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Workshops at the Annex - 2010 Schedule

See below for calendar.

We teach our students to create objects and wearable works of art in copper, brass and silver. A class maximum of four allows for individualized instruction, and use of tools, solder, sawblades, and base metals are included in the class price!   See our FAQ below. LEVEL CODES - are suggestions, but all are welcome! BEG = great for beginners, but many advanced students enroll to refresh skills or finish up projects. INT = Faster pace or more technical; better for students with a little experience, or motivated beginners. ADV = Not really appropriate for beginners, but call or email if you'd like to attend. REGISTRATION Use the form here, and mail with your check (please use the mailing address on the form). Or, just call 619-488-7540. Classes fill fast - register at least two weeks in advance to avoid disappointment. Call or email for latest availability. OPEN LAB DAYS No torch at home? Come to the Annex to work on your ongoing projects. Use our tools and facilities. Open to all previous or current Annex students. $20 per session. Almost every Thursday 11am - 5pm, some Saturdays 2-6pm. To attend on a Thursday, just call or email by the night before. For Saturdays (see below for dates), book and pay ahead, dates fill quickly. PRIVATE INSTRUCTION Hourly private instruction available - learn techniques targeted to your interests, on your time schedule. $50 per hour, 3rd hour (in same session) free!

Local art-business owners Cooky Schock (of The Shepherdess) and Craig Thibodeau (of CT Fine Furniture) explore the technique of fold-forming in a recent class.

No Waiting:
We've recently rearranged the studio and made some equipment purchases - there are now three flexshafts always set up and ready to use, as well as two soldering stations. Plus, the enameling kiln is now in the main room, and so is available on open lab days (with advance notice and a small supplemental fee). Our combo wire/sheet rolling mill is also always accessible.

CALENDAR through December 2010

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August 2010

Hammered Copper Vessel - Saturday, August 28, 9am-3pm - $80
Form a simple copper vessel  from a 4 or 5" disc using the sinking method. Great introduction to working on a larger scale. After sinking your copper disc to form a shallow vessel, learn to planish the surface, decorate it with stamped designs, and/or pierce the surface with the jeweler's saw. Includes break for lunch.  INT

September 2010

Hinges De-mystified -  Saturday, September 4, 9am-1pm - $50  - FULL
After seeing Anne demo her ‘simplest hinge’, try your own.  Create a simple hinged pendant, or begin a bracelet or lidded box. Tubing included. INT

Beginning Soldered Earrings - Saturday, September 11, 9am - 1pm - $50 - FULL
This class introduces you to the basics of silver soldering for jewelry while creating a unique pair of earrings - First you'll decide on a basic shape for your earrings, then use sweat soldering to enhance the surface with contrasting metal shapes (a great class for using up those small scraps of silver or gold). Finally, you'll solder post-backs on your earrings for a professional, finished look. BEG

Melt Your Old Gold (and Silver) - Saturday, September 18, 9am-1pm - $60
Bring your old rings, pendants and chains. You'll learn to melt them into an ingot, then roll and hammer the ingot into useful raw materials. Beginners can make a ring! INT

Afternoon Lab - Saturday, September 18, 2pm-6pm - $20 
Bring your in-progress projects, use our tools. Open to all previous and current Annex students. Limited to four students - book ahead! ALL LEVELS

Silver Cuff Bracelet - Saturday, September 25, 9am - 1pm - $50
Learn to texture metal while you create a finished silver cuff bracelet. Emphasizes use of texture tools and hammers to create unique surfaces, while also covering the basics of finishing. Bring $10-20 for silver, or make a copper bracelet instead. BEG

October 2010

Riveted Pendant with Stamped Texture - Saturday, October 2, 9am-1pm - $50
Great beginner class, or for those interested in rivets! We'll cover use of jeweler's saw and file to create unique shapes, use of texture stamps, and riveting. Each student will make a unique pendant of their own design. Advanced students can try trickier rivets such as stand-off, blind or tube.  BEG

Fold-forming - Saturday, October 9, 9am-1pm - $50 
Bring your jewelry into the third dimension using the fast, exciting technique of fold-forming. The folds allow use of thinner metal than usual, yielding light-weight, organic forms perfect for earrings or necklace components. Can also be adapted to a larger scale for creating vessels.   INT

Hammered Wire Ring - Saturday, October 16, 9am-1pm - $60 
Learn to manipulate heavy gauge wire while creating a silver ring. Beginners will focus on designs that don't require soldering, advance can plan and begin a more complex ring. Silver included. BEG

Hollow-Form Beads  - Saturday, Ocotober 23, 9am-1pm  - $50 -- FULL
Cut, form and solder two domed discs to create a custom bead. Make it uniquely yours by piercing, texturing or adding other elements. Copper and brass included, or purchase or bring silver (22 gauge sheet).   INT

