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C onvergent
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Workshops by

C arol
S cheftic

2017 Offerings
Thanks for checking here!
This page is never finished: I'm always adding classes!
Some get scheduled months in advance; others, maybe a week or two ahead.

The list is mostly in reverse-date order (latest-first), but
please feel free to scroll down for earlier listings:
If you see something you'd like me to offer again,
at the same site or even at a different location,
let me know! I love offering classes "by request"!


With so many "social media" sources now, sigh,
I don't always manage to update all of them at the same time...
Other places to check for updates to my schedule are:

  • on my blog (scheduled events are down the right side), and
  • on my Facebook Page (please Like that to get updates there).

You can sign up for my mailing list
for very occasional notes about classes, shows, and other news.
Note: When you submit that form, you'll get one email right away with
a link that you must click, or I'll never know you tried to sign up!
(Sometmes that sign-up page seems slow to load... Sorry!)



Here are the events I have confirmed so far.
(More will be coming!)
Beginners are welcome at all of these sessions!
(Any occasional exceptions will be clearly noted.)
Those with some experience can learn new construction and/or finishing techniques.

Date Topic Location

  These are free!

No advance registration required:
Just come on over!

Technically, Open Houses are shows more than classes. But as I have time between customers looking to buy my wares, I'm happy to:

  • talk with students, or potential students, about projects, techniques or tools;
  • show you my set-up (especiallly if you've taken classes with me at other sites); and
  • work out schedules when I could offer a class that you might want.
And, besides, I usually hold these when there are other activities worth attending at WSCC!

Do join the fun!




Four Fall Open Houses!
Come visit my studio!


September 23, 9 am to 1 pm October 14, 4 to 6:30 pm
  • Join the fun at the Regent Square Civic Association's Inaugural Second Saturday in the Square!
  • Do some shopping, or sign up for an upcoming class with me!
  • Plus, from RSCA:
    • Food trucks! Craft Beer!
    • Children's Activities! And More!
  • Their event runs from 4 to 7, but I'll have to leave at 6:30.
  • As I understand it, RSCA will not repeat this at WSCC in November, but I will have an Open House on that Second Saturday: see the next item!
November 11, 10 am to 4 pm
  • Indie Knit and Spin (IKS) returns to WSCC!
  • It is always such a fun day when IKS comes to WSCC.
  • They'll have demos, vendors, swaps, door prizes, and more!
  • And I'll be all set up for some holiday-season shopping.
  • I'm working on some completely new designs, using new techniques, and am hoping to introduce that new line here in November!
  • I'm not offering any button workshops at IKS this time, but note the ones I do have scheduled (see below) at the North Hills Art Center!
December 9 & 10, 10 am to 4 pm
  • WSCC is not hosting its "Holiday Gift Shop" this year!
  • I want to hold a Holiday Open House at my studio regardless, so I'm continuing the Second Saturday schedule!
  • Both Mondo Italiano will also hold an event (on the first floor), and the
    Fair Trade Market will be up the street at the Environmental Charter School.

Convergent Series Studio
Wilkins School Community Center
7604 Charleston Street
Swissvale, PA 15218

Actual Workshops in My Studio

  These tend to get scheduled "on demand"!
(and rarely show up here...)

I'm happy to teach a private (or semi-private) lesson, for you or you and a friend! You get more individual attention. (Of course, you're not spreading the cost out among a larger group of people either. But contact me: the prices are still reasonable!)

Or get a group together and work with me to pick a date. I can do a session customized for you!

If there's something you'd like to learn that you don't see on my regular listings, let me know! A few topics, even if they're relatively easy to do, still require that I haul too much specialized equipment around. So I don't offer them elsewhere. But if I know there's enough interst, I'll gladly do them at my home-base/studio.

Convergent Series Studio
Wilkins School Community Center
7604 Charleston Street
Swissvale, PA 15218

WORDSifIMAGEmissing

And now, my other classes!
Date Topic Location

I'm delighted to point out that te first two classes shown below will be held at A NEW LOCATION for me!

