Introduction to Jewelry Making - Forged Bar Earrings

Learn + apply some of the most basic, foundation skills in metalsmithing and make some GORGEOUS earrings!
What you'll learn:
Understand measuring the thickness of your materials: sheet, wire, wax
Learn cold forging techniques and an introduction to the science of how metal moves and forms
Learn to make two styles of earring wires and multiple styles of earrings
Filing, refining, and drilling your projects
Start building a strong foundation utilizing skills that you will apply in this project and everyday behind the bench
A versatile and classic form that has many applications as earrings, cuff bracelets, rings and bangles
Requirements:
No experience necessary and THE place to start to start building a strong foundation to make jewelry by hand!
Dedicated time to learn, apply, and practice your skills to solidify foundation concepts
A desire to make wonderful, shiny things!
Description:
This project is a great place to start your journey in jewelry fabrication as a great barometer to see if you like applying technical skills and concepts to make these simple earrings. You will learn how to measure your metal, cold forging, hammers versus mallets, a bit of science and physics in how your metal moves, proper filing and refining techniques, drilling, and how to make two styles of earring wires. Worst case you have a blast making this rewarding project, best case you're hooked and are starting a master craft journey that ignites a passion in your soul! In this engaging workshop students will learn three styles of bar earrings and two styles of earring wires. This project was taught as the first project in my community teaching studio and was an absolute delight for the students! The course image shows first night student copper earrings, instructor sample in sterling silver, and a cool variation on the form we learn in class, also in sterling! This is such a great make!Don't let the simplicity of this project fool you, it is not a 'beginner' project. The depth of this form will keep you coming back again and again. It is an engaging and amazing form that is appealing to students and sneaks in a bundle of foundation skills and concepts that you'll apply in everything you make from earrings to engagement rings. This form is so versatile and can be applied in rings, cuffs, and bangles.
Who this course is for:
Beginner-beginners, self taught learners, a refresher for folks getting back into the craft, or those looking for a technical, deep dive to flesh out their skeleton of skills!
Anyone interested in learning to learn something new and make a beautiful pair of earrings! This project can stand-alone or be the gateway to the rest of this ancient, amazing craftsman craft!
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