Again! Stackable Rings Workshop: An Introduction to the Basics of Soldering

My last workshop for stackable rings was so popular it over flowed with sign ups, so much so that we decided to go ahead and schedule another class for this month. Keep in mind that this class is already 75% full due to the overflow of the last class, so don’t dilly-dally about signing up. Claim your seat today by calling Patty at Danish Princess Beads and Jewelry at (850) 490-0310.

This is the perfect workshop for the aspiring jeweler who is ready to venture into the world of metalsmithing. This four hour workshop will introduce you to the basics of soldering which will open up a whole new world of design possibilities for you. In the workshop you learn a variety of skills designed to lead you into the world of metalsmithing.

Techniques Covered in this Class:
Using a torch
Cutting and filing metal in preparation for soldering
Annealing metal
Soldering metal
Stretching a ring band
Adding textures
using a flex shaft
adding embellishments

Be sure to reserve your seat because this is a class that is going to fill up FAST! Seats are limited and already going quickly.

Cloisonne Workshop with Delia Stone

After many requests I will be offering my first Cloisonné Workshop this coming Sunday, April 27th at Danish Princess Beads and Jewelry in Milton, Fl. In this long awaited workshop you will learn the basics of cloisonné construction. We will cover many skills in this workshop including, doming a metal disk, enameling on both concave and convex surfaces to prepare the substrate (or metal base), forming a design with fine silver ribbons, adhering the fine silver design wires to the substrate, ‘painting’ with colored enamel, torch firing, grinding and finishing your cloisonné jewel. Most cloisonné is done using a kiln, but the cost of kilns can be cost prohibitive for some while torch firing can be achieved with an inexpensive hand held torch available locally.

Cloisonné is an involved process, taking several hours to make a jewel. It takes repeated ‘painting’ and firing to build the jewel but the results are very rewarding. You will be able to create your own cabochons with creative designs to use in your own settings creating beautiful customized pieces of jewelry. Please note that this class does not cover settings for your pieces. It is focused on the creation of the jewels. The class is $125 and runs from noon to 5:00. Tools and materials are not included. Please contact Patty at Danish Princess at (850) 490-0310 for details on the tools and materials required for the course.

Keep in mind, if you’d love to use some handmade cloisonné in your own work but aren’t up to learning the process, you can purchase handmade jewels by yours truly in my Etsy shop. Drop in and check some of my offerings!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/183312193/handmade-mermaid-and-dancing-jellyfish?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/174194411/handmade-cloisonne-jewel-cabochon-blue?ref=shop_home_active_5

Upcoming workshops for June

Enamel I :Torch Fired Enamel and No Solder Copper Setting Pendant

PLEASE NOTE: ONLY TWO SEATS LEFT AND THEY’RE GOING QUICKLY!  RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY! 
June 20th 11:00- 5:00 (with a one hour lunch break from 1:00 to 2:00)
Location: A Danish Princess Beads and Jewelry, 5212 Elmira St. Milton, FL
Phone: 850-490-0310
COST: $75 plus materials and tools required.
This class is a day long intensive that introduces the student to torch fired enameling using the Barbara Lewis immersion method. Barbara is graciously allowing me to teach this technique to my students for the first time in our area. This is the perfect introduction to those interested in enameling but who find themselves a little shy of the torch. This class will be a prerequisite for future enameling classes; II Basics of Traditional Enameling and III Cloisonné Enameling.

Morning session 11:00 to 1:00
The morning will begin with an introduction to the method by creating numerous enameled beads. This will give you the opportunity to get comfortable with the torch and the immersion method as you create colorful beads that you will treasure to use in your designs. Learn the advantages of the immersion technique, how to use the torch, learn about the pros and cons of over firing and how to find what Barbara calls the ‘sweet spot’ in the flame which is the best part of the flame to fire your beads in. At 1:00 class will break for lunch. Each student is responsible for providing his or her own lunch.

Example of torch fired enamel beads.

beads crop 1

Afternoon session:
In the afternoon session we will apply what we have learned to an introduction to metal work. We will create an enameled focal utilizing the Lewis Immersion method and combine that with an introduction to metal work. We will learn to anneal (or soften) metal with the torch, punch, dome, texture/forge metal as we create a customized no solder pronged pedant setting for your focal. This setting is excellent for gemstone cabochons as well.   Contact Danish Princess Beads and Jewelry at the number provided above for more information regarding tools and materials for this workshop.  Kits that include all items necessary for this class are available through Danish Princess.  The kit will get you set up to take Enameling 2 (exploring sifting, sgrafitto, stencils and more) and enameling 3 (exploring cloisonné) coming soon.

