The Build Zone

The Build Zone:

Solid Foundations in Mixed Media Jewelry

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The Build Zone:

Solid Foundations in Mixed Media Jewelry

Looking to expand your basic jewelry making skills?  Want to ensure that your jewelry has that finished look essential to truly beautiful jewelry?  Interested in learning about what makes good jewelry design? Welcome to The Build Zone! 

If you make jewelry, or want to make jewelry, the best way to reach the level of perfection and professionalism you desire is to build a good, solid foundation of basic skills.  In this class, I'm excited to offer just that...and more.

Some of what you'll get:

You'll have unlimited access to my private online classroom, for the duration of the workshop, including the following:

• Jammie access! 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
• More!

What else you'll get when you take an online class with me: 

As a pioneer in online jewelry making classes, I strive to make sure my workshops are of the highest quality. 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 will be looking over my shoulder, as I work in my studio. You’ll have continual access to my classroom for the duration of the workshop. 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. My workshops are fluid, work-at-your-own-pace classes with a friendly, classroom atmosphere.

In this workshop, we'll start with a few fundamentals:

• perfect jump rings
• making a variety of headpins
• how to turn beautiful s-links
• tool use
• how to use a simple butane torch
• patina
• resources
• and more!

In addition, I'll walk you through two jewelry making projects, step by step.  With these pieces, we'll work through:

• design talk
• bead stringing
• crimping
• wrapping briolette beads
• wire wrapped links
• clasp making
• working with vintage clasps
• creating my wire wrapped fabric links
• and more!

You'll get a glimpse into my design process and we'll even explore working with a few vintage jewelry findings.  I'll show you how to use your own focal to create a lovely piece of jewelry that you'll treasure. You'll discover that the things we cover in this class are crucial to making quality found object jewelry.

The best part?  The fundamental skills you will learn in this workshop will elevate your craft to a level of artistry that will certainly please you.  My approach to jewelry making is casual in method, yet I demand perfection from my pieces.  I'll show you how to achieve this balance with simple tools and key techniques resulting in distinctive and elegant pieces.  So, strap on your tool belt and join me in The Zone!

Skill Level: beginner

Dates: 

Start: Friday, March 20, 2020

End: Sunday, May 31, 2020

Register and Payment:

I am offering a one time only deep, deep discount on this class due to the current covid19 pandemic. This is my way of thanking all of you, my faithful students, and my very small contribution during these trying times when many of us are, or may be, housebound. This will be the last time I offer this particular class. After the class is over, I will be retiring it. Thank you for your support and, please, be well!

$50

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: There really aren't and "specialty" tools for this class. It can be done with basic hammers, pliers, butane torch and a few other things.

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.

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.

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