Find
the Annex
:
:We're in North Park, just east of the intersection of North Park Way & Ray Street. Door is on North Park Way!
Workshops
at the
Annex - 2012 Calendar
| We
teach our students to create objects and wearable works of art in
copper,
brass and silver. A class maximum of four allows for individualized
instruction. Use of tools, solder, sawblades, and base
metals
are included in the class price!
See our FAQ
below. REGISTRATION Use the form here, and mail with your check (mailing address on form). Or, call/email the instructor: Anne or Lily for instructions on paying by cash or paypal. OPEN LAB DAYS No torch at home? Come to the Annex to work on your ongoing projects using our tools. Open to all previous or current Annex students. $25 per session, see specific month for dates/times. PRIVATE INSTRUCTION Hourly private instruction available - learn techniques targeted to your interests, on your time schedule. $50 per hour, 3rd hour (in same session) free! |
|
CALENDAR 2012
January 2012
AW - Open Lab, Open House - Saturday January 14, 9am-1pm - $25 or FREEOpen to all previous Annex students
A special "Anne's back" open lab - come to work, chat, show me what you've been working on, ask questions, or just hang out. I'd like to hear how you've been, and tell you my Florence stories! Reserve a seat (and pay) if you'll be working, otherwise FREE event. Snacks! RSVP 619-488-7540
AW - Mokume-gane Patterning - M-F January 16-20, 9am-4pm (Thursday til 1pm) - $340
**CLASS FULL**
Mokume-gane is an ancient Japanese technique of fusing layers of different metal, then deforming the layers to create patterns similar to wood-grain. This class teaches you the details of mokume-gane patterning and important technical information on how to anneal, finish and patina your patterned metal without harming the layers. You will also be introduced to the history of mokume-gane, and how the layers are fused. You will create finished pieces while you pattern with chisel, file/stamp, and by twisting. Class format allows for demos as well as ample assisted worktime. See pdf for more information.
February 2012
AW - Photo-etching - Saturday, February 4, 9am-1pm - $50Learn to etch photographs and other images directly into copper, silver, or brass, creating a two-level surface. We use the PNP method with nitric acid to create accurate, repeatable results. Register early for helpful handout on preparing your images. BEG to ADV
AW - OPEN LAB - Saturday, February 4, 2pm-6pm - $25
A perfect time to finish up projects begun in other Annex classes. Bring your in-progress projects, use our tools. Open to all previous and current Annex students. Limited to four students - book ahead! All levels.
LB - Silver Stack Ring - Sunday, February 5, 11am-3pm, $120
Construct 3 silver band rings and then set small gemstone cabochons to make a set of stack rings. Learn how to measure your finger size and determine the required length of metal needed to make a ring that fits you. We will also cover how to size the ring….make it bigger or smaller to get a perfect fit. Learn how to set a cabochon gemstone into a prefabricated bezel setting. Techniques covered will include soldering, filing, sanding, and finishing, and cabochon bezel setting. Silver and gemstones are included. This is an excellent class for beginning torch-work and first time soldering. These rings would make great Valentine's Day gifts! BEG-ADV
AW - Forged Wire & Stamped Disc Earrings - Saturday, February 11, 9am-1pm - $60
A smorgasbord of techniques will yield a unique pair of earrings. Learn to create perfectly circular discs without sawing, how to stamp-texture metals, how to forge wire, and more! Lots of creative possibilities for beginners and on-going students alike. Silver wire included. BEG to ADV
AW - OPEN LAB - Tuesday, February 14, 9am-1pm - $25
A perfect time to finish up projects begun in other Annex classes. Bring your in-progress projects, use our tools. Open to all previous and current Annex students. Limited to four students - book ahead! All levels.
March 2012
AW - Square Wire Brooch - Saturday, March 3, 9am-1pm - $50Learn to construct and solder simple to complex geometric shapes while you create a unique brooch from square wire. Create a flat silhouette, a 3-D cube or ?? Endless possibilities. Create your brooch using the included brass wire, or purchase silver wire. We will also create a pin finding on the back so your brooch will be complete. Bring (or purchase in class)14-10 gauge sterling silver square wire if desired. INT
AW - OPEN LAB - Saturday March 3, 2pm-6pm - $25
A perfect time to finish up projects begun in other Annex classes. Bring your in-progress projects, use our tools. Open to all previous and current Annex students. Limited to four students - book ahead! All levels.