(Also, if you haven't figured it out yet, the block color changes according to class location...)


Saturday, March 24, 2018
12:30 to 5 pm

To register, please contact
http://appalachianrockshop.com/

  Reversible Woven-Silver Art Jewelry



Learn to work with powdered metal that has been mixed with an organic binder and water to create a clay-like form. For this project we will use a clay that remains somewhat flexible, and thus weave-able, even after it has “dried” out! You will weave strips and strings of this fabulous “metal clay” material to create a unique, reversible piece of sterling silver (.960) art jewelry.

Create either a pendant or a pair of earrings.
These can be any size you wish but, if you are someone who likes big "statement" pieces, then this is the project for you! (The open-weave allows us to create larger pieces with relatively less silver than many other designs.)

Appalachian Rock Shop
& Jewelry Emporium

508A Perry Highway
Harmony, PA 16037
724-452-9356


Tuesday, December 12
12:30 to 5 pm

To register, please contact
http://appalachianrockshop.com/

  Reversible Hollow Silver Pendant

Working with powered metal that has been mixed with an organic binder and water to create a clay-like form, you will learn the basics of working with metal clay, including how to form it into a pair of decorative, domed shapes.

You will attach two such domes to make an impressive reversible hollow "lentil-shape" pendant that you'll be proud to wear on its own, or that you can later string as a focal point in your own beaded creation.



Appalachian Rock Shop
& Jewelry Emporium

508A Perry Highway
Harmony, PA 16037
724-452-9356

November 17
Noon to 3 pm

Register via:
Eventbrite

  Gift-Making: Silver Charms

Metal clay is an amazing innovation: tiny metal particles are mixed into a moist organic binder. It feels like clay as you texture, shape, and embellish it; then the binder is burned away at temperatures just high enough to turn what’s left into a solid metal featuring your original designs.

In this session you will make (at least) two fine silver charms — for yourself or to give as gifts! You can make them into a pair of earrings, or later dangle them from a bracelet, necklace, cell phone, key ring, or wherever else strikes your fancy.

The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh
1635 McFarland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 341-2299


October 29
Noon to 4:30 pm

Register via:
Eventbrite

  Reversible Hollow Silver Pendant

Working with powered metal that has been mixed with an organic binder and water to create a clay-like form, you will learn the basics of working with metal clay, including how to form it into a pair of decorative, domed shapes.

You will attach two such domes to make an impressive reversible hollow "lentil-shape" pendant that you'll be proud to wear on its own, or that you can later string as a focal point in your own beaded creation.



Oops! I need to sort this out with the folks at Artsmiths! For this fall, I'd proposed teaching my 4.5-hour version of this class (as described here). They gave me 4.5 hours, but included in their description and photo of the 5-hour version that includes setting a CZ (and all of that means it would cost a bit more too, due to the extra time and materials). I'm happy to teach either one. I include here the desription of the class that we can do in 4.5 hours; I'll change it if they give me the adjustments needed for the other one.

The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh
1635 McFarland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 341-2299

Two Sessions
Take one, or the other, or both!

Session #1
Sun, October 15
Silver Buttons

(with holes for attaching)
1 Noon to 4 pm

Registration closes
on October 8

Register at:
North Hills Art Center


Session #2
Sat, October 21
Bronze Buttons

(with shanks or holes)
12 Noon to 5 pm

Registration closes
on October 15
(after the Silver Buttons class!)

