DROP-IN POLICY: Per day drop-ins are allowed in some adult classes with the consent of the instructor or where noted in the description. Students may drop-in ONLY 3 times before they are required to purchase a half or full class (no other fractional classes allowed), unless otherwise noted.
Please Note: Jewelry course fees include a $10 lab fee, but do not include tools and materials, which vary by class.
= classes appropriate for beginners = teens under 16 may enroll with instructor's permission
beginning & intermediate jewelry
Shelly Cournoyer Learn basic jewelry-making skills by creating rings, earrings and pendants. We will explore traditional techniques: sawing, soldering, forming, texturing, finishing and stone setting. Students will purchase their own metal, materials and certain tools. All students must attend the first class.
Class SP1J 8 Tue, Mar 23 May 11, 10 am 12:30 pm
RAC Member $95 Nonmember $110
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special topics: chain-making
Shelly Cournoyer Learn how to make unique chain designs. We will create samples of various traditional chains and explore unusually shaped links. Students will learn how to solder multiple links together and how to properly work hardened chain links that do not require soldering. Each student will fabricate their own jig components to be used in creating these specialty chains. Instructor will provide most materials. Students must have their own set of needle nose pliers, saw frame and saw blades. Materials fee of $20-$25 due to instructor. Students must attend 1st class.
Class SU10J 5 Tue, Jun 8 Jul 6, 1 3:30 pm
RAC Member $95 Nonmember $110
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evening jewelry all levels
Peter Ostwald Explore basic metalsmithing and jewelry processes. Students are introduced to the handsaw to cut metal, methods of joinery, soldering, forming, fabrication and various means of surface treatment. Work with copper, brass or sterling silver to create jewelry or other small forms. All students must be present on the first day of class. A materials fee of $45 payable to the instructor on first day of class covers the price of the metal and some tools to be used.
Class SU3J 8 Tue, Jun 8 Jul 27, 6:30 9 pm
RAC Member $150 Nonmember $175
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combination techniques metalsmithing & casting
Wendy McDermott Turn sheet and wire metal into intriguing wearable art and learn metal-casting basics. Explore, experiment or continue ongoing projects. Basic fabrication techniques covered through a series of progressively challenging projects. Experienced students will be supported in their goals and individual help provided on as needed basis. Those with casting experience are welcome to pursue individual projects as fits RACs equipment. Demonstrations & hands-on assistance. $15 materials fee due to instructor. Metals provided by the student.
Class SU4J 8 Wed, Jun 9 Jul 28, 10 am 12:30 pm
RAC Member $150 Nonmember $175
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jewelry, stone setting & lapidary
Ed Lay This class will emphasize traditional assembly techniques and design. Students will explore lapidary, the process of transforming a rough stone into a finished gemstone, and will fabricate traditional jewelry using small side-stones. We will cover wire, tube and prong mounting, diamond setting, pavι and stone cutting. Prerequisite: basic fabricating skills (soldering, filing, shaping of metal and metal finishing).
Class SU6J 10 Thu, Jun 10 Aug 12, 10 am 12:30 pm
RAC Member $190 Nonmember $220
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precious metal clay PMC
Hope Weiner Create your own silver jewelry with a medium that is easy to use and rich in possibilities. PMC is pure silver that comes in the form of clay, is worked with like clay and, when fired in a kiln, becomes fine silver. Rolling, cutting, texturing, layering, carving, stone setting, and using 3-D molds covered. $90 material fee due to instructor. Materials list available.
Class SU9J 6 Thu, Jun 17 Jul 22, 6:30 9:30 pm
RAC Member $135 Nonmember $155
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drop-in jewelry studio
Edward Lay Need to brush up on your jewelry-making skills but cant commit to a class? Are you a beginning or intermediate student who wants to learn new techniques? Then this drop-in class is for you.
Class SU8J 9 Sat, Jun 12 Aug 14, 10 am 12:30 pm (No class Jul 3)
RAC Member $170 Nonmember $195
Day drop-in fee: RAC Member or Nonmember $25
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metals supervised open studio
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Students who have completed at least one jewelry class at RAC and are currently enrolled in classes SU1J SU10J (day drop-in students excluded) are entitled to 2-1/2 hours of additional studio time each week during scheduled supervised open studio hours. Students may use the studio only when safety supervision is provided and must sign in upon arrival at the studio.
Thu, Jun 10 Aug 12, 12:30 3:30 pm
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metals studio workshops
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niobium color chain
Spider Niobium is an eye catcher. Learn the tricks of working with niobium and making fades work correctly, how to plan color patterns and gradual fades with anodized niobium rings. Incorporate niobium rings into your chain maille creations. Make either a Byzantine or full Persian bracelet showcasing color in design. Jewelry and chain experience required but beginners are welcome if prepared to work hard. Bring pliers, plus recent chain maille projects. Materials fee due to instructor: $50 $150 depending upon design. www.spiderchain.com
Class SP2JW Sat & Sun May 15 & 16, 10 am 4:30 pm
RAC Member $145 Nonmember $165
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shibuichi: the zen of japanese metalsmithing
Yehuda Tassa Shibuichi is a copper/silver alloy that was used extensively during the Heian and Kamakura periods (897l1392 CE) in Japan to fabricate arms and armor decorations for Samurai warriors. At one point, it was also used as currency. Create bracelets, pendants, rings and perhaps modern versions of "protective" furnishings, like tsubas. Color, texture and malleable properties of this ancient alloy will be explored through etching, reticulation, patinas, laminate inlay, and forming. Supply list available. $20 Materials fee due to instructor. Basic fabricating skills required. Students provide their own shibuichi sheet and/or ingots. Brief discussions of the historical and cultural background including Zen Buddhist philosophy will be given.
Class FA3JW Sat & Sun, Oct 16 17, 10 am 4 pm
RAC Member $150 Nonmember $175