Workshops & Classes
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." Maya Angelou
Stephanie Zier is an Art Clay Certified Instructor
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Stacking Rings,
Beginning Silver Smith
Where & When:
You will be making three sterling silver stacking rings. I have a selection of semiprecious stones and sterling decorations, which I have pre-made, for you to choose from. You will then cut the band, add optional band texture and prepare for soldering. I will demonstrate how to safely solder, and be there right next to you as you solder on your settings. From there you polish the rings and set your gemstones. TaDa! You have completed a trio of unique stacking rings!
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Skill Level: Novice/Beginner
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**It is highly recommended that you bring magnification glasses or visor. Dollar store +1.5-+3 work fine**
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This class is also by appointment at my studio in Parkman, WY. I am taking small groups, or mini parties, of 1-4 for this 3 hour workshop. I am also able to travel to you for this workshop.
Pearl Earrings
Beginning Metalsmith
Do you want these? Pearls within warm golden bronze and silver circles. Join this class and make a pair yourself. No experience necessary.
Bronze and silver do not behave the same way. This class introduces you to some of the differences in these metals. In this class you will learn to size rings, solder bronze, fuse argentium silver and hang pearls. Optional texturing techniques will be offered.
All supplies and equipment needed for the project are included.
Approximately 3 hours
Skill Level: Beginner/Novice
**It is highly recommended that you bring magnification glasses or visor. Dollar store +1.5-+3 work fine**
Where & When:
Elegant Braided Silver Ring
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Learning to braid with eight strands is easy, once you know how. First, we will learn with string, then move up to fine silver. The ends can be finished for an adjustable or fitted ring.
All supplies and equipment needed for the project are included.
Approximately 2-3 hours
Skill Level: Beginner/NoviceTaught
Metal Clay for Metalsmiths
Creative & Time Saving Techniques
Keum Boo gold bonus
Metal Clay can be a boost to creativity, and a time saving and value-adding addition to your production studio. This powdered silver is a creative gem for anyone who loves to sculpt.
I've designed this two-day in-person workshop for the experienced metalsmith who is curious about silver metal clay and wanting to add unique and time-saving elements to their metalsmith work, with minimal tools. The focus is on learning technique, and not the production of a single project. Skills will be learned through hands-on work. In addition, you will learn mold making, which can be a huge time saver for reproducing pieces or used to make your own textures, or reproducing actual leaves, feathers or fingerprints.
As an added bonus, we explore how easily 24k gold keum boo can be added to silver metal clays. A little gold adds a lot of value to your work.
Where & When:
February 3 & 4
Parkman, WY studio
Day one:
Tools and techniques for working with metal clay in wet and dry forms. Calculating shrinkage. Explore the possibilities of unlimited texturing, molding, shaping and carving of this malleable material. Pitfalls and fixes for oopses. Information on kiln firing schedule, firable gemstones, ring sizing.
Day two:
Torch firing fine silver metal clay. Working with fired metal clay: shaping dos and don’ts, considerations when soldering, finishing, prep for patination.
Two-part mold making for production and texture plates.
Keum boo 24k gold on metal clay.
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Skill Level - Intermediate to advanced metalsmith.
**This is a lot of information. Be prepared to be a sponge.**
Cost: $300
Kit Fee: TBD
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Silver Cuff Bracelet
Marrying Metal Clay & Silver Smithing
Where & When:
By appointment at my Parkman studio. Contact me to schedule a time for you or your group of up to four.
In this class you will be making a unique silver cuff bracelet! I have a selection of semiprecious stones from which to choose: turquoise, malachite, labradorite, garnet and more.
Working with silver metal clay you will design, size and create a textured back plate for your stone and learn the skill of torch firing this amazing silver product.
Other techniques learned will be annealing, soldering, bezel setting a stone, metal texturing and stamping, sizing and shaping a cuff bracelet, patina and finishing techniques.
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Approximately 4.5 hours
Skill Level: Focused Beginner/Intermediate
Cost: Materials and tools included. Contact me for current price.
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Workshops
in
Metal
Clay
Metal clay originated in Japan in 1990. It is a clay made from small particles of metal, an organic binder and water. It can be shaped, molded and textured like clay into jewelry, jewelry components or small sculptures. After drying the pieces are fired in a kiln, or sometimes with a torch. The organic binder burns off, the small metal particles sinter together, and what remains is a solid metal.
What is
Metal Clay??
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Fine Silver & Dichoic Glass Workshop
Adding color to your silver work
Where & When:
Contact me to schedule or host this workshop.
Dichoric glass contains metals, which create iridescent effects when made into cabochons. Often they look like natural stones, works of modern art or little pieces of the cosmos. In this class you will learn several techniques on how to capture the glass in silver and how to make a fine silver bezel for a fireable gemstone.
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All tools and material will be provided. No experience needed.
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Skill Level: Beginner and up
Stacking Rings in Sterling Silver
Metal Clay
Where & When:
Contact me to schedule a class
Stacking rings can create a narrative, compose a puzzle or rely on simple shapes for interest. The interplay between the rings can be expressed as vertical, horizontal, lateral or a combination, and this is what makes them fun!
This class will cover design guidance for your unique set of rings, ring sizing, many wet and dry techniques for texturing and embellishing your rings, and setting fireable gemstones.
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What's Included: Twenty-five grams sterling silver clay, one fireable gemstone, tools for creating and finishing your project. Additional stones will be available for purchase, or bring your own gemstones that are safe to fire to 1600F.
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Skill Level: Experience in metal clay is helpful but not required. Beginners welcome.
Sliding Locket Workshop
Hidden Treasures
We equate lockets with storing memories and small treasures. In this workshop we will engineer a walled back piece and decorative cover out of silver metal clay. What you put inside is up to you and your imagination! This is an opportunity to take your metal clay skills to a new level.
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What's Included: Silver clay, one fireable gemstone, tools for creating and finishing your project. Additional stones will be available for purchase, or bring your own gemstones that are safe to fire to 1600F.
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Skill Level: Intermediate
Where & When:
This can be scheduled as a one or two day workshop
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"Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art." Andy Warhol
Find your muse.
Be inspired.