Register at:
North Hills Art Center


~~~~~
Even after registration has closed (and the above links then fail), you can still view the rest of NHAC's current online catalog.

  Hand-Made Buttons
(or charms, earrings, small pendants!)
in Silver OR Bronze

Two workshops: one each in silver or bronze. (Originally designed for fiber artists, but anyone who uses buttons is welcome too!)

You found the perfect artisanal yarn, fabric, or other great product. You spent time fashioning it into a marvelous hand-made item. Now it’s time to take the next step and add your very own hand-made buttons as closures or embellishments!

In this workshop you (yes, you!) will create your own metal buttons. We’ll use a relatively new technique involving reclaimed metals in a finely powdered form. They get mixed with an organic binder and water to yield a substance that feels almost like a silky-soft clay. You will roll this over a textured surface to impress a design. We’ll have pastry cutters and decorative scissors you can use to cut the outlines of your buttons, and you’ll learn how to smooth out the edges, add the necessary holes, and finish the surface so it will have a beautiful shine.

Some Silver Samples
(on their own & in use)

Please note:
  • The silver button class will be shorter; the buttons will have holes (as many or as few as you want) for attaching them.
  • For the bronze button class using less expensive material, our session will be a bit longer and you'll have the option of using holes to attach it or of adding a shank to the back of your button.
Demonstrations will cover several designs about one inch across. Participants following that lead should be able to complete at least three buttons in the class. (Adjust the count up or down a bit if you prefer a different size.) For those who work fast and have enough interest in making more, additional material will be available for you to purchase, if necessary, to make extras.

And there’s no need to limit yourself to buttons! With just minor adjustments in the size and placement of the holes in your pieces, you can end up with charms, pendants, or earrings!

Level: beginner through intermediate.

North Hills Art Center
73432 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-364-3622
northhillsartcenter.org

Some Bronze Samples
(and one way I've used those)

Five Tuesdays
(evenings)
from October 17
through November 21

(No class on Hallowe'en!)

Registration closes
on October 10.

Register at:
North Hills Art Center




~~~~~
Even after registration has closed, you can still view the rest of NHAC's current online catalog.

  Introducing Metal Clays
using base metals:
bronzes and copper



The earliest forms of "metal clay" were precious metal clays (PMC is one brand), that used only precious metals like silver and the even-more-expensive gold. But now we have other options!

In this class we will start by working with bronze in a beautiful gold color, and then learn ways to combine that with copper and / or other shades of bronze too!

You will work with bronze that has been treated to make it feel like a lovely, soft clay so that it's very easy to work with. You will create your own design that way, and then we'll turn it all back into solid, all-metal pieces that you can wear with pride!

You will first learn how to drape and layer your bronze to make bracelets, pendants, and/or earrings in various shapes and sizes with a range of textured patterns.


We will finish up by making a piece that combines variations of both texture and color.

If you want, you be able to make the majority of your pieces in a reversible style: two different looks for the price of one!

One "trick" to base metals is that the initial results can sometimes be a bit less predictable than the silvers. So you may spend some of the extra time in this class (compared to the one using silver) learning the extra finishing techniques necessary to still produce gorgeous results.

Level: beginner through intermediate.

North Hills Art Center
73432 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-364-3622
northhillsartcenter.org

October 1
1 to 4 pm

Register via:
Eventbrite

  Reversible Draped Silver Pendants

Make a truly unique fine silver pendant by learning how to roll and drape thin sheets of "metal clay".



Metal clays (PMC-brand and others) are among the newest contributions to the metalsmith’s toolkit. One of the most interesting “metal clay” techniques, yet one that is easily performed even by absolute beginners in this medium, is to roll and texture thin sheets of clay, drape them like fabric into interesting folds, cut out an interesting shape, and add a few decorative flourishes (if desired), to end up with a unique, reversible, sterling silver (.960) art jewelry pendant.

The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh
1635 McFarland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 341-2299

Four Tuesdays
from September 19
through October 10

6 to 9 pm

Registration closes
on September 12.

