Category: Past Workshops

Workshops that have been held in the past and were sponsored by the Monterey Bay Metal Arts guild and/or taught by members of the guild

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Mad Science: Electroforming Workshop by Patty Lakinsmith

Text details for electroforming workshop with instructor name, dates, times, price, # students, and how to register along with an image showing electroformed glass

NEW EXTENDED DEADLINE

Master the basics of copper electroforming, an incredibly versatile technique. Learn the technique to augment work in any media (e.g., metal arts, glass arts, collage, et cetera). The workshop requires no background in electricity or chemistry. We welcome beginners.

LEARN ELECTROFORMING WITHOUT THE INITIAL EQUIPMENT SETUP COST!!

Instructor supplies all tools and materials except those listed below for students to bring. (No kit fee.)

Prerequisites:
Beginners to metalsmithing are welcome!
Access to Zoom meetings via phone, tablet or computer
Workshop participants must be current MBMAG members

June 28, 2023  from 6:30 – 9 PDT:  2.5 hour Zoom meeting covering essentials of electroforming and information you’ll need for the in-person session. Options and instructions for item prep will be covered in the Zoom session. Seal the organic items you will electroform before the in-person session.

July 8, 2023 from  10 – 5 PDT: Hands on electroforming workshop at Patty’s studio near Summit Rd, Los Gatos, CA. Create 2-3 designs of your choice. Troubleshooting, tank maintenance and much more will be taught. You will learn how to make bails and add embellishments such as gemstones. The electroforming process takes 24 hours and arrangements need to be made to pick up the finished pieces.

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SCROLL DOWN FOR WORKSHOP DETAILS

NEW EXTENDED REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
Midnight PDT on Wednesday June 28, 2023

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CANCELLATION POLICY

In the event we have to cancel a workshop, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.

Cancellations more than 4 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 6% service fee.

Cancellations more than 2 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 15% service fee.

Cancellations two weeks or less prior to the workshop are not refundable unless there is a wait list for the class and the seat is filled.

By clicking on the “Buy Now” button and by paying the registration fee, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.

About Patty Lakinsmith

Patty makes pieces inspired by nature for creative women who care about the environment and show their individuality through their jewelry.  She works in torch form glass and often embellishes her designs with electroformed items.

View more of her art at The Glass Acorn

WORKSHOP DETAILS

In the Zoom session

Overview of electroforming with examples of its use in various forms. Patty will show a Powerpoint presentation containing a number of examples in her own art and that of others. You’ll receive a copy of Patty’s Mad Science Electroforming tutorial to consult during and after the workshop. Patty will cover the processes and materials involved in electroforming natural materials such as plant pods, bones, leaves, etc. You’ll learn:

  • the versatility of electroforming
  • various techniques used to get different visual effects
  • the materials you need to electroform, including both electronics hardware as well as chemicals
  • the principles involved in electroforming including safety measures
  • how to set up the electroforming bath
  • what to use for sources of copper
  • how to get various visual effects
  • the steps involved in finishing electroformed items, and the supplies needed

You have 9 days to prep and seal organic items on your own before the in person session, using the detailed instructions you’ve been given with your copy of the tutorial to consult. Options and detailed instructions will be covered in the Zoom session during which questions will be answered.

The in-person session includes learning

  • how to apply the conductive paint and set up and run
  • hands on electroforming of your pre-sealed items
  • troubleshooting along the way when problems are encountered
  • techniques for making metal pendant bails
  • how to incorporate items such as gemstones (natural and synthetic) in an electroformed piece. A limited number of these items will be made available for the students to use

While the pieces are being electroformed, we will discuss

  • materials needed to get started with your own setup
  • sources, costs, and ideas for making some of the chemicals yourself.
  • tank and solution maintenance.
  • how to troubleshoot problems

The class will break for lunch at a mutually convenient time in the middle of the in person workshop. There is a supermarket with an extensive deli and outdoor seating 2 miles away (lunch cost not included in the workshop price).

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Avifauna and Flora Cloisonné Enamel and Mason Stain Workshop by Darci Shea Bogdan

call for students announcement with image of a gull in enamel and kelp in silver along with the details for the workshop

June 23 – 25, 2023, 10 am – 5 pm daily
In person Fri – Sun @ Creator Haven in Watsonville, CA

The 3 day in-person workshop taught by guild member Darci Shea Bogdan will focus on guided instruction through the cloisonné enamel process with the addition of optional mason stain and painting enamel application. The theme of the workshop will be Avifauna and Flora, also known as birds and flowers, inspiring the students to use the techniques learned to create aesthetic textures such as feathers, skin, tonal gradients, and more.

