cabochon.
This brand new class is a sneak preview of a class Julie will be teaching at Bead & Button in Milwaukee in June, 2017. Class fee includes all materials and use of studio tools and supplies. 
Basic Chainmaille: Dragon Snort Bracelet and EarringsLearn the intricate medieval art of chain mail with artist Randy Bennett! Students will learn the basics of chain mail, making a Dragon Snort chain, a copper hook clasp and a pair of sterling silver earwires. Students will go home with their own hand-made bracelet and earrings in sparkling bright finish aluminum and copper. Fee includes all materials and use of studio tools, however you may wish to bring your own needle nose, chain nose and/or jump ring closing pliers. Kits may be upgraded to Sterling Silver for an additional fee. Class size is limited to 6 students.
Mokume Gane--Patterning, Processing, and FabricatingFabricate and dramatically pattern your own one-of-a-kind, Mokume Gane sheet in this all day workshop, taught by Julie Sanford. Use pre-laminated brass and copper billets to create intricately patterned sheet to use in all your fabricated projects.
Basic Chainmaille with Randy Bennett: Diamond Pattern EarringsRandy Bennett returns with a new beginner project--Diamond Pattern earrings in sterling silver. You'll learn the basics of chainmaille as you assemble your earrings, then hand-fabricate sterling ear wires to top them off. No experience is necessary to create these sparklers--perfect for those holiday parties, or a great gift! All materials are provided, and tools are available for use, but students may want to bring needle nose, chain nose and/or jump ring closing pliers if they have them.
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Torch Fired Enameling with Rosemary CheslockJoin us as we welcome new Studio JSD instructor and talented artist Rosemary Cheslock!Create stunning compositions of colored glass over copper in this expanded 2 1/2 hour torch fired enameling workshop. Students will be introduced to the basic principles of enameling, techniques, materials and tools, as well as torch and enamel handling and safety. Choose from a large variety of colorful powdered enamels as you create a beautiful pendant or pair of earrings. As time allows, materials may be purchased to make additional pieces.
Stamped Cuff BraceletNEW CLASS! Create a pair of bold cuff bracelets in this great introductory metal stamping class. In this fun new class developed by instructor Sookyung, you'll learn the time honored process of embellishing metal utilizing intricately patterned stamps. With dozens of pictographs--including alphabets and numerals--to choose from, your bracelets will be unique expressions of your individual style. You'll learn how to plan and lay out your design, stamp the metal, apply patina to enhance the texture, form the bracelet, and apply a satin or high polish finish. Whether your aesthetic is traditional southwest inspired or sleek and modern, you'll leave with 2 finished bracelets you'll be proud to wear or give as gifts. ALL materials, including 1" x 6" copper pieces, are provided; students may choose topurchase silver pieces if they prefer. 
Pearl Party PendantAs part of our 'Fabrication Fridays" series, instructor Julie Sanford is sharing a sneak preview of one of this year's brand new Bead & Button offerings! Get in on the pearl party fun as you open up an oyster to see what treasure lies inside, then create a sterling silver cage pendant to capture your beautiful pearl. A hand-fabricated setting is the perfect solution to display a favorite treasured bead, stone, or small object, and they're easier to make than you think. This class is suitable for all levels and will introduce Brenda Schweder's "Now That's a Jig" tool--a great innovation for wire forming. Class includes all materials, including an oyster to open! 
Sparkling Gemstone EarringsUse pre-made prong settings and sterling silver wire to fabricate a professional looking pair of earrings, set with faceted CZ gemstones. Learn the different types and sources for pre-fabricated prong settings, soldering with these somewhat delicate components, and setting faceted stones. These essential techniques will enable you to easily create fine jewelry in your home studio. After mastering the techniques, you can purchase a kit to make a matching necklace--great to wear or give as a gift!
Chainmaille Stretch Bracelet with Randy BennettRandy Bennett returns with a new beginner project: an edgy Stretch Bracelet in aluminum or brass and your choice of colored rubber rings. No experience necessary--learn the basics of chainmaille as you create a funky-cool bracelet. All materials (including pre-made jump rings) are provided, and tools are available for use, but students may want to bring needle nose, chain nose and/or jump ring closing pliers if they have them.
Silver Recycling We've all got bits of silver--broken pieces, trimmings, and failed projects. Turn unwanted scrap silver into new usable material like a pro in this brand new workshop! Melt it, pour it, draw it and roll it--learn to sort and prepare scrap silver, prepare a crucible, melt and pour metal into a variety of ingots and mill new sheet and wire. Save money on refining and fabrication costs and get exactly the materials you need! Fee includes crucible and holder for you to keep.
STUDENTS MUST BRING at least 1 oz of scrap silver--traditional sterling, fine silver or scrap metal clay material (can be a combination). Silver can be purchased from the studio if needed. 
Basic Chain Maille: Shaggy Chain BraceletLearn the intricate medieval art of chain mail with artist Randy Bennett! In this 2 hour class, students will learn the basics of chain mail, making a shaggy chain bracelet with a hand wrought clasp in bright aluminum and copper. This quick and easy pattern is perfect for absolute beginners; a great class for teens and up!
Fee includes all materials (including premade jump rings) and use of studio tools, however you may wish to bring your own needle nose, chain nose, bent nose, flat nose, and/or jump ring closing pliers. Kits may be upgraded to Sterling Silver for an additional fee. 
Stack Rings & BanglesCreate stylish stackable rings and bangle bracelets from plain brass and copper wire in this introductory class. Students will learn to pattern, form and solder, no previous metalsmithing skills required. Ages 18 and up or 14 and up with parent.
65.00 includes the materials to make several rings and/or bangle bracelets. |
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Policies
Workshops and classes are for students 18 and up. Minors can register with prior approval and parental consent.
To sign up for a workshop- Call the studio at 616-607-2470 or use the add to cart options.
Payments can be made by check, cash or bank card. Workshops can also be paid online via PayPal, use the add to cart option. Your paypal receipt will be your registration confirmation. Please allow a week notice to cancel a class as there may be a waiting list. There are no refunds or credits for missed workshops.
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West Michigan's Premiere Metalsmithing facility |
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219 N. 7th, Grand Haven. MI 49417 (616) 607-2470
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