Santa Fe, New Mexico
March 10-13, 2011
Milwaukee, WI
June 4-12, 2011
Philadelphia, PA
August 17-21, 2011
I provide all tools and supplies for use in each class. The materials kit will contain all materials needed to complete the class project. All you need to do is show up!! Any questions, email me: gwen@gwendolyndesigns
The following classes will be taught at Blue Moon Glassworks in Austin, TX. Contact them at 512-380-0770 to register.
REGISTER EARLY - CLASSES FILL QUICKLY
Soldering 1-2-3
Instructor: Gwen Youngblood
Class Date: April 16, 2011
November 5, 2011
This introduction to soldering covers the basics of sweat soldering. We will also cover pick soldering, with a chance to practice both soldering techniques. Creating and attaching the silver bead embellishments is part of this class, in addition to setting a gemstone cabochon in a pre-made bezel. And last, but not least, learn a simple method of tube riveting.
Instructor will provide all tools and supplies.
Bring a chain or cord to class and wear your creation home.
Prerequisites: None
Class Length: 3 hours
Inspired By Filigree
Instructor: Gwen Youngblood
Class Date: February 26, 2011
December 10, 2011
Bend, curve and solder Sterling Silver Wire into a modern interpretation of filigree. Use the design templates provided or create one of your own. There will be time to make at least one pendant. This technique can also be used for earrings and other jewelry components. In this introduction to soldering, learn the basics of sweat soldering and pick soldering, with opportunities to practice both. Finally, learn to set a gemstone cabochon in a pre-made bezel. Bring a chain or cord to class and wear your creation home.
Instructor will provide all tools and supplies.
Prerequisites: None
Class Length: 3 hours
Jewelry with a Bang
Instructors: Gwen Youngblood and Lydia Johns 
One Day Class from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Class Dates: To Be Determined
Have you ever had a day where you just wanted to hit something with a hammer? Well, don’t let that moment be destructive! Come learn how to use that urge to create awesome pieces of metal jewelry. No previous experience needed!!
We have a whole day together to learn shaping, stamping, cold metal connections, and patina techniques using brass and copper sheet metal. You will take plain sheets of metal and work them into your own creative pieces. You can form earrings, pendants, bracelets, and even rings! Be sure to wear an old shirt because this is a messy class!
We will be bringing tools for you to use during the class, however if you already have these materials, you might want to bring them along:
Steel bench block Metal hole punch
Patterned hammers Metal Stamps
Center punch Chain nose pliers
Round nose pliers Chasing hammer
Dapping block Polishing cloth
Metal Shears Patterns for tracing
Fine Silver Fusing
Instructor: Gwen Youngblood
One day class from 10am-4:30 pm
Class Dates: May 14, 2011
October 8, 2011
In this class, you will learn the basics of Fine Silver Fusing. You will learn to make your own headpins. You will also learn the skills necessary to construct a bracelet from fused fine silver links. No previous experience needed.
You will learn to fuse the links and shape them (circle, oval, square and heart shaped links). You will also learn multiple techniques to texture the links. Options for joining the links to form a bracelet will be covered. You will also learn two options for forming your own clasp. Options for patina and polishing will also be covered. You can decorate your bracelet with beads and/or charms using your headpins made in class. There will also be time to explore earring design ideas.
All tools, silver, torches and butane will be provided for in-class use. Bring a few of your favorite beads to embellish your bracelet and/or earrings.
No Solder, No Glue
Instructor: Gwen Youngblood
Class Date: July 23, 2011
A variety of cold connections and texturing techniques are used to create a one of a kind pendant. Starting with a pre-cut shape of your choice, learn to texture and drill the base piece of the pendant. Learn to form and attach the various embellishments. Learn to use traditional wire rivets, make and use nail head rivets, and use eyelets as tube rivets. Learn to dap and ruffle a disc. Add some extra bling by riveting a bezel cup and setting a gemstone. You may choose to make a pendant like one of the class samples or you may create one of your own design. Students should bring a pair of lightweight leather gloves; bring a chain or cord to wear your pendant home.
Instructor will provide all tools and supplies.
Prerequisites: None
Class Length: 3 hours
Pagoda Pendant
Instructor: Gwen Youngblood
Class Dates: September 10, 2011
No need to limit your jewelry to standard cabochons and pre-made bezels. Learn the skills necessary to construct a bezel for any cabochon. We will be working with a square or rectangular fused glass cabochon, but these techniques work for any shape cabochon. Learn to anneal and work with heavy gauge wire and embellish the bezel with elements reminiscent of the graceful lines of Japanese pagodas. Learn to create and attach the silver bead accents. Bring a chain or cord to class and wear your creation home.
Instructor will provide all tools and supplies.
Prerequisites: Some soldering experience helpful, but not required.
Class Length: 6 hours