Fold Formed Pea Pod Pendant

June 21st 1:00- 4:00
Location: Crystal Studios 926 E Lloyd St. Pensacola, FL
Phone: 850-466-5521
COST: $40 some materials required.
Class Description: This is a basic introduction to fold forming metal.  Copper sheet will be provided.  Students will need to supply 20 gauge copper wire, 6mm to 8mm beads and tools.  Tools needed; round nose pliers, clippers. needle nose or flat nose pliers and euro punch (euro punch available on loan from instructor).  Limited number of seats available.

More Workshops to be announced.  Stay tuned.

Upcoming Workshops for May

There are some exciting new developments in workshops this month.  Many of you may be aware of my new fascination with enameling – most especially cloisonné enamel.  I include a couple of pictures of some of my most recent favorite cloisonné pieces for your viewing pleasure:

Quantum Koi torch fired Cloisonné Enamel Pendant with matching torch fired beads in sterling silver.

                       

Dancing Mermaid and Dolphin Cloisonne Enamel Pendant with torch fired beads to match.

 

Having had so much fun in the studio playing in the torch I have decided that the only thing that could be more fun is to teach enameling – which I have decided to do!  My first enameling workshop will be presented at Danish Princess Beads and Gifts on May 31^st.  The workshop will be a day long intensive workshop with the morning being an introduction to the immersion method of creating torch fired enamel beads innovated by Barbra Lewis.  Barbara has authorized me to share this method with my students.  This is the first time this method will be taught in the area.  The second half of the workshop will involve using what we’ve learned in the immersion method to create a punched, domed and fired focal element in a no solder copper prong setting.  See pictures and more information listed below for the May 31^st workshop at Danish Princess Beads and Jewelry.  Seats are limited

 

May Workshops:

Border Wrap Pendant Workshop

 

May 16^th 1:00 -4:00
Location: A Bead and Crystal House 711 W Garden St. Pensacola, FL
Phone: 850-432-3400
COST: $40 materials not included
Tools:  Round Nose, Flush cutters/clippers, Flat Nose Pliers (tools available on loan)

Class Description: Learn the basics of wire wrapping gemstone cabochons in the border wrap setting.  Limited number of seats.  Reserve your seat today by calling 432-3400.

Metal Etching Workshop at Danish Princess Beads and Jewelry

 

May 23^rd 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Danish Princess Beads and Jewelry, 5212 Elmira St. Milton, FL
Phone: 850-490-0310
COST: $45 INCLUDES ALL MATERIALS
Learn to create a raised design in metal using the metal etching technique.  Transfer intricate designs or draw your own designs as you create a metal cuff bracelet.  Student project is a 6” x 1” copper cuff bracelet but students may utilize their metal portion as they see fit.

 

Enamel I :Torch Fired Enamel and No Solder Copper Setting Pendant

 

May 31^st 11:00- 5:00 (with a one hour lunch break from 1:00 to 2:00)
Location: A Danish Princess Beads and Jewelry, 5212 Elmira St. Milton, FL
Phone: 850-490-0310
COST: $75 plus materials and tools required.
This  class is a day long intensive that introduces the student to torch fired enameling using the Barbara Lewis immersion method.  Barbara is graciously allowing me to teach this technique to my students for the first time in our area.  This is the perfect introduction to those interested in enameling but who find themselves a little shy of the torch.  This class will be a prerequisite for future enameling classes; II Basics of Traditional Enameling and III Cloisonné Enameling.

Morning session 11:00 to 1:00
The morning will begin with an introduction to the method by creating numerous enameled beads.  This will give you the opportunity to get comfortable with the torch and the immersion method as you create colorful beads that you will treasure to use in your designs.  Learn the advantages of the immersion technique,  how to use the torch, learn about the pros and cons of over firing and how to find what Barbara calls the ‘sweet spot’ in the flame which is the best part of the flame to fire your beads in.  At 1:00 class will break for lunch.  Each student is responsible for providing his or her own lunch.

Example of torch fired enamel beads.

Afternoon session:
In the afternoon session we will apply what we have learned to an introduction to metal work.  We will create an enameled focal utilizing the Lewis Immersion method and combine that with an introduction to metal work.  We will learn to anneal (or soften) metal with the torch, punch, dome,  texture/forge metal as we create a customized no solder pronged pedant setting for your focal.   This setting is excellent for gemstone cabochons as well.  More information will be forthcoming regarding tools and materials for this workshop.

 

Workshop: Forged Metal Earrings – BEYOND the Basics

 Introducing a NEW WORKSHOP: Forged Metal Earrings – Beyond the Basics

This workshop will be offered at the special rate of only $25 exclusively for it’s first run!  If you miss out on the first run you can catch it later for the regular rate of $35.  Materials are not included but are available for purchase on location in inexpensive metals/components.