Register at:
North Hills Art Center

~~~~~
Even after registration has closed, you can still view the rest of NHAC's current online catalog.

  Introducing Metal Clays
using both sterling
& fine silvers!



Guess what? There is no actual "clay" in "precious metal clay"!

This class will help you to discover how silver, a precious metal, is made to feel like a lovely, soft clay so that it's very easy to work with. You will create your own design that way, and then we'll turn it all back into a solid, all-metal piece that you can wear with pride!

You will learn how to layer, drape, and weave your silver to make pendants and earrings in various shapes and sizes, featuring a range of different textured patterns. You may add a cubic zirconia or other lab-created gemstone in at least one of your creations.

We will explore the similarities and the differences within the silver family, including fine silver (.999) and its alloys (e.g., sterling silvers).

If you want, you'll be able to make the majority of your pieces in a reversible style: two different looks for the price of one!



Level: beginner through intermediate.

North Hills Art Center
73432 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-364-3622
northhillsartcenter.org

Sat, Aug 12
12 Noon to 5 pm

Registration closes
on Fri, Aug 4.
(I'll need to oder materials
by Saturday, to be sure
they'll arrive in time!)

~~~~~
Even after registration has closed, you can still view the rest of NHAC's current online catalog.



  Silver Spool Beads

Join uas in making a few silver beads
in an interesting small-spool shape.




This is longer than many of my classes, but the steps are simple enough that still it's great for anyone, even beginners, interested in learning ways of working with metal clay.

You will learn the basics of working with silver clay, including how to texture, trim, and form it into a closed tube or swirl shape. You'll also learn how to cap the ends so that, after class, you can hand your creatios on as necklace, bracelet, or earrings.

Everyone should be able to complete at least 2-3 beads this afternoon; extra material will be available for purchase in class for anyone who wants to make more (during or after our class meeting).



Note: This session will cover making these beads, with displays of various ways to use them. Participants who would like to learn how to string their spools (onto a necklace, bracelet, or earrings) may schedule a private or semi-private lesson at NHAC or my Regent Square studio. (I can even discount the price a bit at my studio, since I won't have to pack everything up and travel...)

North Hills Art Center
73432 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-364-3622
northhillsartcenter.org

Session #1

Weds, Aug 9
6 to 9 pm
Session #1 registration closes on Aug 2.

-- OR --

Session #2

Weds, 16
1 to 4 pm

Session #2 registration closes on Aug 9
(after Session #1, in case you
decide you'd like to come back!)