3 day workshop
$375 per person covers all 3 days
$75 kit fee paid to instructor on 1st day of workshop
Maximum 10 students

THE WORKSHOP IS FULL

ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAIT LIST TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANY STUDENT CANCELLATIONS

If there is a cancellation, we will contact the people on the Wait List in the order in which they’ve signed up to the Wait List.

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Enamel and Mason Stain Necklace by Darci Shea Bogdan

Avifauna and Flora Workshop Description

Students will be introduced to the classical techniques of cloisonné enamel. Through guided demos and instruction students will learn safety protocols and procedures, basic silver wire bending techniques, and proper tool and kiln use. Students will then be taught enamel washing and disposal, enamel application, optional mason stain and painting enamel application, and final grinding and finishing. Once all students are finished with their pieces, they will participate in a group critique/show and tell.

Designs Due Before Workshop

Students will be required to have 3 designs ready before the class that they will email Darci Shea for pre-approval, one of which will be the final class project. These designs should be emailed to me at the instructor no later than 5 days before the workshop. If students do not want to design their own piece, they may follow the guided design by Darci Shea with the express understanding that they may NOT sell the piece as their own.

Prerequisites:
– Basic metalsmithing skills are required
– Workshop participants must be current MBMAG members

Kit Fee:
A kit fee of $75 is due the first day of class and payable directly to the instructor. Use of tools is included. The $75 kit includes the materials for creating pieces in the workshop.

Please review our COVID-19 guidelines for in-person students:
For the health and safety our staff and students, students are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted. Masks are optional unless you are, or suspect you are, sick in which case you must wear a mask at all times. You will be required to sign Creator Haven’s liability and vaccination certification forms.

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • In the event we have to cancel a workshop, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.
  • Cancellations more than 4 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 6% service fee.
  • Cancellations more than 2 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 15% service fee.
  • Cancellations two weeks or less prior to the workshop are not refundable unless there is a wait list for the class and the seat is filled.
  • By clicking on the “Buy Now” button and by paying the registration fee, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.

Students must be guild members: Join or renew your membership now to register for the workshop.

Guild members are offered seats in the workshop before the dates are announced to the public. Anyone anywhere in the world can join the guild now.

About DARCI SHEA BOGDAN

Darci Shea is an artist and cloisonné enamelist who focuses on creating work that mirrors the majesty and magic of the natural world. With over a decade of maritime experience as a USCG licensed captain and 15 years as a professional illustrator and jewelry designer, Darci Shea has married her two passions to create work that focuses on wildlife, nature, and storytelling.

You can see more of Darci Shea’s original expertly crafted art in the member gallery here on the guild website and on DarciShea.com. See works in progress, Darci Shea’s creation process and finished pieces on Instagram.com/darci_shea

Sea Otter Necklace
Cloisoneé Enamel using Mason Stain
by Darci Shea Bogdan
Darci Shea Bogdan wearing her American Jewelry Design Council José Hess Award Winning Necklace

TOOL & SUPPLY LIST FOR WORKSHOP WITH DARCI SHEA BOGDAN

INSTRUCTOR SUPPLIED TOOLS

Trivets
Glass Brush
Kiln Glasses
Diamond Grinding Pads
Distilled Water
Double Sided Tape
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels

OPTIONAL TOOLS & SUPPLIES
BROUGHT BY EACH STUDENT

Optivisor and/or Glasses
Diamond Grinding Pads
Apron
Masks
Rubber Gloves / Latex or Nitril Gloves
Kiln Glasses

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Designs in Woven Metal: Workshop by Jeanie Pratt

"Waiting List" "Designs in Woven Metal" "Jeanie Pratt. graphic for announcing the workshop waiting list

The 4 day workshop taught by guild member Jeanie Pratt has been filled. Click below to add your name to the Waiting List


April 21 – April 24, 2022, 10 am – 6 pm daily @ Creator Haven in Watsonville, CA

4 day workshop
$450 per person covers all 4 days + $70 kit fee paid to instructor on 1st day of workshop
Maximum 7 students

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Add my name to the waiting list

Designs in Woven Metal Workshop Description

Create pieces of patterned woven metal for adding a special touch to your jewelry designs. Jeanie Pratt will teach you how to weave small sheets of metal from flattened wire in this 4 day workshop. You will be introduced to a variety of different patterns that can be achieved with weave structures that range from a simple over under plain weave to beautiful flowing undulating twill designs.

There are so many fun ways to achieve different effects in weaving, including the weave pattern itself, combining different metals for contrast and varying the widths of the wire used in the weave structure. Students have the opportunity to create a variety of samples.

