Dates: Saturday & Sunday, March 27 - 28, from 10 am to 4 pm
Fee: $ 285/discount with member code
Ages: 18+
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Sessions: 2
Instructor: Tamara Kelly
Location: Schack Art Center, Metalsmithing Studio
Take your metal fabrication skills to a larger scale in this intensive two-day workshop focused on creating a bold, textured silver cuff. Starting with silver scraps, you’ll pour your own custom ingot and process it through a rolling mill to create a substantial cuff blank.
You’ll learn macro-reticulation, using a torch to intentionally wrinkle and crater the surface of a large silver sheet, creating dramatic, organic texture. You’ll also explore mixed-metal granulation techniques to add depth and contrast to your design.
On the second day, you’ll focus on forming and stone setting. Using studio stakes and heavy mallets, you’ll shape your textured metal into a comfortable cuff tailored to your wrist. You’ll then learn how to adapt, level, and solder a custom bezel cup onto the curved bracelet band to securely hold a statement gemstone.
You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind reticulated silver cuff featuring dramatic texture, mixed-metal accents, and a prominent gemstone.
Materials & Supplies:
To personalize your cuff, please bring gemstones: One large, calibrated or organic-cut, flat-backed cabochon, such as labradorite, turquoise, jasper, or agate. Ideal sizes range from 15–30 mm. Please avoid ultra-fragile or soft stones, such as opals, which can crack under setting pressure.
Magnifying eyewear/Optivisor: Highly recommended for seeing fine details during the stone-setting portion of the workshop.
Sketchbook or notebook: For sketching your design and calculating wrist measurements.