Introduction to Silversmithing
Level: Beginner / Intermediate
Lisa Johnson
Tuesday 6pm-9pm
This class introduces the student to the art of jewelry making through the
use of hand tools, torches, flex shafts, polishers and more. Through personal instruction, demonstrations,
and hands on experience, the student will learn how to lay out, drill, pierce,
file, form, solder and polish sterling silver. All of these techniques will be applicable
not only to sterling silver but also to brass and copper. Every student will develop their own design
to create jewelry that includes the basic hinge, bezel settings, and clasps.
While some tools are supplied by the school, students are expected to bring their own hand tools
and supplies.
Objective: Using the demonstrated techniques provided during class, each student will develop a design
to create a necklace, brooch, bracelet, and ring.
Techniques:
Construction: Hinges, clasps, forming, soldering
Surface techniques: Polishing, textures, patinas
Materials List
You may decide to bring only copper with you instead of silver.
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Masking Tape- Harbor Freight
Xacto Knife- Harbor Freight
*Pliers – flat nose, round nose, chain nose, wire snips- Harbor Freight ($5 pack)
One dozen Hyrkules white label saw blades. Size 2/0– www.riogrande.com ($3.95)
* Economy needle file set- www.riogrande.com ($14.75)
3”x4” dead soft sterling silver 20 gauge- www.riogrande.com OPTIONAL- you can purchase just the copper
6x12” copper 18 gauge sheet – www.riogrande.com ($15)
Wet/dry sandpaper (black) one sheet each of 220,320,400 and 600.- Hall Hardware on Dixie Hwy. WPB
Grid paper 8.5x11”- Walmart, Harbor Freight
18gauge sterling silver wire (4ft)- www.riogrande.com ($9) OPTIONAL – you can purchase copper instead