Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Syllabus
Spring 2011 Arts 2341 CRN: 69770
Monday and Wednesday 9:30 AM-12:30 PM
Instructor: Audry Herber
Email: audry.herber@hccs.edu
Art Office phone number: 713-718-6600 leave a message
Office Hours: by appointment only
Website: http://learning.cc.hccs.edu/members/audry.herber
Podcasts: http://itunes.hccs.edu/ (Click on Central College)
Course Description
Credit: 3 (Lecture and lab)
This class will cover the basics in jewelry fabrication. And students will create simple Jewelry pieces using
the techniques demonstrated in class by completing their assignments.
Prerequisites
Students must meet the basic intellectual competencies such as reading, writing, speaking,
listening, critical thinking and computer literacy.
Repeating the Course
Students who repeat a course for a third or more times may soon face significant tuition/fee
increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities. Please ask your
instructor/counselor about opportunities for tutoring/ other assistance prior to considering course
withdrawal or if you are not receiving passing.
*Jewelry and metalsmithing has now been added to studio courses to the exemption list.
Disability Disclaimer
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who
needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective
college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to provide only the accommodations
requested by the Disability Support Services Office For questions, contact the Disability Counselor at your
college. Visit the ADA Web site at http://www.hccs.edu/students/disability/index.htm
Health Safety
It is strongly advised against taking this class if you are pregnant, have respiratory difficulties,
sensitivity to chemicals, metals, or hand and wrist problems.
Insurance Disclaimer
The Fine Arts Department at Central College strongly recommends that all HCCS students carry
some form of medical insurance to cover illness and injury, both on and off campus. Information
regarding low-cost health insurance for students is available in the Fine Arts office. Under Texas
state statute, HCCS is immune to liability in the event of accident or injury.
**Students can expect to incur the cost of their own art supplies, approximating $100.00 to $175.00.
Course Content
Using tools and equipment safely
Analyzing and problem solving of jewelry pieces
Basic Jewelry fabrication
Basic soldering techniques
Simple metal formation
Basic stone setting
Course Objectives
Shop Safety
Investigation of basic design
Understanding the use of varies tools and processes in the creation of jewelry pieces
Learning the properties of metal
Exploration of finishing metal surfaces
Exploration of joining techniques
Use of a acetylene torch for annealing and soldering
Investigation of stones and simple setting
Learning formation techniques
Upon Completing this course
Students must have an understanding of shop safety
Students must have an understanding of the use of tools and equipment in jewelry making
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Students must understand and complete the guideline requirements for each project
Students must be able to apply concepts and techniques taught in class on all projects
*Attendance:
Class begins at 9:30 AM students arriving late (fifteen minutes or more) without a valid
excuse, or contacting the instructor through email or phone will be counted as absent.
Furthermore students are expected to remain in class for the entire three hours.
Roll is taken each time the class meets. Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is the
responsibility of the student to drop a course for non-attendance, the instructor has the
authority to drop a student for excessive absences. A student may be dropped from a course
for absenteeism after the student has accumulated absences in excess of 12.5% of the hours
of instruction, including lecture and laboratory time (after 12 hours of absence for this
class). Students with excessive tardiness of 4 or more will have their final grade lowered by ten
points. This will not change the due date of the assignments.
Grading:
*An “I” or Incomplete will be given if the student is unable to hand in the final assignment if
there is an “unplanned event such as an emergency or death.”
**Students are responsible for dropping classes on the given withdrawal date (*April 14,
2011 4:30 pm Last day of withdrawal) and failing to do so will result in a failing grade .
*NO PROJECT WILL BE ACCEPTED LATER THAN ONE WEEK PAST THE
DEADLINE unless the student addresses the issue with the instructor prior to the end of the
project will result in a lower grade on the work
*Projects must be handed in the following manner:
Assignments will be placed in a clear plastic bag and clearly marked with your name.
Adherence to the Assignment guidelines: Completing all assignments on time and following
instruction.
Quality of Execution: Work must properly finished and crafted.
Quality of Design: The use of creativity, balance of elements and use of positive and negative
space.
Application of Techniques and Concepts: Competence in the use of tools and techniques taught
in the class.
