They say to keep your dreams close to your heart and in this day and age when errant gusts of curious winds try to blow through and ruffle our authenticity feathers, it seems like as good a time as any to take the counsel to heart. We’ll take the invitation litterally in this e-workshop as I guide you through the process of creating a barrel-form vessel which you can fill with those very dreams...or intentions, prayers, love notes, mantras, a tiny daisy, or personal affirmations.

We will pull out metal and flame and fabricate the vessel form (including various external embellishment techniques) which can easily be adapted to create barrel beads or other totally original jewelry connecting components. To stream line the learning curve, I've distilled a heap of adaptable techniques into a specific project. I want you to know, though, that you can easily pick and choose what you like best and then go hog wild with what grabs you without having to make the exact project. Along with innovative soldering techniques, I'm also including metal and wire working mechanics, soldered connections, wire manipulation, incorporating fabric, and a bit 'o beadwork technique. Like I said, lots of information that you can adapt in any form you prefer.

Feeling a bit nervous about working with fire and melty things?
If you have never worked with solder or flame before, this e-workshop is a great way to step into the uncharted territory with the confidence you can gain through skilled guidance. I'm super sensitive to the fact that a gas powered flame, even if small, can be intimidating to many folks and I've worked really hard to translate my classroom manner of encouraging guidance into video form. An added benefit? You won't feel me breathing over your shoulder. 

Are you already confident with flame and solder on flat metal?
If you have worked with solder and flame, you'll love the challenge that the vessel building brings to the table. Working with the pipe form presents a whole 'nuther learning curve and might be just perfect for you who may be thinking you've tapped the flat metal idea well.

As far as tools and materials, you'll may find that you have many of them onhand already. Raid a man's garage, perhaps, to find the rest. :) There is no fancy gas mixing, torch set up required. A little bit of easy gathering and you'll be good to go!

A few questions you might have before you jump on board:

The workshop will be a week long workshop with daily technique videos, photos, and written instruction. Class will run from

 

I prefer paypal though you may also send a check or money order my way. Once the funds have cleared, I'll notify you with your registration confirmation and you'll be good to go! Feel free to email me if you have any questions about other payment methods.

 

No. All materials are available at your local hardware, craft or hobby stores and on Amazon. (Of course, there may be some exceptions depending on where you live, but generally all materials are easy to find.) I've included many links to online sources for the materials in the supply list that will be emailed to you upon registration. You can purchase everything online or, if you prefer, just use the links as a photo reference.

All class content will live on a password protected site that only students will have access to. Once you've registered, you will recieve a payment confirmation email along with the supply list from me within 72 hours. (Nothing here is automated so your patience is deeply appreciated.) On July 9, you will receive and email with classroom access information. The lessons will appear on the site each class-day morning and will remain accessible for a full three months after the last official day of class.

When I teach an online class, I focus a lot of energy on keep the information very easy to find and access. You can relax in knowing that you will not be wasting any time trying to figure out how to navigate the classroom site. Being a typepad blog format, you'll be able to find every thing you want in one clutter-free space.

Do you want in? I'd love to have you!

For more metalsmithing instruction, check out my Handbook of Elements eBook and my mac-daddy comprehensive Homesteader's Metalsmithing ebook.

"I took your Homesteaders class, and have to say it was one of the best online classes evah.  your instruction is clear, the techniques fun & easy to master with your help!  Success is guaranteed with your videos & explanations."  -Linda E.

"I’m one who bought your Homesteader's Metalsmithing ebook and LOVE it!  I’ve learned so much, and still go back and look at those videos time and time again.  I am SO glad you did the e-book on that!"  -Cecile N.

 

 

 

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