Jewelry 101

Move beyond the appreciation of jewelry to creation by learning the fundamentals of jewelry-making techniques, design and fabrication. A range of hand-tool processes will be covered through practical exercises and imaginative concept-based projects. You will acquire a solid set of technical skills, and will also exercise your creative design skills. The non-technical side of the class focuses on idea development and the critical-thinking skills needed to realize a vision. This course will review sawing, filing, soldering, scoring/bending, texturing, forming, linkages, wire construction and more. No prior metal-smithing skills are necessary. Metal will be provided for practice and exercises, but students may need to pay for additional metals needed for their independent work. Tools, safety equipment, brass, and copper will be provided, and the instructor will help students navigate suppliers for any precious materials they may want. Open studio hours to work on projects during the course are included. Open studio runs Monday (3-6pm), Thursday (3-6pm) and Sunday (5-8pm). Students will have access to 6 open studio sessions during their course. INSTRUCTOR BIO Alison Bruun I am a metalsmith with 30 years for experience in jewelry and light metals. I received my MFA from UMass Dartmouth, and have been teaching at the Steel Yard for 11 years. I can’t wait to help you fulfill your creative ideas! ENROLLMENT POLICY All students are required to fully read the Steel Yard Registration & Enrollment Policies before attending the first class.