Organization: Keeping the working environment clean and respectful of fellow students and the
tools used in the studio.
*Writing ability: Students will keep a notebook with their notes and ideas. A written exam may
be given during the course of the semester.
Students will participate in discussion.
Research: Students must understand and be able to use a computer and the library to further
enhance their knowledge on Jewelry and Metalsmithing.
All students must show up for shop clean up and critique failing to do so will result in a
lower final grade.
Scholastic Dishonesty Policy
Houston Community College defines “scholastic dishonesty” as: cheating on a test, plagiarism,
and collusion. Penalties for academic dishonesty at HCCS include, but are not limited to, “O” on
the test or assignment in question and will result in a grade of “F”.
Grading and Evaluation of Jewelry Projects
5 Projects
Grade Scale
A 90-100 Excellent
B 80-89 Good
C 70-79 Average
D 60-69 Poor
F 0-59 Fail
The final grade will be an accumulation of points, which will then be averaged by the
number of assignments and test.
1.
Course and Studio Polices
Students not adhering to the safety policies, or using unsafe practices with equipment, causing
disruptive behavior with inappropriate conduct such as auguring, fighting, and insensitivity toward
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the students or the instructor, will not be tolerated and will be documented and will lead to
expulsion from the class and studio. (Be nice, and be safe!)
2. Information covered in class will not be repeated for students who are absent or tardy. Students
are responsible on obtaining lectures and assignments.
3. Students missing the test will not be able to make them up.
4. Students are responsible to keep up with their handouts,
5. Removal of tools, books, equipment, or property of others including the instructors, will lead to
expulsion from studio and class.
6. Improper use of tools and equipment, which may cause harm to you or another, will not be
tolerated and can lead to expulsion from studio and class.
7. Cell phones should be switched to silent mode. If you must take a call please take the call outside
the classroom.
8. No texting during lecture.
9. Taking a call or use of a cell phone during exams is forbidden and will be viewed as cheating.
10. No personal stereos, headphones, or pagers.
11. No recording devices or photography, or video from any device may be allowed without
documentation from Disability support Services.
12. Texting or talking on the cell phone while working in the studio and during a lecture is forbidden.
13. Only Students currently enrolled in the Jewelry and Metalsmithing classes may use the Studio
facilities and equipment. Those who are not enrolled will be asked to leave.
14. The studios contains some dangerous equipment and chemicals and therefore, please refrain from
bringing pets and small children, they may be injured.
15. It is strongly advise against eating in class and beverages should have some sort of lid.
16. Students must take notes and ask questions about techniques and equipment if they do not
understand.
17. Students are responsible for obtaining the tools and materials used in the assignment.
18. Students are responsible for the cleanliness of their workspace and returning studio tools to the
proper area.
19. Students are responsible for picking up their art and supplies before the end of the semester:
All unclaimed art and supplies become the property of HCC
Academic advisement concerning specific Fine Arts Courses and degree plans for Jewelry and
Metalsmithing is available to Central College students during the academic semesters. Please sign up in the
Fine Arts office, FAC 101, to speak to a full time instructor in your area of interest.
All students are encouraged to sign up for the Fine Arts Newsletters:
www.centralfinearts.info
Use of Metal Studio
1. In order to use a studio, a student must have a current art studio pass issued by the fine arts office,
and signed by his / her current art instructor.
2. Students agree to adhere to the posted office hours and metal studio hours, and to be clear of all
spaces in time for the office staff to close according to security guidelines or before a class meets.
3. To receive a key to open a studio or when no instructor is present, students must register in the
Fine Arts Office:
a. Write your name, or HCCSD ID number legibly
b. Write the room number, date and time.
c. Leave studio pass with the office staff.
d. Sign out after using the studio: and reclaim studio pass.
e. There will be a $65 charge if you misplace the key.
4. Children and pets are not allowed in the art studios
5. Only students currently enrolled in the Jewelry and Metalsmithing classes may use the studio.
6. It is not acceptable to keep a key and leave personal belongings in a studio while attending another
class, or otherwise leave the building or campus.
7. Each student is responsible for keys checked out. Keys should never be passed from one student
to another. The student who signed for the key is responsible for the key until that student returns
to sign out.