Afternoon Lab - Saturday, October 23, 2pm-6pm - $20 
Bring your in-progress projects, use our tools. Open to all previous and current Annex students. Limited to four students - book ahead! ALL LEVELS

Soldered Ring Box - Saturday, October 30, 9am-3pm - $80
In this larger-scale beginning soldering class, you will fabricate a small lidded container from copper - bring previously textured metal (from photo-etching class, for instance) or start from scratch. All levels welcome - includes break for lunch.  INT

November 2010

NEW CLASS!
Soldering with Square Wire - Saturday, November 6, 9am-1pm - $50
Learn to construct simple to complex shapes by cutting, bending, filing and soldering square brass wire. Learn to miter your edges accurately yet simply. Create flat silhouettes, 3-D cubes, bases for stones or brooches, chain links, etc. Bring (or purchase in class)14-10 gauge sterling silver square wire if desired.  INT

Carved Silver Ring  - Saturday, November 13, 9am-1pm  - $60
First solder, then file-carve sterling silver to create a unique patterned ring. Great for beginners who want to jump right into soldering. Also great for developing your filing skills. Silver included! BEG

Forged Earrings OR Tree Ornaments -  Saturday, November 20, 9am-1pm - $50
Using classic metals forging techniques, create fun, simple shapes from copper and brass, perfect for decorating the holiday tree. Spirals, snowmen, stars – the only limit is your imagination! Excellent handmade gift idea. OR - use the same techniques to create forged silver earrings - bring (or purchase in class) 14-16 gauge sterling silver round wire if desired. BEG

Afternoon Lab - Saturday, November 20, 2pm-6pm - $20
Bring your in-progress projects, use our tools. Open to all previous and current Annex students. Limited to four students - book ahead! ALL LEVELS

December 2010

Photo-etching - Saturday, December 4, 9am-1pm - $50
Learn to etch photographs and other images directly into copper, silver, or brass, creating a two-level surface. We use the PNP method with nitric acid to create accurate, repeatable results. Register early for helpful handout on preparing your images. INT

Stamp Tools -  Saturday, December 11, 9am-1pm - $60  
You’ve learned to use the texture tools, now learn to make your own! Basics of working with steel covered while you design, form, finish and heat-treat your own steel stamps. Steel for 3 stamps included, more available for purchase. Bonus for advanced: create a small hammer, and/or learn to customize your own hammer face. ADV

Stone-setting - Saturday, December 18, 9am-1pm - $50
Learn the details of setting flat-back cabochon stones. Begninners can make a simple pendant, advanced can try alternate setting techniques and/or begin a more complex project. You may choose one stone from a wide selection as part of your class fee, bring your own, or purchase extras in class. INT

Afternoon Lab - Saturday, December 18, 2pm-6pm - $20
Bring your in-progress projects, use our tools. Open to all previous and current Annex students. Limited to four students - book ahead! ALL LEVELS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
The Annex will be closed Dec 19 - Jan 2.
Please email your requests for January single and multi-session classes.

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Don't see the class you want, when you want it? Get a few friends together and propose a date! I will teach any class on this website to your group at a date/time that is good for you. Some classes can be taught at your location. Email me. See below for other available classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don't I see any of your multi-session classes scheduled? - I am so busy weekdays with my college classes from August-May, I typically only teach multi-session classes in the summer and January. I keep a list of requests - let me know what you'd like scheduled!

What will my project look like? - Every piece will be unique. I will give design guidance and ideas, but the projects are designed to give you freedom for your own artistic voice.

Why do I pay extra for silver? - Using silver is optional - any student that would rather make their project out of copper or brass, included in the workshop fee, may do so. This makes the class more affordable, while allowing upgrading to silver for those who wish. Current ANNEX price for a 1"x3" piece of 22 gauge silver is $12. Silver can only be purchased for use on class projects.

What should I bring to class? - All tools and materials are provided unless otherwise noted, but feel free to bring your own tools and silver if you wish. You'll want a notebook and something to write with. Bring cash or check for silver if desired. If you wear glasses for reading/detail work - bring them!!

I have no experience at all - am I really welcome? - Of course! See the LEVEL CODES at top of page to help you plan which classes to take first - but with a class size of only four, the level of instruction is easily tailored to the skill/experience level of each student. Call or email if you are unsure if a class is for you.

What kind of facilities does the Annex have? - We are a small but well-equipped shop, with acetylene torches, anvil and smithing tools, flexshafts, shop sink and etching area with ventilation, as well as restroom. Workbenches are sturdy birch, with padded height-adjustable rolling stools. We have flourescent, incandescent and some natural light, with portable lamps as necessary.

Lunch? Snacks? Water? - Water/drink at your workbench is okay, but please no food.  We have a break room where you can eat food you bring, but be aware we have no fridge/microwave. There are many inexpensive restaurants in the area, including my favorite Mexican place, El Comal. Filtered water is available at the Annex.

