Molding and Twisting Metal: Two Approaches to Nature-Inspired Jewelry
July 12 @ 9:00 am - July 13 @ 5:00 pm
$290.00
If you’ve ever found yourself with pockets full of leaves, pebbles, and twigs, this is the class for you. Transform these natural elements into wearable pieces of art with two different styles of metal jewelry-making. Join jewelry artist Dianne Zald at her home studio in Interlochen, Michigan as she leads the class through precious metal clay (PMC) and wire-wrapped jewelry techniques.
Precious metal clay contains an organic binder that burns off when fired in a kiln, this binder allows the metal to be molded and shaped. Students will press flowers, leaves, or other materials into the clay to create intriguing textures and shapes. These pieces will be kiln-fired and finished to reveal unique and detailed metal designs. Dianne will also lead students through the twists and turns of wire-wrapped jewelry. This timeless art form offers limitless possibilities, allowing you to create everything from ornate, detailed designs to simple, minimalist pieces that reflect your personal style.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your jewelry making skills, this class will guide you through the foundational techniques and creative processes behind jewelry making. Bring your pocketfuls of inspiration, and be prepared to let nature lead your jewelry designs. You’ll discover how to transform raw materials into wearable art, with the flexibility to craft pieces that are uniquely yours.
Itinerary:
Day 1: We’ll start by gathering at the Cedar North classroom. After some brief introductions, you’ll get right into the PMC molding. Dianne will give some demonstrations, and you’ll have the chance to explore with the material independently! There will be an hour long break for lunch, after which, students will regroup to continue molding their pieces, ending the day prepared to put them in the kiln for firing.
Day 2: On the second day of class, students will meet once again at the Cedar North classroom where the PMC pieces will be out of the kiln and ready for finishing! Before lunch, you’ll be introduced to the craft of wire-wrapped jewelry. After the hour long break, you’ll return to learn about the properties of wire, and how to use it to create beautiful, secure settings for stones. You’ll spend the afternoon manipulating wire—twisting, looping, and wrapping—to create both structural and decorative elements in your designs. At the end of the day, you’ll have the opportunity to gather for a closing, and share your pieces with the other students!
What you get from the class:
- Instruction on two distinct forms of metal jewelry making
- Experience with the full firing and finishing process of PMC jewelry making
- Two pieces of unique, artistic jewelry
- The foundational skills to continue jewelry making on your own
Meet Your Instructor:
Dianne Zald
About 13 years ago Dianne attended her first jewelry-making workshop where she was introduced to metal, a hammer and a torch. Something inside her was forever changed. It was at that moment that Dianne knew that she had found her passion, her creative “voice” in the world. To further her skills, Dianne enrolled in the Metals Department at the Southwest School of Art where she read, studied and took as many classes as time and money would allow. She hammered, soldered (sometimes melted!) and twisted her metal in every way possible, in order to perfect her craft.
Forging community in Northwestern Michigan: When we craft with one another, we become storytellers. We share about our lives, and share insight with one another as we navigate projects alongside one another. We might arrive as complete strangers, but leave as friends. This class allows students to engage in fine motor work with their hands, freeing the mind to find connection and conversation. Sign up for two days of peaceful making amidst community.
Green Door classes are immersive and intentionally long. We find that over prolonged time together, students form deeper bonds with each other, the craft, and their instructor for an over all more impactful experience. Even if you are a Traverse City local, the intention is that these classes feel a bit like a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you are visiting from afar, the experience can be even deeper.
Class Details:
Where is the class held?: This class is held at the Cedar Lake classroom, where you’ll be surrounded by rolling farm lands and learning in a space that lends itself to collaborative learning.
Class Type: Metalwork
Cost: $290 per person which includes a $40 material fee (includes all necessary tools and materials)
Date/Time: July 12th-13th @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Prerequisites/Skill Level/Age Requirements:
- No prior experience required.
- Ages 18+
Booking Information and Policies:
What happens after I book the class?: After you book, we will send you a confirmation email that you are IN! A week out from the class, we will send you an email with more details about our meeting locations and some housekeeping items.
Want to make sure you have all of the information before you dive in? Here’s our cancelation policy: We understand that plans change, and we do our best to accommodate while honoring the time, energy, and resources that go into preparing for each class.
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the class start date Receive a full refund, minus a $25 administrative fee. This fee helps cover the cost of filling your spot. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made less than 14 calendar days before class begins.
At this time, we are not able to offer:
• Course credit
• Transfers to other courses
This policy allows us to keep class sizes small and intimate, while minimizing pressure to increase overall course costs.
If the class is canceled by the school: In the event of inclement weather or other disruptions, we will issue a full refund and do our best to offer a reschedule option.
Policies:
Go for it! If you’re a lover of jewelry, curious about bending and molding metal, can be found scouring the beaches for rocks, or dream about spending a weekend in community with other craftspeople…this is the class for you!