AW - Fold-forming - Saturday, March 10, 9am-1pm - $50
Bring your jewelry into the third dimension using the fast, exciting technique of fold-forming. The folds allow use of thinner metal than usual, yielding light-weight, organic forms perfect for earrings or necklace components. Can also be adapted to a larger scale for creating vessels. BEG or INT
AW - OPEN LAB - Tuesday, March 13, 9am-1pm - $25
A perfect time to finish up projects begun in other Annex classes. Bring your in-progress projects, use our tools. Open to all previous and current Annex students. Limited to four students - book ahead! All levels.
LB - Resin Inlay (2 Days) Saturday, March 17th, 9am-1pm and Sunday, March 18th, 1pm-4pm, $150
Learn the art of resin inlay in this wonderful 2-day workshop. Resin inlay is a wonderful way to add color to your jewelry. You will have the option of making earrings and/or a pendant. You can also bring metal jewelry you have already made and in which you would like to add resin inlay. You will learn how to color, inlay, cure and finish resin. Students will have the option of using simple premade metal pieces or fabricating their own unique design. Basic soldering skills are required for fabricating your own unique metal design. This is a great way to add color to your jewelry without the need for a kiln or torch. BEG-ADV
April 2012
AW - Stamp Tools - Saturday, April 7, 9am-1pm - $60You’ve learned to use the texture tools, now learn to make your own! Basics of working with steel covered while you design, form, finish and heat-treat your own steel stamps. Bonus - bring your swapmeet hammers, we'll re-shape the heads for forging, planishing, etc. Steel for 3 stamps included, more available for purchase. INT-ADV
AW - OPEN LAB - Saturday April 7, 2pm-6pm - $25
A perfect time to finish up projects begun in other Annex classes. Bring your in-progress projects, use our tools. Open to all previous and current Annex students. Limited to four students - book ahead! All levels.
AW - Silver Band Ring - Saturday, April 14, 9am-1pm - $70
Great beginner class! Using included silver sheet and wire, construct a textured band ring of your own design. You will learn soldering, texturing, filing, and sanding. Endless creative possibilities. BEG
AW - OPEN LAB - Tuesday, April 17, 9am-1pm - $25
A perfect time to finish up projects begun in other Annex classes. Bring your in-progress projects, use our tools. Open to all previous and current Annex students. Limited to four students - book ahead! All levels.
LB - Enameled Earrings - Saturday, April 21, 9am-1pm $60
Learn the ancient art of enameling. We will cover the basics of working with vitreous enamels on copper. Safety precautions will be discussed. We will be using the sifting method of application. The enamels get fired in a kiln at approximately 1500° F. Wow! That’s hot! You will create 2 pairs of earrings. After firing the enamel on the copper you will clean up the pieces and attach sterling silver French ear wires. All materials included. BEG
May 2012
AW - Stone-setting - Saturday, May 5, 9am-1pm - $60Learn the details of setting flat-back cabochon stones. Begninners can make a simple pendant, advanced can try alternate setting techniques and/or begin a more complex project. You may choose one stone from a wide selection as part of your class fee, bring your own, or purchase extras in class. BEG to ADV
AW - OPEN LAB - Saturday May 5, 2pm-6pm - $25
A perfect time to finish up projects begun in other Annex classes. Bring your in-progress projects, use our tools. Open to all previous and current Annex students. Limited to four students - book ahead! All levels.
AW - Hinges De-mystified - Saturday, May 12, 9am-1pm - $60
After seeing Anne demo her ‘simplest hinge’, try your own. Create a simple hinged pendant, or begin a bracelet or lidded box. Excellent for soldering practice! Silver tubing included. INT
AW - OPEN LAB - Tuesday, May 15, 9am-1pm - $25
A perfect time to finish up projects begun in other Annex classes. Bring your in-progress projects, use our tools. Open to all previous and current Annex students. Limited to four students - book ahead! All levels.
