Summer 2014 Metals Classes Richmond Art Center

Metals Classes at The Richmond Art Center
2540 Barrett Ave. Richmond, CA 94804
www.therac.org • (510) 620-6772
Instructor: Holly Carter

Beginning Jewelry - Monday Evening
Explore the basics of jewelry and small metals fabrication. Learn the use of tools, how to saw, file, sand, and high temp silver solder with silver, copper, and brass. Create pierced sawing samples, band rings, and a bezel set stone
pendant.  Explore various finishing techniques and surface treatments including
polishing, rolling mill texture, patinas, and more. 9 weeks
Class # SU19J • Mon, Jun 16 – Aug 11, 2014, 6:30 – 9 pm
RAC Member $225 • Nonmember $250

Enameling Sampler
An introductory class. Learn the techniques  of Vitreous Glass Enameling, fusing glass to metal. Emphasis will be placed on mastering the basics: sifting and wet packing, kiln firing, and knowledge of color interactions. $20 materials fee paid to instructor. 6 weeks
Class # SU7J • Tue, Jun 24 – Jul 29, 2014 6:30 pm – 9 pm
RAC Member $148 • Nonmember $165

Casting for Jewelry & Small Sculpture
Learn Centrifugal and Direct Pour methods of Casting molten metal. Will discuss the use of Cuttlefish, Tufa Stone, and Charcoal block to carve molds for direct pour casting. Learn to carve wax models for Lost Wax casting. Sprue, Invest, Cast in a centrifuge, and Finish your piece for Jewelry or Small Sculpture. Please come prepared to work the first day, some supplies will be available in class for purchase. Supply costs vary $50+. May also be used as independent study for experienced students. 8 weeks
Class # SU33J • Wed, Jun 25 – Aug 13, 2014 6:30 pm – 9 pm
RAC Member $198 • Nonmember $220

Intermediate Enameling
Focus on the enameling techniques of Basse Taille, Champlevé, and Cloisonné. Use various methods of texturing metal such as roller printing and acid etching to cover with glass for the Basse Taille. Create cavities to fill with glass by acid etching for Champlevé and small wire to create cloisons to fill for Cloisonné. Previous enameling experience preferred. 8 weeks (No Class July 4th)
Class # SU5J • Fri, Jun 13 – Aug 8, 2014 10 am – 12:30 pm
RAC Member $198 • Nonmember $220

Metals & Jewelry Camp
(ages 12 +)
Join us in the metals studio to create jewelry and works of art in this one-week camp!
Learn to saw, file, and sand a pendant or key chain fob.
Design and pattern an acid etched bracelet and roller printed earrings or decorative plaque.
Then use your newly learned skills to create a piece to be enameled with colored glass fused to metal.
Inspiration is endless!
Class# SU6YC, 4 classes, Instructor: Holly Carter
Tue – Fri, Aug 5 – Aug 8, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
RAC Member $135, Nonmember $150

Fall 2013 Classes at The Richmond Art Center

Fall classes will begin in a couple weeks at The Richmond Art Center 

Casting Organics is back with another week added on! 

If you like the casting classes you will want to take the Mold Making workshop

The Independent Studio is a great class if you need extra time to get those Holiday gifts completed

If you don't think you will have time for a full class this session, as long as you have completed a beginning jewelry class, consider doing some drop in day or nights.  TheRAC.org

FYI, there were some discrepancies in the class codes for two of my classes in the printed catalog. The correct codes are below and what is on the website is correct.

Casting: Organics and Found Objects

Amazed by the world around you?  Do you bring home objects every time you go for a walk? Want to preserve them for a lifetime? Learn an interesting twist on the Lost Wax method of casting molten metal. Use organic materials and found objects such as seed pods or plastic toy parts to convert to silver or bronze. 5 weeks

Class # FA23J • Mon, Oct 21 – Nov 18, 2013 10:30 am – 1 pm

RAC Member $126 • Nonmember $140

Beginning Jewelry - Monday Evening
Explore the basics of jewelry and small metals fabrication. Learn the use of tools, how to saw, file, sand, and high temp silver solder with silver, copper, and brass. Create pierced sawing samples, band rings, and a bezel set stone pendant.  Explore various finishing techniques and surface treatments. 8 weeks

Class # FA19J • Mon, Sep 16– Nov 4, 2013, 6:30 – 9 pm

RAC Member $198 • Nonmember $220

Casting - Alternative Methods & Materials

An introduction to casting Cuttlefish and Organics for Jewelry or Small Sculpture. Learn to cast molten metal into Cuttlefish bone to achieve interesting textures. Explore a twist on the Lost Wax method of casting using organic materials and found objects such as seed pods or plastic toy parts to convert to silver or bronze. 5 weeks

Class # FA24J • Tue, Sep 17 – Oct 15, 2013, 6:30 – 9 pm

RAC Member $126 • Nonmember $140

Independent Studio - Instructor Guided

Practice already learned techniques on your own time with instructor guidance. This is a great opportunity to utilize the studio to work on those special projects you have in mind or Holiday gifts for your friends and family. As per class interest may learn intermediate techniques for working with jewelry and small metals fabrication. Beginning Jewelry or equivalent experience required. 5 weeks.