8. When leaving the Metal studio make sure that your space is clean and tidy, all tools are put away
and stored in their proper place. All trash is dispose of. The gas is shut off and the lines are bled.
The vent is shut off. Pickle pots are turned off and unplugged. And the lights are turned off.
9. Any student who disregards these guidelines will lose the privilege of using the FAC studios.
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10. The department strongly recommends that all students care some form of medical insurance while
enrolled at HCC Central College
Open Studio Schedule
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Studio
Open studio
Open studio
Open studio
Open studio
Studio
Open studio
Closed
1:00 PM
1:00-5:30
1:00 PM
1:00-5:30
Closed
9:00 AM
-9:30 PM
PM
-9:30 PM
PM
(Class in
3:30 PM
session)
All students are encouraged to sign up for the Fine Arts Newsletter: www.centralfinearts.info
Suppliers of Tools and Equipment
Jewelry Supply In Houston:
In United States Jewelry Supply
*Jemco
Allcraft Jewelry Supply
9000 Southwest Fwy, Suite 300
135 W 29th Room 402
Houston, Texas 77074
New York, NY 10001
713-541-4242
1-800-645-7124
www.jemco-usa.com
www.allcraftonline.com
Houston Hardware and Hobby Stores:
Home Depot, Lowes, Ace, Tool Club, Northern
Hobby Lobby, Michaels
Gemstones
Fire Mountain Gems
http://www.firemountaingems.com/
Out of Our Mines
http://www.outofourmines.com/
*International Gem and Jewelry Show Jan 23-25
United States (Metals)
R. J. Leahy Company
http://www.rjleahy.com/
Hauser & Miller Co
Box 500700
St Louis, MO 63150
1-800-462-7447
hauserandmiller.com
Houston Metal Arts Guild
Houston Gem & Mineral Society
Society of North American Goldsmiths
Society of American Silversmiths
Ganoksin.com
Houston Center for Contemporary
American Craft Council
Indian Jewelers Supply Company
601 East Coal Ave.
Gallup, NM 87302
1-800-545-6540
ijsinc.com
Otto Frei
PO Box 796
Oakland, CA 94607
1-800-722-3456
http://www.ofrei.com
Rio Grande
7500 Blue water Road NW
Albuquerque, NM 87121-1962
1-800-545-6566
www.riogrande.com
Online Resources
http://www.hmag.org/
http://www.hgms.org/
http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/
http://www.silversmithing.com/
http://www.ganoksin.com
http://www.crafthouston.org/
http://www.craftcouncil.org/
Magazines:
“Metalsmith”, “American Craft”, “Jewelry Crafts”, “Crafts”, “Jewelry Arts & Lapidary Journal”,
“Ornament”
Textbooks for this course can be found at bookstores such as, Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Noble and
used bookstores
Textbook
Complete Metalsmith, Student Edition by Tim McCreight
(Optional)
Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing by Tim McCreight
Jewelry Making Techniques by Elizabeth Olver
*Highly recommended
The Art of Jewelry Design from Idea to Reality by Elizabeth Olver
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Materials for Jewelry and Metalsmithing:
(These items may be obtain as needed)
Optional
Tools
Required Tools
Needed:
Resources
Hardware store
*Safety Glasses
Apron and gloves
Hearing protectors
Jeweler’s Saw
frame
Drill bit No.
54,56,57, 60,
70,74,77
2/0, 3/0
Saw blades as
needed
Brass brush
Jewelry Supply
store
3rd hand
Jewelry Supply
store
Bezal pusher or
rocker
Jewelry Supply
store.
Round nose pliers
Ring clamp
Jewelry Supply
store
Raw hide mallet
Riveting hammer
Burnisher, Cross
lock tweezers
Scraper
Jewelry Supply
store
Spring clamps
Toolbox
Hardware store or
Discount supply
store
Center punch
Hardware store or
Discount supply
store
Materials:
6x6 inches of
copper or brass
sheet, 20 gauge
(KIT)
(KIT)
2 dozen or more
each of saw blades
in sizes 1/0 (KIT)
6 inch ½ round file
#0 or #2 (KIT)
A set of needle files
(KIT)
Wet/ Dry Sandpaper
in grits of 320, 400,
600 (KIT)
Flat Nose Pliers
Pliers with teeth
(KIT)
Tweezers with a
fine point (KIT)
Soldering pick (KIT)
Permanent Markers
both fine and ultra
fine in black,
pencils (KIT)
Rubber cement
(KIT)
Drill bit set 1/165/32
*(KIT #50-52)
2-3 inch Masking
tape
Wooden Dowels or
Wood strips in
assorted widths
Scribe
*Plastic sandwich
bags
*Towel or paper
towels
*Notebook/ journal
Band-Aids
Jewelry Supply store like
Jemco
Or mail order from Rio
Grande, Allcraft, etc.