LB - Sterling Silver Stamped and Riveted Pendant - Sunday, May 20, 11am-3pm, $70
Create a unique pendant utilizing stamps to add texture and text to your metal and use rivets to connect and add layers. Learn how to make and use a variety of rivets on a jewelry scale. Rivets are an excellent cold-connection method that is both functional and decorative. BEG
June 2012
Anne will be out of town all of June. Stay tuned for possible Lily classes.Don't see the class you want, when you want it? Get a few friends together and propose a date! We can teach any class on this website to your group at a date/time that is good for you. Some classes can be taught at your location. See below for other available classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to pay in advance? - In order to use our small space efficiently, we ask for payment to reserve your seat. This ensures there will be space for you, and that there aren't empty seats in classes with waiting lists. There is a generous credit/refund policy in case you change your mind or become ill (see below).
Can I cancel and get my money back? - One-session classes: If you are unable to attend and give me one week's notice, we will refund your $$. If you cancel up to 24 hours before, we will give you credit for a different class. With less than 24 hours notice, you forfeit your $$. Multi-session classes: cancel one week in advance, receive 100% refund. Cancel 3 days before first session for 100% credit, then 75% credit until start of first class. No credit after first day of class.
What should I bring to class? - All tools and materials are provided unless otherwise noted, but feel free to bring your own tools and silver if you wish. You'll want a notebook and something to write with. Bring cash or check for silver if desired. If you wear glasses for reading/detail work - bring them!!
What will my project look like? - Every piece will be unique. We give design guidance and ideas, but the projects are designed to give you freedom for your own artistic voice.
Why do I pay extra for silver? - Using silver is optional - any student that would rather make their project out of copper or brass, included in the workshop fee, may do so. This makes the class more affordable, while allowing upgrading to silver for those who wish. The ANNEX sells silver for class projects only, at spot +$8 per ounce.
Why don't I see any of your multi-session classes scheduled? - As both of the Annex teachers are also college instructors, our schedules are limited during the semester. Look for multi-session classes in January and during the summer.
I have no experience at all - am I really welcome? - Of course! See the LEVEL CODES at top of page to help you plan which classes to take first - but with a class size of only four, the level of instruction is easily tailored to the skill/experience level of each student. Call or email if you are unsure if a class is for you.
What kind of facilities does the Annex have? - We are a small but well-equipped shop, with acetylene torches, anvil and smithing tools, flexshafts, shop sink and etching area with ventilation, as well as restroom. Workbenches are sturdy birch, with padded height-adjustable rolling stools. We have flourescent, incandescent and some natural light, with portable lamps as necessary.
Lunch? Snacks? Water? - Water/drink at your workbench is okay, but please no food. There are many inexpensive restaurants in the area.
I have a disability; can I take your class? - Please contact us regarding your abilities. We strive to make classes accessible to as many people as possible, but there are physical requirements to many classes. We can guide you to a class that may work for you.
I didn't pre-register; can I just show up? - Please call first at 619-488-7540, as soon as you know you'd like to attend. Many classes fill weeks in advance, others might be cancelled due to low enrollment.
CLASSES AVAILABLE, BUT NOT CURRENTLY SCHEDULED:
LB - Resin Inlay (2 Days) $150
Learn the art of resin inlay, a wonderful way to add color to your jewelry. Students have the option of making earrings and/or a pendant. You may also bring metal jewelry you have already made. Learn to color, inlay, cure and finish resin. Students will have the option of using simple premade metal pieces or fabricate their own unique design. Basic soldering skills are required for fabricating your own unique metal design. This is a great way to add color to your jewelry without the need for a kiln or torch. BEG-ADV
LB - Master Class: Hollow Constructed Ring (2 Days) - $200
This is a soldering intensive class. Learn to construct a hollow constructed ring. Hollow construction is a great way to increase size and dimension of a ring, allowing for more sculptural possibilities. The inner band of the ring will be constructed from sterling silver and the rest of the ring will be constructed from copper. If you would like to construct the entire ring from silver, options for ordering metal will be provided in advance. INT-ADV
LB - Sterling Silver Stamped and Riveted Pendant -- 4 hours, $70
Create a unique pendant utilizing stamps to add texture and text to your metal and use rivets to connect and add layers. Learn how to make and use a variety of rivets on a jewelry scale. Rivets are an excellent cold-connection method that is both functional and decorative.