When: August 17th

Time:  10 a.m.to 12:30

Location: A Bead and Crystal House

711 West Garden St. Pensacola, FL 850-432-3400

If you were lucky enough to catch my free Mother’s Day day workshop on basic forged earrings and enjoyed yourself, you will LOVE this workshop.  In this class we will take it to the next level and create more advanced designs that are still simple but have greater aesthetic appeal.

TOOLS: If you have any of the following tools, please bring them to class with you: Steel Bench Block, mini anvil, hammers (chasing hammers preferred but a hammer from the hardware store will suffice), round nosed pliers (a.k.a. rosary pliers), flat nose pliers, flush cutters.  I will bring many tools for shared use but if you have your own, even better!

Materials:  Approximately 2 to 3 feet of 22 – 16 gauge wire, 2 feet of 26 – 28 gauge wire, 1 foot 20 gauge wire, various beads

Seats in this class will be limited to only 6 participants so that I am able to spend one on one time instructing each student.  Advance reservation is recommended in order to secure your seat.  To reserve your space, call 850-432-3400 or email me at workshops@deliastone.com.  Please leave your phone number with your registration.

UWF Course: Introduction to Wire Wrap Jewelry Begins September 6th, 2011

I will be presenting Introduction to Wire Wrap Jewelry at the University of West Florida beginning Tuesday, September 6th. This course is designed to take a beginners skills to the next level.  No prior experience is required for this course.  Students will learn a variety of traditional wire wrapping techniques and enjoy a variety of beginners projects that will lead them on to more advanced intermediate projects.   Students will gain a foundation of basics that must be mastered before moving on to more advanced projects.  Learn stone setting, two styles of pendants, how to make your own findings (ear wires, head pins, jump rings, toggle clasps, various styles of hook clasps, etc.), five different rings, basic forging techniques, multiple bracelet/bangle styles and more in this four week course!  Students who advance quickly will receive bonus projects as time allows.  Individual expression will be encouraged and students will have the opportunity to incorporate beads, cabochons and found objects from their personal collection.  See some of the skills that students will master in this course below;

Herringbone weave, hammered toggles

Border Wrap Pendant with Sculpted Bail

Border Wrap with Dangles

Nested Ring

Forging Basics

Custom Toggles made to match your Focals

Forged Crosses

Bi-Metal Twist Ring

Fibula style pins/brooches

     These are just a few examples of what students can expect to learn.   I will be on hand and available by phone and private forum outside of class time for assistance.  The skills learned in this course are valued at over $350 if taken as individual classes, but are offered at the deeply discounted value of only $175 for a four week course that meets in eight two and a half hour sessions.  Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Questions?  Email: Instructor@DeliaStone.com

UWF Introduction to Wire Wrapped Jewelry scheduled to begin in September

It’s official.   My Introduction to Wire Wrapped Jewelry at the University of West Florida is scheduled to begin September 6th.  Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  I am presently developing a website to work as a virtual companion for students to aid in the distribution of information and serve as a guide when students are away from the classroom.  More details will be posted as soon as I have time to spend more than 10 minutes in front of the computer.  Stay Tuned!

It’s been a busy couple of months!

The last few weeks have been exhausting!  I have so much to tell that I have a hard time knowing where to start.  Of course no matter how busy I get in order to stay sane I simply have to stop to make jewelry along the way.  It’s my therapy, my ‘me time’, and I am a much kinder and gentler person when I take that time out.  🙂  Recently I have really been having a LOT of fun with Viking Knit.   I took a few pictures to share with you.  If your interested in learning to create your own Viking Knit bracelets, be sure to catch my Workshop in June.

Goldfill with Spiral Seashell and Pearl

Now one in Sterling Silver

Sterling with a Carved Bone Owl

Beautiful Bronze Wire Viking Knit with Chrysophase and Pearl.  I just love the rosy glow that comes from this bronze wire.  It’s so lovely…

Beautiful Bronze with Seashell and Pearl

Not only have I enjoyed playing with Viking Knit, but I’ve also made some of my signature Wire Sampler Bracelets as well.  In the past I have made these exclusively in copper, but decided to venture into other metals.  Here is my first Silver Wire Sampler bracelet.  I chose to keep it shiny rather than oxidize – a departure from the usual for me. 🙂  This piece contains, carved bone, Quartz, Magnesite, Coral, and a beautiful ammonite fossil.

My first Wire Sampler in Gold; carved bone, magnesite, quartz, tiny freshwater pearls, spiral seashell.

And Finally, this lovely little spiral shell sterling silver herringbone bracelet – one of my favorites!  I had to make two of these, one to keep and one to share. ;0)

VIKING KNIT BRACELET JUNE 23rd 1:00
     Look for my viking knit bracelet workshop to come in June.  This workshop will be offered at A Bead and Crystal House (711 West Garden St) on June 23rd @ 1:00.  This is an intermediate to advanced level class.  Cost is $65 plus materials.   If you have the required materials you are welcomed to bring them.  If not, you can purchase them from A Bead and Crystal House on site.  Bring basic hand tools for wire work.   Be prepared for this workshop to run 2 to 3 hours.