Can I cancel and get my money back? - One-session classes: If you are unable to attend and give me one week's notice, I will refund your $$.  If you cancel up to 24 hours before, I will give you credit for a different class . With less than 24 hours notice, you forfeit your $$. Multi-session classes: cancel one week in advance, receive 100% refund. Cancel 3 days before first session for 100% credit, then 75% credit until start of first class. No credit after first day of class.

I have a disability; can I take your class? - Please contact me regarding your abilities. I strive to make my classes accessible to as many people as possible, but there are physical requirements to many classes. I can guide you to a class that may work for you.

I didn't pre-register; can I just show up? - Please call me first at 619-488-7540, as soon as you know you'd like to attend. Many of my classes fill weeks in advance, others might be cancelled due to low enrollment.

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CLASSES AVAILABLE, BUT NOT CURRENTLY SCHEDULED:

Multi-session Master Class (2 days):
Photo-etch Hollow-form Pendant  -  $180
Using your own photos or images as a starting point, you will learn to etch non-ferrous metals and use jeweler’s saw, file, and torch to transform your photo into a hollow-form pendant. Other techniques and skills taught include: how to digitally manipulate your images to retain detail, tricks for a successful silver etch, soldering simple hollow-forms, and filing and finishing techniques for silver. See pdf for more information.

Make Your Own Clasps - 4 hours - $60 
Bring your jewelry to the next level - learn to to create professional clasps, bails and other findings efficiently with room for your own creative touch. This class involves creating and soldering small components - bring your detail glasses, patience and silver scraps.

Rollerprint Window Pendant - 4 hours - $50
You’ll make a multi-layered pendant of your own design using copper, brass and silver. Bring leaves, lace, and other flat textured objects – we’ll transfer the texture to the metal with our rolling mill. Letting your design be inspired by the results, next you’ll saw out shapes from your textured metal and layer them using cold-connection techniques. Great for beginners and above!

Forged Silver Necklace - all day class - $80
Forge copper, brass or silver wire into unique links for a custom necklace. You can bend, hammer and manipulate the wire into almost any shape you can imagine. Skills covered: basic forging, wire bending, finding attachment, soldering wire, finishing. All levels. Extra fee for silver. Includes break for lunch.

Multi-session Master Class (5 days): Vessel Fabrication - $340
Fabrication is a fundamental metalworking technique used to construct 3-dimensional soldered forms -- from vessels to boxes to hollow-form jewelry. In this class, you will design, form, solder and hand finish a small vase or vessel of your own design. A busy, fast-paced class for those with some experience soldering and texturing. Depending on the complexity of your design, you may need time outside of class to complete your project. See pdf for more information.

Soldered Hollow-form Pendant - 9am-3pm - $80
Learn the basics of hollow-form soldering while you create a unique hollow pendant. Use textured metal (photo-etched, rollerprinted, stamped) from previous classes, or start from scratch. Great for those wanting to refine their soldering skills! Copper/brass included, silver available for purchase in class. All levels.




Multi-session Master Class (4 days):
Hinged Bracelet with Turkish Slide Catch - 5 days - $280
This class is best for those with some experience soldering and texturing metal. The week-long format allows for ample guided working time to complete your own finished bracelet. Emphasis will be on creating a bracelet of your own unique vision using the techniques demonstrated in class, along with design/technical assistance. See pdf for more information.



Photograph your Jewelry or Small Objects, 9am-1pm - $60
Learn to shoot accurate, professional digital or film photographs of your work. We will cover the basics of lighting, diffusers, backgrounds, and more. Bring your camera, or use ours. Also bring your own work to photograph!

Multi-session Master Class:
Mokume-gane Patterning - 5 days - $340
OR - 2 days, no twisting, no tool-making - $180
Mokume-gane is an ancient Japanese technique of fusing layers of different metal, then deforming the layers to create patterns similar to wood-grain. This class teaches you the details of mokume-gane patterning and important technical information on how to anneal, finish and patina your patterned metal without harming the layers. You will also be introduced to the history of mokume-gane, and how the layers are fused. You will create finished pieces while you pattern with chisel, file/stamp, and by twisting. Class format allows for demos as well as ample assisted worktime. See pdf for more information.

Advanced Soldering for Silver - 4 hours - $50 
Bring your in-process work that involves soldering. This advanced soldering class will review silver soldering, emphasizing techniques specific to sterling silver. We will also cover raising the fine silver, an important step in finishing your sterling silver creations.

Beginning Enameling - 4 hours  - $70 – includes enamel 
Add color to your metalwork! This beginning session covers firing non-leaded enamels to copper using sifting and wet-packing. Beginners can make a unique pendant, advanced can begin a larger project.

Advanced and Torch-fired Enameling  - 4 hours - $70 - includes enamel
Learn about torch-firing, liquid enamel, and using underglaze pencils in this advanced enameling session.

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