Classes & Workshops Available
Rachel Morris, Eclectic Nature Jewelry & Design
Almost all of the sessions listed below can be done either in a 2 or 3 day in-person workshop format (6-8 hours per day) or a weekly class format, and most can be converted to a live, online class, schedule permitting:
This course allows you to get your feet wet if you’ve always wanted to try jewelry making. Through demonstrations and hands-on work, you become familiar with the tools of the trade: Saws, hammers, torches, and more, as you learn the basics of cutting, filing, texturing, soldering, finishing/polishing, and simple stone setting. You’ll make a ring and may have time to complete additional project(s) in the course of the weekend.
This course continues where Intro to Jewelry (Level I) leaves off. Through demonstrations and hands-on work, you become more familiar with the tools of the trade and expand your basic soldering and design skills as you work on a rough-form cabochon setting. You’ll learn to make a bezel by hand so you’re not limited to pre-made bezels. You’ll design a pin, pendant, earrings, or bracelet and may have time to complete additional project(s) in the course of the weekend.
This course is designed for intermediate to advanced students looking to work on a complex project or hone a specific skill with guidance from instructor. Students should already be very comfortable and self-sufficient on the torch and with other core bench jewelry skills. Not only will you learn cool new techniques for your own project, but you’ll be inspired by what your classmates bring to the bench, as well.
This workshop focuses on crafting small, decorative boxes with lids. Boxes are designed with an inner lip so the lid sets snugly in place. First time box builders may want to work on a round or rectangular box, while more advanced students work on unusual shapes. Advanced students can also learn to add hinges, clasps, handles, and/or stone detailing. Students should solid soldering experience and other core bench skills (sawing, filing, finishing).
Hollow form jewelry allows artists to build more architectural, larger work without the weight of a solid object. From lentils and other bead forms, to box clasps, hollow rings, and pendants, these box-like objects add a dimensionality to your work unlike any other. We’ll work on simple forms and then move on to more complex, decorative elements. Students should have a strong basic understanding of soldering, sawing, and filing, and should bring all materials to the first day of the workshop.
Explore ways to set stones beyond the basic cabochon and walled bezel. We’ll cover challenges in unusual stone shapes, with approaches including adding prongs to traditional bezels, partial bezels, and tab settings. We will also cover the foundations of faceted setting and variations that can spice up a traditional bezel for both faceted and cabbed stones. We will discuss other techniques such as pave, flush, and channel setting, and design considerations when choosing a stone’s setting. This is a techniques weekend and students should not expect to go home with finished jewelry, but should complete one or more stone settings for future use in a project. Strong basic soldering experience required.
Enhance your design work with unique, handcrafted chains. Learn an array of techniques, both soldered and fused (single & double loop-in-loop chains & unusual soldered chains). Strong basic torch experience required.
Students learn the fundamentals of working both soft and hard casting wax, using hot and cold wax working tools to craft their choice of metal buttons, belt buckles, or jewelry objects (no casting done as part of the class). The class is open to anyone, regardless of prior jewelry experience (no soldering skills needed). This is a great work-from-home hobby!
Whether you bead, string pearls, or create your own chains, the finishing touches count. In this three day workshop, you’ll be given demos of several variations of S or hook clasps, toggles, box, keyhole, and lentil clasps. Students will work on one or more clasps of their own – Intermediate/advanced metalworkers can opt to focus on a more intricate piece, while intro students are advised to become proficient in some of the simpler forms first. Attendees can bring in projects or designs in need of clasps, and we will discuss the importance of both form and function appropriate to their needs. Basic soldering, sawing, and filing skills are required.
This session is geared for the hobbyist who is considering taking the next step and setting up a home studio space. It will include such subjects as budget, safety, equipment, tool maintenance, and functional layout. We will discuss the pros and cons of various tools, and talk about how to prioritize what gear to purchase and when to invest in higher end tools. Students are encouraged to bring an inventory of their existing gear and some examples of the kind of work they are doing or hope to be doing at home. While this will be fabrication-focused, we can include conversations around related techniques such as enameling, PMC, wax working, and casting at home.
Feeling a little stagnant in your design process? Not sure what to work on next? Consider an evening of creative brainstorming with fellow artists, opening up to new ways of thinking and developing ideas. We’ll do a series of short, interactive, hands-on exercises to awaken your mind and get the ideas flowing, no matter what your medium of choice.
An session of discussion on what to consider when you are taking your craft from a hobby to a business, including such topics as: Marketing, Where and How to Sell, Pricing Your Work, Budget Management, Managing Payments, Custom Orders, Incorporation, Tax IDs, Business Insurance, Developing Good Work Habits, and other considerations.
Looking for a class on a specific topic? Get in touch!