Register at:
North Hills Art Center

~~~~~
Even after registration has closed, you can still view the rest of NHAC's current online catalog.



  Easy Earring Extravaganza!



Have you heard all the buzz about metal clays? Have you wondered what it's like to create with them? Here are two more chances to try my simplest, most fun, yet low-key introduction possible where, in three hours, each participant will create lovely, unique, art jewelry: fine silver (.999) earrings!

(And here's a not-well-kept secret about this intro-class: though we'll focus on how to make pairs of pieces, for earrings, if you'd rather make a few charms or small pendants, that'll be fine too!)

North Hills Art Center
73432 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-364-3622
northhillsartcenter.org

Then, I'm taking a bit of a break from offering jewelry classes or workshops in July ...
so I can focus on several other great, summer-time, gardening-related events!

I will still be able to offer a few private lessons then, so do let me know if you want one of those.


Saturday, June 24
12 Noon to 4 pm
Registration closes June 17.

$70 NHAC Members
$90 Non-Members
(includes materials)

Register at:
North Hills Art Center

  Simply Stupendous Silver Cylinders



Make at least one (pendant) or two (earrings) silver pieces in an interesting cylinder / tube shape. The extra-fun thing about these is that the delightful "metal clay" we'll be using will allow them to easily be constructed, if desired, so they are able to swirl when worn!

North Hills Art Center
73432 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-364-3622
northhillsartcenter.org

Thursday, May 25
12 Noon to 4:30 pm
Registration closes May 18.

$80 NHAC Members
$100 Non-Members
(includes materials)

Register at:
North Hills Art Center

  Reversible Woven-Silver Art Jewelry



Learn to work with powdered metal that has been mixed with an organic binder and water to create a clay-like form. For this project we will use a clay that remains somewhat flexible, and thus weave-able, even after it has “dried” out! You will weave strips and strings of this fabulous “metal clay” material to create a unique, reversible piece of sterling silver (.960) art jewelry.

Create either a pendant or a pair of earrings.
These can be any size you wish but, if you are someone who likes big "statement" pieces, then this is the project for you! (The open-weave allows us to create larger pieces with relatively less silver than many other designs.)

North Hills Art Center
73432 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-364-3622
northhillsartcenter.org
May 14
1 to 4 pm

Register via:
Eventbrite

  How Charming!

A great Mother's Day Gift: Make charms to give your mother (or anyone who has served in a motherly role for you). Or treat that mother to the chance of taking this workshop!



Metal clay is an amazing innovation: tiny metal particles are mixed into a moist organic binder. It feels like clay as you texture, shape, and embellish it; then the binder is burned away at temperatures just high enough to turn what’s left into a solid metal featuring your original designs.

In this session you will make at least two fine silver charms — for yourself or to give as gifts! You can make them into a pair of earrings, or later dangle them from a bracelet, necklace, cell phone, key ring, or wherever else strikes your fancy.

The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh
1635 McFarland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 341-2299

May 3
1 to 4 pm

Register via:
Eventbrite

  Let's Get Twisted!



Let’s play with some metal clay! We’ll use a special formula that remains somewhat flexible even until it's been fired. That will let us twist it around in various interesting ways, to make decorative elements or to create custom designs for later beading or wirework.

The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh
1635 McFarland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 341-2299

Four Monday Afternoons
April 3, 10, 17, and 24
12 Noon to 5 p.
Registration closes March 27.

$240 NHAC Members
$260 Non-Members
(includes materials)

Register at:
North Hills Art Center

  Ready—Set—Silver

In this four-session class (five hours each), we’ll have plenty of time to explore a range of general techniques for constructing and finishing art jewelry pieces using several different silver metal clays. You should be able to complete four unique, reversible pieces: flat, curved, draped, layered, or hollow designs that may be used as pendants, earrings, or other decorative items.

This session includes an extra treat! There are a number of ways to set stones in this medium and we will examine several styles that you may use. Beginners can accomplish this on their first try, while those with some previous metal clay experience can enjoy adding these to their repertoire!

North Hills Art Center
73432 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-364-3622
northhillsartcenter.org
April 13
12 Noon to 5 pm

Register via:
Eventbrite

  Sparkle-Dome Pendants!



Learn to make a "lentil-shape" pendant that you'll be proud to wear on its own, or that you can later string as a focal point in your own beaded creation. If you wish, you can also learn an interesting way to add a cubic zirconia to one side in order to increase the bling-factor on your stunning, silver creation.

