Fusing Metal 101: Sterling Silver, Argentium, and Gold - Feb. 12 & 19: 10:00-2:00
Fusing Metal 101: Sterling Silver, Argentium, and Gold - Feb. 12 & 19: 10:00-2:00
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Learn how to create unlimited, unique textures in metal! In this technique-based class, students will learn how to fuse not only sterling silver, but also argentium and 18K gold. Once fused, these textured sheets of metal can then be used for any piece of jewelry. Design options will be discussed.
At the end of class, students will have created a pieces to create two pairs of dangle earrings and a necklace or multiple pendants (if a student doesn't wear earrings).
We will cover:
- Differences in fine silver, argentium silver, and sterling silver
- Overview on gold
- Which gauges to fuse for fusing
- Metal preparation
- flux and brick selection
- Creating patterns with metal
- Fusing sterling silver
- Fusing argentium
- Fusing 18K gold dust
- Patina and finish options: black max vs. Liver of Sulfur
Details:
- Wednesday, February 12 & 19 from 10:00-2:00 each day.
- 8 contact hours, ages 14+ at the Silver Peak Gallery Classroom located at 100 E. Cleveland St. Lafayette 80026
- # students: 3 minimum, 6 maximum
- Materials kit fee is $2/gram for silver and argentium, and $30 for 18K gold. Materials fee is due at time of class and is payable to the instructor via cash, check, or Venmo.
- Prerequisite: Metals 1, Intro to Metalsmithing, or equivalent
The last day to cancel your reservation for a refund or transfer ($25 transfer fee applies) is February 5, 2025.
By registering for a class at Silver Peak Studio, you agree to our cancellation policy, dress code for class, and studio rules.
About the Instructor, Jen Lesea-Ames
With over 20 years of experience teaching and coaching in her former career as a self-employed exercise physiologist, Jen is no stranger to what it takes to be a good instructor and business owner. After retiring from her fitness career in 2014, Jen transitioned her side-hustle jewelry business into a full-time success story as a nationally known jewelry designer and most recently, as an instructor in the jewelry arts.
Jen studied metalsmithing at the Denver School of Metal Arts from 2012-2016 and Gemological Institute of America (GIA) from 2014-2017, where she became obtained her diploma as an Applied Jewelry Professional.
Jen started her jewelry business in 2009, where she sold beaded gemstone jewelry, which then evolved to sterling silver and mixed metal jewelry, and most recently offers fine custom jewelry design and bespoke concierge services. Her jewelry is sold in over 40 stores, including Fallingwater Museum Store, the Vladem Museum of Contemporary Art in Santa Fe, NM and the national catalogs Uncommon Goods and Artful Home. Her experience and work has landed her local and national press.
She opened Silver Peak Studio in 2020, where she started teaching jewelry fabrication classes in a small group setting. As demand increased, she expanded the class schedule and hired instructors. In April 2024, she expanded and moved Silver Peak Studio to Old Town Lafayette and opened the Gallery store next door to the school, where locals and visitors can shop the instructors' and students' jewelry as well as locally-made art and gifts.
As the owner of Silver Peak Studio and Gallery, Jen's "why" is to provide a safe, professional, and fun environment where students can expand their skillset in the jewelry arts and help support independent artists.