You’ll learn a variety of weave methods and patterns, how to prepare your metal for weaving, how to set up a metal weaving loom and how to design your own woven patterns. You’ll also learn to form woven metal in a hydraulic press and, to solder the edges of your weaving. We’ll discuss how to incorporate your weaving samples into brooches, pendants, earrings and beads.

Prerequisites:
– Basic metalsmithing skills are required
– Workshop participants must be current MBMAG members

Kit Fee:
A kit fee of $70 is due the first day of class and payable to the instructor. Use of tools is included. The $70 kit includes the materials to get started, as well as a 30+ page handout covering the workshop, resources and inspiration for future weaving.

Please review our COVID-19 guidelines for in-person students.
For the health and safety our staff and students, students are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted and to wear masks in the studio. You will be required to sign Creator Haven’s liability and vaccination certification forms.

Cancellation Policy

  • In the event we have to cancel a class, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.
  • Cancellations more than two weeks prior to class are refundable less a 5% service fee. Cancellations two weeks or less prior to class are not refundable unless there is a wait list for the class and the seat is filled.
  • By clicking on the “Buy Now” button and by paying the registration fee, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.

Students must be guild members: Join or renew your membership now to register for the workshop.

Dear Workshop Participants,
You will receive a Kit which includes ample amounts of copper wire, 10” each of a variety of gauges of flattened sterling silver wire, the “stuff” you need to set up a simple “loom” to weave your wire and an extensive handout with instructions and weave patterns. In addition, there will be soldering supplies available for use. These have been included in the $70.00 kit fee. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Jeanie

About Jeanie Pratt

Jeanie Pratt works as studio artist on the Central Coast of California. She has been a fiber artist since learning to weave in the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 1970’s and more recently has exchanged wire for yarn as the “fiber” of choice. Her metals education can be described as self-directed as she has sought out workshops and classes with a number of distinguished instructors. She has exhibited nationally in galleries, museums and shows. She currently shows at Mobilia Gallery in Cambridge, MA. You can learn more about Jeanie on her website www.jeaniepratt.net.

You can see more of Jeanie’s original intricately and expertly crafted art in her member gallery here on the guild website and on her own website JeaniePratt.net where you can also find a link to her gallery representation or contact her directly.

Ornament Magazine featuring artist member Jeanie Pratt. Cover photo: MBMAG member Carol Holaday
Jeanie Pratt wearing one of her woven and enameled metal creations

Many of the photos of Jeanie’s work in Ornament Magazine were photographed locally with the expert eye of member Carol Holaday. Visit Carol’s member gallery to see photographs of her metal art.

NOTE: Guild members are offered seats in the workshop before the dates are announced to the public. Anyone anywhere in the world can join the guild now.

TOOL & SUPPLY LIST

FOR DESIGNS IN WOVEN METAL WORKSHOP WITH JEANIE PRATT

ARTIST SUPPLIED TOOLS

· Fine brush for applying anti-flux
· Ultra-fine tipped Sharpies in 2 colors (such as black and red)
· Mechanical pencil with .5 mm lead
· Eraser
· Patience
· Sense of humor

SHARED ITEMS AVAILABLE TO USE AT CREATOR HAVEN
BRING YOUR OWN IF YOU WISH

· Soldering pick, brush and tweezers
· Acetone
· Scotch Permanent Double-Sided Tape
· Needle nose pliers
· Wire cutters
· Shears or cheap scissors for cutting thin metal sheet (I like the Joyce Chen Original Unlimited Scissors)
· Digital calipers or wire gauge
· Toothpicks
· Q-tips

OPTIONAL TOOLS & SUPPLIES

· Optivisor
· Honeycomb soldering block (at least 3” x 3”) Rio Item # 502005
· Magnesia Soldering Block 6″ X 3″ X 1.5″ (available at Amazon.com and some jewelry supply stores)
· Leather gloves (for holding wire while flattening)
· Nylon jawed pliers (for straightening wire)
· Simple 1” to 2” hydraulic press acrylic dies (if you want to puff and solder your woven sheet after weaving—some will be available in class to use)

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The Art of the Chisel: Chasing Workshop

Douglas Pryor and the stainless steel elephant he created looming behind him in this artist portrait

Feb 4 – 6, 2022
9 am – 5:30 pm
@ Creator Haven in Watsonville, CA

Taught in Person by Douglas Pryor

Lion piece made by Douglas Pryor

REGISTRATION IS FULL FOR THE DOUGLAS PRYOR CHASING WORKSHOP. Check your email for how to be added to a waiting list

3 day Intro to Chasing Class: The art of the chisel:

In this 3 day course we’ll be focusing on the fundamentals of chisel technique, hammer control, pitch management, and how to use design to compliment our medium. You will have the option of what your project will be after a short warm up project.

