Beginning Silversmithing Class

A Silversmithing Slideshow   Larger show

Did you know that Silversmithing is a classic American art form that you can learn in only a weekend? It is and you can! This is a two day beginning silversmithing 12 hour class where you will learn how to make a sterling silver pendant. You will discover how to solder a bezel, set a cabochon, decorate your project with embellishments that you create. Then you will polish the finished piece to a lustrous sparkle.

You will learn the silver soldering techniques that contemporary Silversmiths and Native American Indians have used successfully for over a hundred years. The technique allows you to use an inexpensive butane torch and a minimum of tools, many of which you may already have. Wouldn't it be great to be able to say "I made them" about pendants similar to these? The soldering techniques you learn in this class are also used in many other types contemporary jewelry and other styles of silversmithing.

You will create an embellished pendant like one of these and a pair of earrings if time permits.

 
 

 Silver Pendant Designs Slideshow

In this class you will select a pendant design, chose a stone, make a bezel, solder it, set the stone, embellish it and polish it.

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Your class includes all the supplies needed to complete your first jewelry project: There will be a materials kit fee of $30.00 to $50.00 collected at class.
	a cabochon stone;
	sterling silver wire;
	fine silver sheet;
	embellishment findings;
	tools to use in class; you don't need to bring your own;
	instructions handout on DVD;
	tools handout on DVD; and
	a DVD of this beginning silversmithing class that includes a slideshow of soldering process and an e-Book of jewelry selling techniques; and links to shows and expos to sell your jewelry.
The beginning silversmithing you will learn:
	the basics of silversmithing and jewelry making;
	how to solder sterling and fine silver;
	the differences in easy, medium and hard solder;
	how an inexpensive torch (less than $60.00) will help you make sellable jewelry worth thousands of dollars;
	how and why to use spray on flux when silver soldering;
	how to use flux as indicator to start soldering;
	the purpose of flux and how it prepares the metal;
	when to use sheet, strip, wire and paste solders;
	why a more expensive torch may make it easier and faster to create your masterpieces;
	why it is less profitable to do repairs;
	why it is less profitable when you use a jeweler’s saw;
	why NOT to use rouges;
	why “fire coat” or “fire scale” when you are soldering is irrelevant;
	how to make exceptional bezels the fast and easy way;
	why serrated bezels are best and easiest to use;
	how to make embellishments and attach embellishments;
	the secret of how to avoid returns for polishing;
We will also:
	discuss what types of silver jewelry are the easiest to make and sell;
	discuss some of the methods for selling your silver jewelry;
	review the tools and materials needed to be a artisan in southwestern-style silver jewelry;
	review the metallurgical reasons of how solder flows and combines to make seamless joints;
Frequently asked questions and terms and conditions.

Your Instructor:
David Smith, a metal worker with over 30 years experience, has been selling jewelry and providing jewelry creation instruction for the past 7 years. David is also a member of the Society of American Silversmiths.

" I will teach you the basics of creating stunning silver jewelry and get you started on the road to becoming a profitable Silversmith"  David Smith

Cost: $295.00 plus a materials fee of $30 to $50 collected on class day
depending on Silver Spot price and Pendant design selected

This class is 12 hours over 2 consecutive days
Class size is limited to 11 students.

Don't miss it!  …..  Sign up here today!

This was the greatest class and instructor EVER!
I went into this class thinking it would be very tedious, something fun to try, probably make something cool, but not anything I would try again. My main objective was to learn about soldering without having to invest money in tools/materials I might never use again.
Dave is a great teacher. The class was nonstop education. It was a lot of info on selling, techniques, tips, etc. Never did I feel rushed or bogged down. Dave took a great amount of time individually helping each of us. Answering even unrelated questions. He showed us ways to make silver smiting fast (big fan) and profitable.
I completed 2 projects, and felt confident enough to help a couple other students a bit. I am in awe of my projects, and although they are not my usual aesthetic, I love them, and will now set up a space to do more pieces, combining the techniques I learned with some enameling techniques.
I can't rave about Dave enough. He is so organized, calm, patient and funny. He is safety conscious and critiques your work by teaching you what you could do better. He makes you feel confident in what you are doing.
If you get the chance, take his class. I can't wait for the advanced ones.

Class review by Miranda Ackerley:

This is the perfect class for anyone wanting to learn how to be a successful silversmith, whether for yourself or your business. I’ve taken a silversmithing class before, but was unable to continue making silversmithing pieces because of how expensive the supplies were. Therefore, I was most impressed by how affordable the tools and supplies used in this silversmithing class were. Unlike other silversmithing classes, Dave taught me how to use supplies that are less expensive and don’t require their own room to keep from burning my house down. After the class, I was able to purchase the supplies and set up an area on my kitchen table to work without spending a small fortune. I think Dave can make any unsure beginner feel like an expert, and I left with the confidence to make beautiful pendants on my own.

Class Review By Alexis Brown

Just a note to thank you again for the great Intro to Silversmithing class at Grand River Beads... I learned so much in the 2 short days... and you gave me such a renewed appreciation for Southwestern jewelry.  I have a large collection of Native American jewelry that I have collected for many years... just looking at those pieces now, and realizing what is involved to create these pieces... well, I'm in awe!.

Karen V

Dave Smith’s Beginning Silversmithing class was AWESOME! Two days of nonstop education. Dave is very organized, patient and entertaining. He took time to help each person individually while keeping the rest of the class working too. He is safety conscious and critiques your work by teaching you what you could do better while instilling confidence in what you are doing. I am quite impressed with my project pieces and can't wait for the advanced class. I have been making and selling beaded jewelry for about 4 years and while I love the creative aspect, I haven’t really found my ‘nitch’. Until now! Thanks Dave,

 Kathy C.

This was so much more than a soldering class. I went home and created jewelry for my wife and kids. They love it! Rick C.

OMG! I am so looking forward to the advanced silversmithing class. I am the only student at my school who is making their own sterling body art.

Tiffany H.

I tried learning in on-line silversmithing classes but there just wasn't enough detail about how to solder a bezel or how to handle the problems I was having. Dave covered all that in class. My comfort level is enough now that I plan to start selling as soon as I get enough pieces created. 
 Amber T.