Rings for Rookies
soldering for the uninitiated
an online class with Deryn Mentock
Registration for this class is closed.
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I love teaching, but in the world of jewelry making classes...at least in metalsmithing...I believe beginning students are an overlooked group! With that in mind, this class is meant to make you feel comfortable soldering with a butane torch. We'll be using a butane torch because it's an accessible and inexpensive way to learn metalsmithing. But, there are some tricks to it! Whether you're just getting started, or are a more seasoned jewelry maker, I can help you learn how to get the most from your butane torch.
It might be a little hard to believe but all of my samples were made using just a butane torch! The butane torch can be a tricky little beast but it can also be an incredibly effective tool for creating beautiful, soldered jewelry. I'll teach you the nuances involved in soldering multiple layers as well as delicate elements.
I'll take you from stone selection, all the way to the very last (and most fun!) step of stone setting, with lots of other skills learned, in between.
In this workshop, you'll be using plain bezel wire as well as scalloped, serrated and even fancy gallery wire. I'll show you how to create a base for your ring, how to texture metal, make an adjustable ring band and add simple but beautiful embellishments.
Oh...did I mention my very favorite part? I'll also teach you how to add my special peek-a-boo bezel, both on the main bezel (bezel on bezel) and on the ring band. Every element of your ring will be made, by you...except the stones.
In addition to all of this, I'll also be teaching you how to solder a double bezel ring! You can get really creative in this class, or keep it simple, depending on your choices of bezel, embellishment and stones. Either way, you will turn out beautiful rings that you can say YOU created with your own two hands!
What you'll get in this class:
Sharper clearer videos! Jammie friendly! Detailed instruction...welcome to my studio!
You'll have unlimited access to my private online classroom, for the duration of the workshop, including the following:
- Videos available 24/7 the entire duration of the class, beginning on day one
- Complete tool and supply list (available upon registration)
- Tools and supplies overview, advice and resources
- Stone and bezel wire selection
- Fitting and soldering bezels
- Annealing, hardening and texturing metal
- Proper sawing technique
- Creating silver ball embellishments
- Soldering a single or double bezel ring
- Creating, texturing and shaping an adjustable ring band
- Peek a boo bezels!
- Patina application
- Polishing and tumbling
- Butane torch soldering techniques
- Questions, answers, troubleshooting with access to an experienced instructor
- Social media site for group sharing
- More!
What else you'll get when you take an online class with me:
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 exceptional value. They include highly detailed videos that you'll be able to watch as many times as you like; no driving, no airfare, no hotels and no schlepping your heavy stuff! 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!
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.
Once you register: Your payment is your registration. You should receive your log on information, via email, within 3 days (please see below). A complete tool list will be made available, along with a resources list and other pdf files. I'll be available to teach, guide, critique and answer your questions for the duration of class.
I am SO excited to offer this class. I think ya'll are going to love it!
To see what previous students have said about my classes, please click here!
Important: I accept Paypal payments only. Please make sure that your Paypal email address is the one you would like the classroom password sent to. When you register, if you do not hear from me, please check your spam/junk folder. If you don't see my email with the log on information, contact me via email: mocknet@sbcglobal.net, my website, or facebook. If you have not received the log on information within 3 days, and it's not in your spam email folder, please contact me.
Due to the online nature of this class, no refunds once your registration is complete and you're provided the class log on information.
Cost:
Level: Confident beginner/advanced beginner/intermediate
Dates:
Start: Nov. 13, 2020
End: Jan. 31, 2021
Registration will remain open through the mid December, 2020. The workshop will run for over two full months on my private classroom site. All videos will be posted on the first day of class. Videos are not downloadable but, once the videos are posted, students will be able to view them any time, and as many times as desired. This means you can work in your jammies, at three in the morning, if you choose!
Tools and supplies:
I will be available the entire duration of the class for questions and troubleshooting. You will need basic metalsmith tools: files, flex shaft (or Dremel), pliers, hammers, bench block, butane torch, etc...some of which you may already have. PDF's of the complete tools/supplies/resources lists will be provided after registration.
Share yourself:
There will be a private social media group available for you to post questions, comments, photos and chat with each other, and with me.
Terms of Use:
It's my pleasure to teach and share my knowledge of metalsmithing. Sharing of log-on information and/or class material with anyone who hasn't paid full price for the class is unethical, not allowed and will result in expulsion from class and exclusion from future classes. By registering for this class, you agree to this and to the copyright terms listed on my sites. Classes and class material, online or otherwise, my not be reproduced or taught in any venue, in whole or in part. All works of art, jewelry and photographs within this website are protected under U.S. copyright laws and international conventions. No portion of the artists' works or statements may be duplicated, downloaded, reproduced or altered in any way.
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.
Thank you!
What my students have said:
Kristie: I binge watched almost all of the videos yesterday 
. I love your teaching style and my head is exploding with ideas and information. Thank you for such a great online class!!
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!
Sharon: Just wanted to say that I am really enjoying the videos so far! Everyone has there own way of doing things, and yours seem the easiest by far. The idea if standing the bezel on it's side and soldering it that way seems brilliant to me. I always tried to solder it upright, and found it veeeery difficult. I am watching everything first, and waiting for some more supplies, but your instructions are very concise. Loving it Deryn!
Heidi: This is my 3rd class with Deryn and she's the best out there. Considering the amount of info packed into these videos, this is the best bang for the buck there is. Plus, you can watch them in your jammies at 2AM, which is what I am doing. Who needs sleep when you can play with fire and pound on metal?
Stephania: I love the option of the on line classes and, in my experience, Deryn does an exceptional job! This is my third class with her and I have learned so very much in each!
Susan: I have taken three of Deryn's on-line classes with much gratitude for her unique teaching ability unlike any other instructor. She is a true treasure ......... so generous and never holds back her knowledge. It sets her apart from others. I have been so fortunate to have found her and she has opened my eyes to a whole new world.
Susan: THANK YOU! All I can say is that this class has been the BEST!!!!!!!! The best I've ever taken and can't wait for the next. What a bang for the buck! There is not one thing more that you could have showed or taught us on these wonderful earring lessons. What a complete job you've done to make learning easy and fun. You packed in Sooo much information and never tired in answering any of our questions. The class felt very personal and to boot you gave us examples with your website and any other opportunity you could think of. Replaying the video's made it easy to fine tune our endeavors. You went out of your way and it seems to me that it was easy for you because you are so generous with all of your knowledge. So sharing. Very rare. You left no information out. One can easily see that you love your art profession and it radiates energy from within you and gives such confidence to all of us. God bless you.
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.
More reviews, here.
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