Bead & Button 2012

Michael David Sturlin – 2012 class schedule June 1-10 in Milwaukee.

Fine Silver Hand Forged Rings 

9 hour Prelude Session ~ Friday/Saturday  June 1- 2

Fine Silver Hand Forged Rings 

9 hour Weekend Class ~ Saturday/Sunday June 9-10

This class is perfect for all levels! Those who have never touched the tool or material and the accomplished metalsmith will benefit alike from this action packed 9 hour program.

We start with an overview of tool and process and complete a series of vocabulary exercises to develop our skill and technique. Then we move on to articulation with a series of bypass rings that take us through the entire process; forging, forming, bending, shaping, cold working and annealing precious metal.

Practical exercises and models are executed in copper, finished rings in fine silver.

Maximum class size 10 students

Artistic Entrapment with Michael David Sturlin    Fundamentals in Technique Workshop ~ Sunday/Monday/Tuesday June 3-4-5 (CLASS FILLED)

 This intensive three day workshop emphasizes a minimalist approach to design and function for the studio artisan. We will explore innovative solutions to capturing and setting gemstones and objects in the creation of hand made studio jewelry. The trio of concept, construction, and capture leads our approach as we make simple and effective models that open the door to limitless design resources.

Working with basic hand tools; hammer, saw, file, pliers, mandrels and forming blocks, learn to transform sheet and wire into creative settings by direct manipulation. Using traditional fabrication techniques; forging, forming, sawing, piercing, dapping and doming, projects are accomplished by cold construction and mechanical connections, all without soldering. Setting styles include tension captures, prongs, tabs, slots, overlays, and modified bezels. Setting instruction includes use of burnishers, pushers, saw, file, chasing hammer and setting punches.

Maximum class size 10 students

Triple Spiral Pierced Pendants     12 hour workshop ~ Thursday/Friday June 7-8

This two day class is a comprehensive course in the use of the jewelers saw under the direction of an award winning professional goldsmith.

Learn to control the tool with confidence as you work through a series of practice exercises with the guidance of an expert.  Continue refining your skill and ability  while sawing out a positive and negative spiral pendant in copper. Then, embrace precision with enjoyment as you execute two finished triple spiral pendants in fine silver.

This course also includes instruction in forging. You will fabricate fine silver bails to complete your finished pendants.

Maximum class size 10 students