A Minor Ornamentation

A Minor Ornamentation:

Earrings Hot and Cold

by Deryn Mentock

Registration for this class is closed. 

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About this class:

It's all about a seemingly minor ornament, the earring! From ancient time, in all cultures, the earring has been a major form of personal adornment. We'll explore a wide variety of techniques, learning to create beautiful earrings, both soldered and cold connected. I'll show you five different pair, making this class an exceptional value...several classes for the price of one! This workshop is packed with technique, allowing you to grow your skill set and enabling you to use my designs as a jumping off point, allowing your creativity to soar. My vision for this class? Help you to elevate your jewelry making game!

What you'll get in this class: 

Clear, close, detailed videos! Jammie friendly!

• Detailed instruction: high quality, highly detailed videos available 24/7 for the entire duration of the class. Watch as many times as you like; no driving, no airfare, no hotels and no schlepping your heavy stuff!
• Online: Our classroom is a well organized site with plenty of sample photos, as well as written instruction and advice.
• Resources: complete, printable (and video) tools and supplies overview, advice and resources. Complete access to the way I do things and the tools I use.
• Coaching: Access to an experienced instructor for the two full months of class. I'll be with you every step of the way. When it comes to building your pieces, I'll be available for technical advice as well as design advice and lots of support. I want you to succeed!
• Community: One of the most important, and enjoyable, aspects of my online classes is the private social media site I provide. You'll have the ability to post photos of your work, chat with other students, post questions and get the answers you need. My workshops are fluid, work-at-your-own-pace classes with a friendly, classroom atmosphere.

What else you'll get:

As a pioneer in the field of online jewelry making classes, I strive to make sure my workshops are of the highest quality and my online classes are an outstanding value. You’ll have continual access to my classroom for the duration of the class. Like to work in your jammies?...the videos will be at hand…a click away…any time of day or night, for you to view as many times as you want. I love making jewelry and sharing my skills. I give you quality online course content enabling you to learn from the privacy of your own home. At the same time, you will feel like you're right there in my studio, with me! 

What you'll learn:

• Annealing, hardening and texturing metal
• Working with a rolling mill
• Shaping/dapping
• Proper sawing technique
• Accessible butane torch silver soldering techniques
• Soldering delicate elements
• Making post earrings
• Drawing a bead on wire
• Bezel making
• Stone setting
• Pickling and patina application
• Polishing and tumbling
• Riveting and other cold connections
• Working with metal stamps
• Creating jump rings
• Working with antique gemtypes
• Wire wrapping
• 5 different styles of ear wire
• 5 different styles of earring
• Tool advice
• Tips and tricks
• The opportunity to become more accomplished and confident in your craft!

Take away:

• Variety: Five unique styles of earring...soldered and cold connected...and five unique ear wires, including soldered post earrings.
• Techniques: A wide variety of techniques that will allow you to become proficient in making these earrings, which can then be applied to many more of your own projects.
• Knowledge: I guide you through the process of metalsmithing and wire working to create beautiful, wearable pieces.
• Confidence: I always recommend that students make the class samples, then once they become proficient, encourage them to use the learned skills to create work in their own style. I find this greatly helps build skills, confidence and individual style.

Skill level: 

Beginning to intermediate: I've structured this class to start with the easier of the projects, first, working progressively to the more difficult projects. Because there are five different designs, and many different techniques, you can pick and choose what you feel comfortable with.

Dates: 

Friday, February 21 through Sunday, April 19, 2020.

Register and Payment:

$165

Register for class by clicking the Paypal link in the right sidebar. I accept paypal payments, only, and your payment is your registration. If you don't receive your log on information within 3 days, please first check your spam folder, then contact me: mocknet@sbcglobal.net. A complete tools/resources list, and other pdf files, are available upon registration.

Due to the online nature of this class, no refunds once your registration is complete and you're provided the class log on information.

Q&A:

I'm afraid of the torch! We'll be using a small, student friendly butane torch. I'll guide you through the steps and show everything you need to know to be successful, including which torch works best, how to operate it, safety considerations, basic soldering and how to solder delicate elements.

Sterling silver is so expensive! Most of the projects can be done with less expensive metals like copper or brass, or a mix of metals. If you don't have a lot of experience sawing, practice on copper until you're comfortable. Once you overcome your hesitation to work in silver, you'll see that it's easy to work with and you'll be proud that you created something of value, with your own two hands!

I'm afraid to jump in! That fear is something I totally understand. Going forward with something new can be scary! Just remember that you're learning and I'll be there every step of the way. Overcoming doubt is part of the creation process. You can do it!

What about tools? Most of the tools in this class are basic bench tools: files, flex shaft (or Dremel), pliers, hammers, saw, bench block, butane torch, etc. I try to offer options as I know that not everyone is in a position to spend a lot on tools. After registration, you'll have access to the complete tools/resources list. Specialty tools for this class: We will be using a rolling mill in this class but I'll coach you through other ways to get texture without one.

Are the videos downloadable? The videos are not downloadable. I recommend that students take notes because it really helps to anchor the information in your mind, when you write it yourself.

Are your online classes "lifetime" access? After years of teaching in person, I find that online classes are a terrific value for most jewelry makers. I pack as much as I can into each class because I want you to get the most out of my classes, and I respect your investment of both time and money. Because I'm a one woman show, and I like to be continually present for my students during class, I find it more efficient to run my classes one at a time. But no worries! Each class runs for just over 8 weeks...sometimes a bit longer...allowing plenty of time to finish.

What if I lose my password? Keep your log on info email in a safe place for later use. But, if you can't locate it, send me an email and I'll fix you up.

What my students have said:

(More reviews here)

Denise: I’ve taken a lot of classes and watched a lot on YouTube also, things just didn’t come together for a while. When you find a teacher that makes it click for you like; Deryn did for me. It all comes together! I watched her over and over.....I feel like a Metalsmith now and nothing intimidates me. I use her process for everything and I learned to love the blue tip of the flame!

Diane: I am really proud of myself that I was finally able to overcome the solder hump. I have tried to solder for years without success and along comes Deryn Mentock, and Voila! I finally got it. Deryn, I never use the word "awesome" because I think it is the most overused word in the universe but you are awesome!

Karen: In true Deryn Mentock fashion, these videos and instruction are primo!!! I encourage anyone who is on the fence to LEAP! You will not regret it!

Anonymous: Thank you for putting together the DREAM course in my opinion. There are so many workshop/courses out there that have either been misleading, disappointing or I realized the content was beautiful but lacking.... Your course description was like a breath of fresh air, I knew I HAD TO HAVE IT. I think I have taken enough online courses to see you are the real deal and I am very much looking forward to taking another. Thank you for your time and efforts to feel it was important enough to share yourself online.

Terms of Use:

Sharing of log-on information and/or class material with anyone who hasn't paid full price for the class is unethical and is not allowed. By registering for this class, you agree to this and to the copyright terms listed on my sites. Designs from this class are the sole property of Deryn Mentock and may not be duplicated for profit. Techniques from this class may be used in any way you like.  Please do not sell my designs online.

Use of power tools and other jewelry making tools can be harmful, if used improperly. Upon registration, students agree to hold harmless and indemnify Something Sublime and Deryn Mentock from any or all loss, damages, costs or expenses incurred during the course of this workshop.