Wire solder in
grades easy,
medium, hard (KIT)
Brass or Copper
wire or rod (silver
optional) (KIT)
Brass or Copper
tubing (silver
optional) (KIT)
Cabochon stone
Hardness 6.5
5-8mm round/oval
Bezel wire
Dependent on
stone size
Optional: silver
sheet assorted
gauges
Paper
Jewelry Supply store
Jewelry Supply
store
Ruler
Discount supply store
Jewelry Supply
store
Small found
objects
Jewelry Supply
store
Jewelry Supply
store
(KIT)
Snips or cutters
Resources
KIT(about $125)
(Safety glasses
and Toolbox not
included)
Hardware store, Jewelry
Supply store, Craft supply
Hardware store, Jewelry
Supply store, Craft supply
International gem show
Rio Grande
Jewelry Supply
Jewelry Supply store
Discount supply store
Has the basics and
metal except for silver
bezel wire and stone for
the final ring
assignment.
Hardware store
Hardware store
Discount supply
store
Discount supply
store
Dividers
Discount supply
store
Magnification
glasses
Craft supply /etc
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Assignment Outline
The following is an outline of lecture and assignments for the semester. It is subject to change if there are
any natural or unnatural disasters, any weird or bizarre occurrences, which may affect the students,
instructor, class, building, or campus from being open.
Calendar
Week 1
January 19
Introduction, Course Syllabus and overview, handout of bookmark template.
Week 2
January 24
Images due for first assignment, Creating a Bookmark, lecture and handout
on first project including a demonstration on how to use tools and create first
project.
Work on Assignment 1 Creating a Bookmark
Work on Assignment 1 Creating a Bookmark
Work on Assignment 1 Creating a Bookmark
Work on Assignment 1 Creating a Bookmark Discussion of Assignment 2
Textured Landscape or portrait and Handout.
*Final work on Assignment 1 due at end of class Start work on Assignment
2.
*Lecture and demonstration Handout on annealing, textures, cold connections
Introduction and the use of the acetylene torch, principles of annealing, the
creation of textures fabricating rivets.
Work on Assignment 2 texture landscape or portrait.
Holiday Presidents Day
Work on Assignment 2 texture landscape or portrait.
*Final work on Assignment 2 texture landscape or portrait at the end of
class.
Soldering Lecture and Demo Work on Assignment 3
Work on Assignment 3 Soldering
*Final work on Assignment 3: Soldering assignment due Handout on
Assignment 4- Extreme wearable art with found object
No class, Campus closed
Week 3
Week 4
January 26
January 31
February 2
February 7
February 9
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Spring
Break
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
February 14
February 16
February 21
February 23
February 28
March 2
March 7
March 9
March 1418
March 21
March 23
March 28
March 30
April 4
April 6
April 11
April 13
April 18
April 19
April 25
April 27
May 2
May 4
Work on Assignment 4- Extreme wearable art with found object
Work on Assignment 4- Extreme wearable art with found object
Work on Assignment 4- Extreme wearable art with found object
Work on Assignment 4- Extreme wearable art with found object
Work on Assignment 4- Extreme wearable art with found object
*Assignment 3- Extreme wearable art with found object Work due for
student show
Lecture and Handout on cabochon stone setting. Final Project Pendant or ring
with stone
Work on Assignment 5
Work on Assignment 5
Work on Assignment 5
Work on Assignment 5
*Work on Assignment 5 All Final Work Due at the end of class
No class
9:30 AM Shop Clean up and class critique and discussion. Work handed
back.* Students are responsible for picking up their work!
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