The warm up project allows us to practice with the pitch and all the tooling provided. Afterwards we will have time for a second more challenging project.

Depending on skill and comfort level I will have suggestions with more guidance to test the techniques provided in the workshop. For those who feel more comfortable with their own drawing skill set who have their own design/drawing in mind I am happy to help guide you in how we can best bring it to life in the metal. It helps to choose something that will fit in the palm of your hand, something attainable within our time constraints.

This course is short and comprehensive, run at very accommodating speed by experienced hosts. Join us for some creativity and laughs, brighten your world with your own good works.

You must be an MBMAG member to take this workshop. Everyone is welcome to join!

About the Artist

Douglas Pryor

Workshop Instructor Douglas Pryor

Douglas Pryor is a raising and chasing artist located in northern California. He began sculpting in sheet metal in 2005 by creating fully articulated steel suits of armor for full contact sports, which in fact was how he paid for college. Frustrated with the limited detail and relief that shaping stakes could provide, he began to incorporate sculpting with pitch in 2013 and felt like he had found what he had been missing. As he continues to build upon his technical ability, he enjoys making more room for narrative with his work. Each piece is an opportunity to sate curiosity and a chance to build a bridge to others in a meaningful way.

Douglas Pryor Artist Statement

As a method-driven artist, I use my compositions to explore ways to push the limitations of a single piece of material with only human power and hand tools. I take particular delight in pursuing challenging and realistic detail in high-relief metal sculpture. I use my work to explore the nuanced and evolving relationship between humans and the natural world, and the ways that we connect with ourselves and each other.

Visit DouglasPryor.com to learn more about the artist

Register Now after Logging in to Your MBMAG Acccount or Joining Now
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The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in. Not a member? Join Now!

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CANCELLED: Where’s the Clasp? online workshop with Alison Antelman Feb 26-28, 2021

2 clasps front and back

Register Now! Signup deadline is Feb 17, 2021
Join MBMAG or Renew Your Membership. All are welcome; members may live anywhere in the world.

Alison Antelman Logo

MBMAG is offering a live online workshop by Alison Antelman. Click here to join MBMAG or renew your membership.
If you are a current MBMAG member, click to “Register Now!” If you’d like to join, you can join and then register. Max membership cost for the year is $40.

The last day to sign up is Feb. 17, 2021. Registration will be closed once the maximum # of students has been reached.

$275 workshop fee + $28 kit fee => $303 workshop registration fee

ONLINE WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Create a one-of-a-kind key clasp to unify your art jewelry. Students make a front key clasp necklace with stainless steel neck wire by fabricating terminals and soldering sterling to stainless steel cable. Students are encouraged to go with their own design inclinations and to explore new ideas in creating cohesive finished jewelry. Clasps can be textured, chased, roller printed, etched, domed, hydraulic press shapes, with stones, with enamel…the variety is endless as you come up with your own solutions.

We’ll discuss possibilities for customizing your clasp to fit your designs. Students are welcome to show projects in need of a clasp and we’ll trouble shoot the situation. This class is meant to get you thinking about connections, functional, practical and aesthetic aspects of use.  Step-by-step handouts are supplied. Samples will be shown.

Basic fabrication including knowledge of soldering is required.
Watch a quick video overview by Alison of her online workshops

New to Zoom or Online Workshops?
Reply to the registration confirmation email and let us know you’d like some help setting up Zoom for the workshop, and/or practicing using Zoom before the workshop so you are comfortable on Day 1 of the workshop. And, scroll down to download the PDF with details on how to Zoom for the workshop.

What to expect
When we start the demonstrations, everyone is asked to mute so their noises won’t be heard, since the default goes to the loudest noise. During demos people can unmute themselves to ask questions. If we have a particularly large class, the monitor might take over and call upon you.

The class is broken up into parts which are often reflected in your handouts. After each part you’ll work on your project, this is also a good time to take a quick break. During student work time, Alison will go around to each student to check in, you can also unmute yourself to call her over. The workshop runs from 10 am PST to 5 pm PST for 3 consecutive days. The lunch break each day is 1 hour.

Student Supplied Materials & Tools
Once your registration has been processed, you will be sent a thorough list of needed tools and materials to have on hand. Most are general, some are specific. In a few cases where you may need to buy something a link is provided. Please make sure to read this list carefully and always ask questions if you are unsure. In general: students supply sheet metal, silver scrap for making silver balls, bezel wire (if needed), and all tools needed for the workshop. Before the workshop you are welcome to texture the sheet metal, choose your own stones and begin thinking about your design.