Class # FA25J • Tues, Oct 22 – Nov 19, 2013, 6:30 – 9 pm

RAC Member $126 • Nonmember $140

Rubber Mold Making for Casting (Weekend Workshop)

Learn the process of making a rubber mold of your original cast metal pieces using Natural and Silicone Rubber. This workshop is for those who already have a cast piece of their own that they wish to make multiples of, such as a part for an earring or links for a chain. Students will also learn the process of injecting wax into a finished mold. 2 days

Class # FA14JW • Sat, Nov 9 – Sun, Nov 10, 2013, 11 am - 3 pm

RAC Member $108 • Nonmember $120

Summer 2013 Classes at The Richmond Art Center

Jewelry 1
Explore the basics of jewelry and small metals fabrication. Learn the use of tools, how to saw, file, sand, and high temp silver solder with silver, copper, and brass. Create pierced sawing samples, band rings, and a bezel set stone
pendant.  Explore various finishing techniques and surface treatments including polishing, rolling mill texture, patinas, and more. 8 weeks
Class # SU19J • Jun 24 – Aug 12, 2013, 6:30 – 9 pm
RAC Member $189 • Nonmember $210

Jewelry Sampler
An introduction to special techniques. Jewelry I or equivalent experience
recommended, but not required. Learn the basic skills for jewelry and small
metals in Acid Etching, Lost Wax Casting, and Vitreous Glass Enameling. This class is fast paced and designed to demonstrate techniques, it will not necessarily result in completely finished projects. Each student will finish a sampling of each technique. 8 weeks
Class # SU20J • Wed, Jun 26 – Aug 14, 2013 6:30 – 9 pm
RAC Member $189 • Nonmember $210

Beginning Enameling
An introductory class. Learn the techniques  of Vitreous Glass Enameling, fusing glass to metal. Emphasis will be placed on mastering the basics: sifting and wet packing, kiln and torch firing, mark-making, and knowledge of color interactions. $15 materials fee paid to instructor. 8 weeks (No Class 7/5,7/12)
Class # SU5J • Fri, Jun 21 – Aug 16, 2013 10 am – 12:30 pm
RAC Member $168 • Nonmember $185

‘Summer Bling’ Teen Metals/Jewelry Sampler
Ages 12-17, Whether you like Shiny Metal Jewelry or Funky Metal Sculpture you can create your art using techniques such as forming, stamping, soldering, enameling, cuttlefish casting, and stained glass inlay. Make bracelets, pins, rings, earrings, mini-sculptures, or wall pieces, the inspiration is endless. 6 weeks
$20 Class supply fee.
Class # SU22J • Mon, Jun 24 – Jul 30, 2013 1 pm – 4 pm
RAC Member $162 • Nonmember $180

Classes are held at The Richmond Art Center 

2540 Barrett Ave. Richmond, CA 94804

www.therac.org • (510) 620-6772

Custom Commission: Final Steps

I am a little behind on my posting! In November of 2011 I began working on this commission piece and here are some of the final photos of it before it left my hands. The client was planning to have it gold plated, but I haven't heard if she has done that yet.
If you would like to see the post on my previous progress click on the links below:
Custom Commission
Custom Commission Continued

I was unable to permanently attach the last bits. Due to the plating process the pearls could not be attached yet, so I took a photo of what it might look like when done.

With some creative assembling and photography, here is an accurate depiction of what the finished piece will look like except plated in gold. It was a great learning experience and I gained a new friend in the process.

Spring 2013 Classes at The RAC

Jewelry 1 (Click for more info)
Explore the basics of jewelry and small metals fabrication. Learn the use of tools, how to saw, file, sand, and high temp silver solder with silver, copper, and brass. Create pierced sawing samples, band rings, and a bezel set stone

pendant.  Explore various finishing techniques and surface treatments including polishing, rolling mill texture, patinas, and more.

