Copper Creations: Jewelry Building Essentials Series

Dive into the world of jewelry making with this essential series! Over the course of 4 sessions and independent studio time, you'll be introduced to a variety of tools and skills needed to craft your own necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Each session will focus on a particular skill set, tools, and materials. By the end of this series, you'll have created at least 8 finished pieces and have the skills you need the continue on your jewelry-making journey!

Session 1 will focus on learning how to manipulate and finish copper wire into jewelry of all kinds. During this session, you'll go through the process of cutting, bending, and grinding wire to make a variety of different types of jewelry

Skills covered during this session:

-Methods for cutting wire

-Filing, sanding, and buffing wire

-Grinding using a hand rotary tool and benchtop grinder

-Exploration of beginner cold connections

-Working with cleaning acids and finishing methods

-Usage of butane and propane torches

Session 2 will focus on the manipulation of hollow pipes and washers to create individual jewelry works or pieces for a larger work. During this session, you'll learn how to cut and manipulate different types of pipes and washers to create different pieces.

Skills covered during this session:

-Safely cutting pipe

-Forming and shaping pipe into bracelets

-Making beads using pipe and washers

-Making holes in your metal

-Basic patinas

Session 3 will cover how to craft sheet metal into a variety of texture and shapes. This class will show you how to use the right tools to turn sheet metal into unique jewelry.

Skills covered during this session:

-Proper cutting techniques

-Sanding and finishing sharp edges

-Usage of the rolling mill to create unique textures

Session 4 will focus on learning how to create a variety of different types of chains and clasps for your jewelry. This session will take you through properly manipulating your materials to create useful chains and clasps for your jewelry.

Skills covered in this session:

-Techniques for hammering to shape and create texture

-Understanding what tools to use for different shaping and forming techniques

-Usage of butane and propane torches for small parts

By the end of this class, you will have created at least 8 different finished jewelry pieces. Materials will be provided for these 8 pieces with some additional materials available for practicing during independent studio time. Additional materials will be available on-site for purchase for additional pieces if desired. Resources for purchasing material local and online will also be provided during the first class.

This series includes 4 sessions of class instruction totaling 20 hours plus 150+ hours of available studio time for independent practice in the jewelry studio at Mixxer. Independent studio time may be used any time during Mixxer's open hours. You will have access to all tools within the jewelry studio that you have trained on during your sessions. You will not have access to tools in other shops unless you are a member. Each session will go from 10 AM-3 PM with a break for lunch (not provided).

Session Dates:

Session 1- January 4, 10 AM-3 PM

Session 2- January 11, 10 AM- 3 PM

Session 3- January 18, 10 AM-3 PM

Session 4- January 25, 10 AM-3 PM

Interested in this series but dates don't work for you? Reach out to workshops@wsmixxer.org for scheduling options.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:  Be sure to wear natural materials (no spandex, nylon, etc.) and long pants that cover your boots or close toed shoes. We'll provide the rest of the safety gear you'll need.

Meet your Instructor! 

Elaine Lamson

Elaine joined the Mixxer staff in the summer of 2019 when she moved to the area from Massachusetts. She couldn't be happier to have found a home in both the Triad and Mixxer's Community Makerspace! With a creative background in design & dance, she feels like she's found "her people" by moving to North Carolina and becoming a part of Mixxer's community.

Her superpower is identifying and celebrating in people's talents and strengths.

This meet up is for makers 16 years old and older. All makers under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.  Please email workshops@wsmixxer.org for any questions.