Kits
A kit fee of $28 is included when you pay for the workshop at the above link.
The kit is created by Alison and is mailed to you before the workshop. If you are local and prefer to pick it up from Alison in Berkeley, CA, please contact Alison and let us know. Once the kit has arrived, email to confirm receipt of your kit.

Accessing the Workshop Via Zoom
Once your registration has been paid and the class Zoom session has been set up in Feb 2021, you will be sent a link to login to the workshop’s Zoom session. If you need technical help, we are happy to answer questions, do a zoom test beforehand or help in any way we can so the technology doesn’t get in the way of the workshop. Click the link below for an overview of how to setup your space(s) and device(s).

Click here to download the online workshop technical information how-to sheet

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CANCELLED: Albion Smith Overlay Cuff Bracelet Workshop

Class cancelled due to CoVID-19 virus. Noted silversmith Albion Smith will teach his elegant Silver Overlay technique. While making their own silver overlay cuff bracelets, students will learn engraving and stamping techniques to embellish the overlays, then learn Albion’s method of soldering the pierced pieces to the underlying metal. In the course of the two days, Albion will share his tips and tricks gained over 35 years of working with metal.

A two-day workshop on April 18-19, 2002 from 10am – 6pm at Creator Haven.

For more details and registration …

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Members Only Workshop: Cloisonné Enamel with an Emphasis on Landscape Design.

Registration opens Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 at 10 am.

Landscape by Darci Shea Bogdon

This class will focus on the ancient art of cloisonné executed in a landscape design. During this class students will learn how to capture the essence of a landscape through fluid wire bending and apply enamel to achieve atmospheric effects of foreground and background. Students will be encouraged to bring their own design or may use a provided design.  Students will learn how to wash enamels, bend wires, transfer designs to the cloisonné blank, plan colors, learn proper application of enamels to create the most clarity, as well as how to grind and polish said enamels.  When the class is over students will be able to walk away with a completed landscape which they will able to set in a piece of jewelry or have as a keepsake.

You must be a current member of MBMAG to register for this event.

Darci Shea Bogdan is a Santa Cruz local who studied Illustration and Metals and Jewelry at Savannah College of Art and Design.  She has been specializing in cloisonne enamel for the past 5 years and actively sells her work at craft show and festivals. When Darci Shea is not at her studio on 17th ave in Santa Cruz she is busy surfing, sailing and spending time with her dog Ludo.

February 15-17, Saturday through Monday, 10 am to 5 pm at Creator Haven 41B Hangar Way, Watsonville CA 95076, US.
$ 215 plus $60 kit fee to be paid in class.

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Curtis Arima Workshop: Design and Composition for Metalsmiths Registration Opens June 2, 2018 at 10 am

Curtis Arima holding a hammer
Award-winning metalsmith and jewelry/metals instructor Curtis Arima presents a one-day workshop on Design and Composition for Metalsmiths.

This workshop is open only to members of MBMAG. To join or renew your membership, click here.

Registration opens June 2 at 10am. Click here to register

During the day, Curtis will guide the students through considerations of:

Aesthetics:Identifying forms, shapes, surfaces, colors, that students have a tendency use or a desire to use.
Concept: Identifying ideas, emotions, and subject matter students want to convey; How do students come up with ideas for work?
Context: Identifying what contexts students want to make work in and how to work with or against that context.
In addition, Curtis will take us through:
Context of showing work: open studios, gallery, exhibition, museum, museum store, craft show, personal pleasure
Context of Art history: what movements are related to the students work/ what movements do they want to be related to (abstract expressionist, conceptual, performance)
Context of Jewelry history: what direction in jewelry is the student’s work related to (production, art jewelry, fine jewelry).
There will be an assignment to be done before the day of the workshop.  Also, students are requested to bring a group of pieces to evaluate during the workshop.

When: July 28, 10am – 5pm with an hour for lunch

Lunch will be a potluck.  Please bring something to share.

Cost: $65.  If the workshop is canceled for any reason, all fees will be refunded. Students can cancel their registration up to 14 days before the workshop. No cancellations are accepted after that point, however, if there is a waitlist we will try to sell your place to a qualified student. If we can sell your place, you will receive a refund less a $25 cancellation fee.

Curtis holds a Master of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing, and is an instructor at California College of Arts and Crafts. He is a working artist who has received numerous awards for his work. Read more at his website, http://www.curtisharima.com