Make Your Own Silver Tubing - 4 hours - $60
Never be at the mercy of Rio's few tubing choices again! Starting from sheet, we will form and solder our own tubing. You may create perfectly round tubing of any diameter, or instead form the organic tube-like forms called spiculums. Some silver included! ADV
Silver Cuff Bracelet - 4 hours - $50
Learn to texture metal while you create a finished silver cuff bracelet. Emphasizes use of texture tools and hammers to create unique surfaces, while also covering the basics of finishing. Bring $20-30 for silver, email for materials list, or make a copper bracelet instead. Advanced can edge their bracelet with square wire. BEG
Forged Silver Necklace - all day - $80
Forge copper, brass or silver wire into unique links for a custom necklace. You can bend, hammer and manipulate the wire into almost any shape you can imagine. Skills covered: basic forging, wire bending, finding attachment, soldering wire, finishing. All levels. Extra fee for silver, or email for materials list. Includes break for lunch. INT
Carved Silver Ring - 4 hours - $70
First solder, then file-carve sterling silver to create a unique patterned ring. Great for beginners who want to jump right into soldering. Also great for developing your filing skills. Silver included! BEG
Make Your Own Clasps - 4 hours- $60
Bring your jewelry to the next level - learn to to create professional clasps, bails and other findings efficiently with room for your own creative touch. This class involves creating and soldering small components - bring your detail glasses, patience and silver scraps. Some silver included. ADV
Melt Your Old Gold (and Silver) - 4 hours - $60
Bring your old rings, pendants and chains. You'll learn to melt them into an ingot, then roll and hammer the ingot into useful raw materials. Beginners can make a ring! All levels.
Hammered Copper Vessel - all day class $80
Form a simple copper vessel from a 4 or 5" disc using the sinking method. Great introduction to working on a larger scale. After sinking your copper disc to form a shallow vessel, learn to planish the surface, decorate it with stamped designs, and/or pierce the surface with the jeweler's saw. Includes break for lunch. INT
***NEW CLASS!***
Tube Rivet Earrings - 4 hours - $60
Use our rolling mill to create unique textures on your metal, then saw or stamp contrasting stackable shapes. Cold-connect the layers together using tube rivets, then create silver shepherd hooks to finish your earrings. INT
Soldered Hollow-form Pendant - all day - $80
Learn the basics of hollow-form soldering while you create a unique hollow pendant. Use textured metal (photo-etched, rollerprinted, stamped) from previous classes, or start from scratch. Great for those wanting to refine their soldering skills! Copper/brass included, silver available for purchase in class. INT
Soldering with Square Wire - 4 hours - $50
Learn to construct and solder simple to complex shapes by cutting, bending, filing and soldering square brass wire. Learn to miter your edges accurately yet simply. Create flat silhouettes, 3-D cubes, bases for stones or brooches, chain links, etc. Bring (or purchase in class)14-10 gauge sterling silver square wire if desired. INT
Hollow-Form Beads - 4 hours - $50
Cut, form and solder two domed discs to create a custom bead. Make it uniquely yours by piercing, texturing or adding other elements. Copper and brass included, or purchase or bring silver (22 gauge sheet). INT
Riveted Pendant with Stamped Texture -4 hours - $50
Great beginner class, or for those interested in rivets! We'll cover use of jeweler's saw and file to create unique shapes, use of texture stamps, and riveting. Each student will make a unique pendant of their own design. Advanced students can try trickier rivets such as stand-off, blind or tube. BEG
Mokume-Gane Patterning - 2 days, 9am-4pm - $180
This shortened version of the popular week-long mokume-gane patterning class will introduce you to at least two of the standard ways of patterning mokume-gane - stamp/file patterning and chisel patterning. See week-long class description for more information. (Warning - you might become addicted to mokume-gane. It has happened here before!) Discount for returning mokume-gane students, but newcomers welcome. INT
Finishing Your Silver Jewelry: the Last 10% - 4 hours - $50
Confused about when to switch from 500 sandpaper to 600 or 1000? Keep finding mysterious purple smudges on your almost-finished silver pieces? This class is for you! We'll explore various finishing techniques, including sand and polishing papers, flexshaft options for quicker finishing, raising the fine silver, oxidation options for silver, and more! Bring your in-process silver projects. ADV