I hope you enjoyed my eye candy.   I have lots of great news to share when I get a moment to compose a worthy blog post. 🙂  More later!

New Workshops on the Horizon

   Many of my regular students have been requesting new workshops as they’ve taken about everything that I currently offer but they wish to continue their study with me.  I have taken the suggestions into consideration and am now offering three new workshops.  If anyone else out there would like to request a particular project for a future workshop, please let me know.  I am more than happy to accommodate where possible.   The most requested classes so far are; Bracelets, Findings and Earrings.

MOSAIC EARRINGS:  MAY 19th @ 1:00
   These little beauties have always been popular!   This workshop will teach you the basics of hand coiling without the use of special tools, creating a wire frame and sewing with wire, how to create custom matching earwires and how to add an antique finish.   Location: A Bead and Crystal House in Pensacola, FL (711 West Garden St).  Cost of the workshop is $40 plus materials.  Materials can be purchased on site. 

Materials required:  2′ 20 gauge wire, 3′ 26 gauge wire, 2′ 28 gauge wire (can substitute 26 gauge), a variety of 3mm to 4mm beads in your favorite colors.  Swarovski crystals make for lovely colorful earrings with plenty of sparkle!

FINDINGS 101:  JUNE 7th 1:00
    I would say that while other classes were requested, this class was demanded by students.  LOL  In this workshop you will learn the basics of making your own findings.  You can save a great deal of money by making your own findings, not to mention that by customizing your findings to your project the added detail will take your piece up a notch, artistically speaking.  When you have a toggle clasp with accent beads that match your piece your jewelry will impress!  There’s nothing like the headache of having a piece almost done, but then having to wait to order clasps or earwires to complete it.  As long as you have wire on hand, you will never be burdened with this problem again!  You will learn to make a variety of findings; hammered toggles, coiled toggles, S clasps, hook and eye clasps, various earwires, a varitey of headpins etc.  

   Available at A Bead and Crystal House, 711 West Garden St in Pensacola, FL.    Images to come.

VIKING KNIT BRACELET JUNE 23rd 1:00
     Look for my viking knit bracelet workshop to come in June.  This workshop will be offered at A Bead and Crystal House (711 West Garden St) on June 23rd @ 1:00.  This is an intermediate to advanced level class.  Cost is $65 plus materials.   If you have the required materials you are welcomed to bring them.  If not, you can purchase them from A Bead and Crystal House on site.  Bring basic hand tools for wire work.    Be prepared for this workshop to run up to 3 hours.

Materials required;  One 9mm clasp; 1′ 20 gauge wire,  1′ 18 gauge wire; 8′ to 10′ of 24 gauge wire (all wire dead soft temper) and a bead of your choice (size will vary depending on the length of your weave).  Two 5mm viking knit caps to finish off the end are optional.

    You can register for any of these classes by emailing Workshops@DeliaStone.com.  Please specify which class you wish to register for in your email.

FREE Mother’s Day Workshop, May 4th

Simple Forged Earrings

  

FREE Workshop for ages 12 and up!

 

When: May 4th

Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Blue Morning Gallery at the NEW LOCATION: 21 South Palafox Street in Pensacola, FL.  Approximately 1/4 block south of Garden Street next to New York Nicks and the Global Grill.  Call 429-9100 for directions.

Cost: FREE!

     I don’t care who you are, you’re never too old to make something for your
mom to let her know that you love and appreciate her on her special day!  Ages
twelve and up are invited to take advantage of this free workshop to create a
pair of hand forged earrings for Mother’s Day.  No prior jewelry making
experience is necessary.  Beginners welcomed.  Please note: Materials are
provided.  While there is no instruction fee for this class a small materials
fee of $5 will be payable at the workshop. 
 
    Seats are limited so please be sure to call ahead and reserve you seat
today!  This is necessary so that the instructor has enough materials on hand
for all participants.  
 
     Delia will take you through a few simple forging techniques using a hammer
and steel bench block.  You will shape, forge texture and patina a pair of
copper earrings to be gifted to your mother on her special day! 

    This workshop is being held during evening hours to make it more convenient for both school aged children and adults to attend.  
 
      Please note:  Preregistration is REQUIRED.   Reserve your seat by sending an R.S.V.P. email to MomsDayWS@deliastone.com or calling Blue Morning Gallery at 429-9100 today.   If you reserve a seat and are unable to make it, please give a courtesy call to cancel so that we can open that space up to another participant.