The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh
1635 McFarland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 341-2299

April 6
6 to 9 pm

Register via:
Eventbrite

  Lovely Silver Nests



In this workshop you will make a pendant (or, if you prefer, a pair of earrings) hand-decorated with silver strings and balls that can easily be shaped into an interesting "nest" design. Once you see the process you can arrange them in a different pattern if you choose. Either way, you will end up with a unique, reversible, piece of silver art jewelry.

The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh
1635 McFarland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 341-2299

March 27
1 to 4 pm

Register via:
Eventbrite

  Easy Earring Extravaganza!



Have you heard all the buzz about metal clays? Have you wondered what it's like to create with them? This will be the simplest, most fun, yet low-key introduction possible where, in three hours, each participant will create lovely, unique, art jewelry: fine silver (.999) earrings!

The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh
1635 McFarland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 341-2299

Two Thursday Evenings
March 23 & 30
6 to 9 pm
Registration closes March 16.

$70 NHAC Members
$90 Non-Members
(includes materials)

Register at:
North Hills Art Center

  Beautiful Bronze — Wearable Art!



Session #2 – See Details Below

North Hills Art Center
73432 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-364-3622
northhillsartcenter.org
March 13
1 to 4 pm

Register via:
Eventbrite

  Reversible Draped Silver Pendants



Make a truly unique fine silver pendant by learning how to roll and drape thin sheets of "metal clay". Metal clays (PMC-brand and others) are among the newest contributions to the metalsmith’s toolkit. One of the most interesting “metal clay” techniques, yet one that is easily performed even by absolute beginners in this medium, is to roll and texture thin sheets of clay, drape them like fabric into interesting folds, cut out an interesting shape, and add a few decorative flourishes (if desired), to end up with a unique, reversible, sterling silver (.960) art jewelry pendant.

The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh
1635 McFarland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 341-2299

Saturday, March 4
12 Noon to 5:00 pm

$80
(includes materials)

Save $5!
Register for this by:
February 8


Save $5!
Take both this AND the
Silver Buttons class!


Yes, that means you can
save a total of $15 if you
register for BOTH the
Silver and Bronze
buttons classes
AND do so by
February 8!


To register, send email to the address at the bottom of this page.

Registration Closes on
February 24
(at the end of IKS)

  Your Very Own Hand-made Bronze Buttons!

Take this class instead of, or in addition to, the silver-buttons class at Indie Knit & Spin, described above!

We will start by exploring some basics of button-making, so each person can design some that will be best suited to their needs. Then we'll use bronze metal clay to make some buttons!

You can make buttons with holes (as in the silver-button session at IKS) but, with the extra time we'll take with bronze, we'll also cover how to make them with shanks on the back should you prefer that design.

If you need your buttons to be a specific size, please bring those measurements. Better yet, if you can, bring any pieces on which you want to use your buttons, and we'll cover ways to measure that to be sure you'll get what you want!



Your buttons will be fired and tumble-polished after class.

Since bronze can be a bit tricky, if any of your pieces should come out of the kiln needing repairs, you'll be notified and (at no extra charge) we'll schedule a time for you to fix them so they can be refired.

I'll also announce a basic-finishing class specifically for those who want to learn that, rather than just having them be tumble-polished for you.

One week after
Indie Knit & Spin


Convergent Series Studio
Wilkins School Community Center
7604 Charleston Street
Swissvale, PA 15218





Saturday, February 25
12 Noon to 3:30 pm

$80
(includes materials)

To register, send email to the address at the bottom of this page.

Registration Closes on
February 17

Save $5!
Register for this by:
February 8


Save $5!
Take both this AND the
Bronze Buttons class!


Yes, that means you can
save a total of $15 if you
register for both the
Silver AND Bronze
buttons classes
and do so by
February 8!

  Your Very Own Hand-made Silver Buttons!
(Designed for folks attending Indie Knit & Spin,
but others are welcome too!)

You found the perfect artisanal yarn or other great fiber product. You spent time fashioning it into a marvelous hand-made item. Now it’s time to take the next step and add your very own hand-made buttons as closures or embellishments!

In this workshop you (yes, you!) will create your own sterling silver buttons. We’ll use a relatively new technique involving reclaimed metals in a finely powdered form. They come mixed with an organic binder and water to yield a substance that feels almost like a silky-soft clay. You will roll this over a textured surface to impress a design. We’ll have pastry cutters and decorative scissors you can use to cut the outlines of your buttons, and you’ll learn how to smooth out the edges, add the necessary holes, and finish the surface so it will have a beautiful shine.