Soldered Earrings - 4 hours - $50
This class introduces you to the basics of small-scale soldering for jewelry while creating a unique pair of earrings - first you'll decide on a basic shape for your earrings, then use sweat soldering to enhance the surface with contrasting metal shapes (a great class for using up those small scraps of silver or gold). Finally, you'll solder post-backs on your earrings for a professional, finished look. BEG
Hinges De-mystified - 4 hours - $60
After seeing Anne demo her ‘simplest hinge’, try your own. Create a simple hinged pendant, or begin a bracelet or lidded box. Silver tubing included. INT
Hinged
Bracelet with Turkish Slide Catch4 Fridays 1-5pm - $180
Create a sophisticated single or multi-hinged hinged bracelet with
Turkish-style slide catch. This class is best for those with some experience soldering and texturing metal. The 4 session format allows for guided working time, although complex designs may need time outside of class to complete. Emphasis will be on creating a bracelet of your own unique design using the techniques demonstrated in class, along with design/technical assistance. INT
Soldered Ring Box - all day - $80
In this larger-scale beginning soldering class, you will fabricate a small lidded container from copper - bring previously textured metal (from photo-etching class, for instance) or start from scratch. Includes break for lunch. INT
Beginning Enameling - 4 hours - $70 – includes enamel
Add color to your metalwork! This beginning session covers firing non-leaded enamels to copper using sifting and wet-packing. Beginners can make a unique pendant, advanced can begin a larger project. BEG
Carved Silver Ring with Cabochon Stone - 3 4-hour sessions -- $140
Learn to solder, form, file, and set stones in this excellent beginner fabrication class. Price includes choosing a stone from our wide selection, or bring your own flat-backed cabochon to set. Advanced students can create more complex rings, with file-carved patterns and/or multiple stones. BEG
Forged Earrings OR Tree Ornaments - 4 hours - $50
Using classic metals forging techniques, create fun, simple shapes from copper and brass, perfect for decorating the holiday tree. Spirals, snowmen, stars – the only limit is your imagination! Excellent handmade gift idea. OR - use the same techniques to create forged silver earrings - bring (or purchase in class) 14-16 gauge sterling silver round wire if desired. BEG
Hammered Wire Ring - 4 hours - $60
Learn to manipulate heavy gauge wire while creating a silver ring. Beginners will focus on designs that don't require soldering, advance can plan and begin a more complex ring. Silver included. BEG
Multi-session
Master Class (2 days):Photo-etch Hollow-form Pendant - $240
Using your own photos or images as a starting point, you will learn to etch non-ferrous metals and use jeweler’s saw, file, and torch to transform your photo into a hollow-form pendant. Other techniques and skills taught include: how to digitally manipulate your images to retain detail, tricks for a successful silver etch, soldering simple hollow-forms, and filing and finishing techniques for silver. See pdf for more information.
Photograph your Jewelry or Small Objects, 9am-1pm - $60
Learn to shoot accurate, professional digital or film photographs of your work. We will cover the basics of lighting, diffusers, backgrounds, and more. Bring your camera, or use ours. Also bring your own work to photograph!
Multi-session Master
Class (5 days): Vessel
Fabrication - $340Fabrication is a fundamental metalworking technique used to construct 3-dimensional soldered forms -- from vessels to boxes to hollow-form jewelry. In this class, you will design, form, solder and hand finish a small vase or vessel of your own design. A busy, fast-paced class for those with some experience soldering and texturing. Depending on the complexity of your design, you may need time outside of class to complete your project. See pdf for more information.
Advanced Soldering for Silver - 4 hours - $50
Bring your in-process work that involves soldering. This advanced soldering class will review silver soldering, emphasizing techniques specific to sterling silver. We will also cover raising the fine silver, an important step in finishing your sterling silver creations.
Advanced and Torch-fired Enameling - 4 hours - $70 - includes enamel
Learn about torch-firing, liquid enamel, and using underglaze pencils in this advanced enameling session.