No Class May 27. 8 weeks

Class # SP19J • Mon, Apr 1 – Jun 3, 2013, 6:30 – 9 pm

RAC Member $194 • Nonmember $215

Jewelry Sampler (Click for more info)

An introduction to special techniques. Jewelry I or equivalent experience

recommended, but not required. Learn the basic skills for jewelry and small

metals in Acid Etching, Lost Wax Casting, and Vitreous Glass Enameling. This class is fast paced and designed to demonstrate techniques, it will not necessarily result in completely finished projects. Each student will finish a sampling of each technique. 8 weeks

Class # SP20J • Wed, Apr 10 – May 29, 2013 6:30 – 9 pm

RAC Member $194 • Nonmember $215

Richmond Art Center Classes
2540 Barrett Avenue Richmond, CA 94804

Solo Showcase at Eden Gardenhouse

 ‘Organic Inspirations’

 Eden GardenHouse

 Features Artist

Holly Carter

June 1st - 30th, 2012

Art Showcase Featuring the Metalwork of Local Artist Holly Carter. 

A Focus on natural organic inspired wall art and jewelry.

Holly Carter is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelors of Fine Art in Metals. She is an internationally known artist and her work is currently shown in galleries across the Southwestern United States. Holly is an instructor for the Tempe Edna Vihel Center for the Arts and the Mesa Art Center. Is a member of The Arizona Designer Craftsmen and The Society of North American Goldsmiths.

 Opening Reception

June 1st, 2012

6 p.m.- 9p.m.

Closing Reception
June 30th, 2012
4 p.m.- 8p.m.

Light Refreshments will be served at Opening and Closing Receptions

 Eden GardenHouse

Home and Garden Inspired Boutique

2928 N. 7^th Avenue  Phoenix, Arizona 85013

602- 274-2470

~ www.edengardenhouse.com ~ info@edengardenhouse.com ~

Mesa Art Center Spring Break Demonstrations

Click for more info:
Jewelry, Lapidary, Sculpture $25 Demonstrations

Studio Kahn

I just wanted to take some time to highlight some very creative Artists!

I have been in love with these pieces from Studio Kahn since I found them exploring Etsy. I do not yet own a piece of their work, but I can just feel the cool smooth ceramic in my hands and the snap as the two conjoined pieces disengage. I can almost hear that snap while getting over the mental stigma of 'Breaking' a piece of ceramic in half, it seems so wrong. It would be a full sensory experience.

Studio Kahn was created by Mey and Boaz Kahn, a married couple living in Jerusalem. Their design aesthetic is minimalist with an ingenious mechanism.
You can view more of their work at: Studio Kahn Etsy Shop Facebook

Custom Commission Continued

This piece was time consuming because I had to stop and do some finishing work between adding the various stone settings. It would have been cumbersome to do the finishing after the settings were in the way.

A design challenge that I faced was how to attach the pearl settings.
The customer wanted a pearl to be placed between the round peridots, but the pearls could not be attached before the Gold plating was done. Her solutions was to solder the head pins that she wanted to use to the piece and then after the plating she would cut the head pins, slip on the pearls, and then glue the balled end of the head pin into the pearls. The problem, first of all, is that it was not a very strong connection to solder a small piece of wire to the side of the piece. The head pin could be just snapped off at any time, not to mention how difficult it would have been to set the stones around such a small wire without mangling it or breaking it off myself. Of course there is also the problem with having just a little bit of glue holding the pearls on in one small spot.
I experimented and tried to solder a wire with a soldering iron, in the hopes that maybe I could solder it on after the plating was done and with the pearls in place, so there would be no need for glue. Unfortunately, it didn't work, the soldering iron was just not hot enough to flow the gold filled solder that I had.
I finally came up with a solution by the time it came to solder on the head pin that I found satisfactory.
 My solution: to solder on small pieces of tubing with a tapered end. I nippled the end of the tubing in order to make the hole small enough for the head pin to be inserted with a tight fit. This way the head pin could be glued to the pearl and the tubing, hopefully creating a stronger bond. I also reamed out the pearls just enough to fit tightly on the head pin. I reamed a larger hole at one end of each pearl for them to slip slightly over the tube, thus being able to be glued directly to the tubing, again, creating a stronger bond. Another issue was that we were afraid the pearls she gave me might be a little too small in relation to the size of the piece. Adding the tubing pushed the pearls out further balancing the relationship of  size of the pearls with the layout of the whole piece giving the impression of a larger pearl.

More process photos to follow.
You can check out my original post to see where I started.
Original Post: http://hollycarter.blogspot.com/2011/11/custom-commission.html

Custom Commission

I was commissioned to create a pendant for a wholesale order using the customers own center piece and stones. The center piece is an Italian cut glass intaglio and the stones are London Blue Topaz, Peridot, and Pearls. When finished the piece will be gold plated over the sterling silver. Her design was inspired by an antique piece she had seen.
I will continue to post pictures of my process.