Demonstrations will cover several designs about one inch across. Participants following that lead should be able to complete at least three sterling silver buttons in the class. (Adjust the count up or down a bit if you prefer a different size.) For those who work fast and have enough interest in making more, additional packets of the silver material will be available for you to purchase to make extras.

If you need your buttons to be a specific size, please bring those measurements. Better yet, if you can, bring any pieces on which you want to use your buttons, and we'll cover ways to measure that to be sure you'll get what you want!

And there’s no need to limit yourself to buttons! With just minor adjustments in the size and placement of the holes in your pieces, you can end up with bracelet charms, pendants, or earrings. The instructor’s sample buttons will be available for purchase at the end of the session. Class participants will have first choice, then they’ll be offered to others attending the Indie Knit & Spin event.

During Indie Knit & Spin
Convergent Series Studio
Wilkins School Community Center
7604 Charleston Street
Swissvale, PA 15218

Session #1
Four Thursday Afternoons
Feb 23, Mar 2, 9, 16
1 to 4 pm
Registration closed on Feb 16.

OR

Session #2
Two Thursday Evenings
Feb 23, Mar 2, 9, 16
6 to 9 pm

Registration for remaining
seats extended to Feb 21!

Register at:
North Hills Art Center


$165 NHAC Members
$185 Non-Members
(includes materials)

  Introduction to Precious Metal Clay

In this intensive class, you will learn how to work with both fine silver and sterling silver metal clays.

You will be guided through the creation of at least three pieces of silver art jewelry, pendants and/or earrings, which can easily be made fully reversible. You will explore textured, draped, embellished, hollow and woven designs.

Your pieces will be kiln-fired between sessions and you'll learn a set of finishing techniques to further enhance your creations.

North Hills Art Center
73432 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-364-3622
northhillsartcenter.org
Sunday, Febrary 12
12 Noon to 3:30 pm

Registration closed on
February 8

$65
(includes materials)

To register, send email to the address at the bottom of this page.

  Especially for Valentines!

Silver hearts are fun and easy to make as pendants or earrings! Come and learn about using silver metal clay to make one as a gift for someone dear to your heart; or come with a partner and make them for each other; or ask your sweetheart to buy you this class as a gift — there are lots of options, even if you’re a complete beginner!

(A few days before Valentine's Day, I encourage you to think of love and hearts, but I won't lock you into making hearts! We'll have small pastry cutters in a whole range of shapes and sizes, hearts and otherwise, plus crafting scissors and more, so lots of other shapes are possible too!)

The class fee covers both the tuition and enough silver to make one pendant (approximately 1 inch long) or one pair of earrings. Extra material will be available for purchase if you'd like to work bigger or make several pieces. Chains and ear-wires will also be available for purchase.

Your pieces will be kiln-fired for you after class, a little bit of magic that will turn your clay-like creation into actual silver! If you're making a special gift to give on the 14th, know that your piece(s) will be available for you to pick up by Monday evening if you want. We will discuss other options during this class.

Convergent Series Studio

Wilkins School Community Center
7604 Charleston Street
Swissvale, PA 15218

Session #1
Two Monday Afternoons
January 30 & February 6
1 to 4 pm
Registration closed on Jan 23.

OR

Session #2
Two Thursday Evenings
March 23 & 30
6 to 9 pm
Registration closes March 16.

$70 NHAC Members
$90 Non-Members
(includes materials)

Register at:
North Hills Art Center

  Beautiful Bronze — Wearable Art!

Spend two sessions creating one or more beautiful, reversible bronze pieces of art jewelry. You will have the option of adding a cubic zirconia to one side.

  • Day 1: Learn to work with metal clay.
  • Between classes, your creations will be kiln fired.
  • Day 2: You’ll be introduced to several different metalsmithing techniques to finish your pieces.
    Depending on the techniques you choose to use for finishing you may purchase extra clay and spend part of the second session creating a few more pieces. (These will be fired for you after class, and returned to NHAC.)
North Hills Art Center
73432 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-364-3622
northhillsartcenter.org

A few hints about other events
that I hope will be coming soon.


I offer other "pop-up" sessions at my studio too, including (but are not limited to):
  • Make a Ring! (two different versions, to cover two different styles)
  • Incorporate some Glass! (a two-session workshop)
  • Several other variations on designs and decorations for Hollow Domed Beads (always a favorite!)
  • Let me know what others you'd like to attend!
Convergent Series Studio
Wilkins School Community Center
7604 Charleston Street
Swissvale, PA 15218

I willl admit that I find it a challenge to keep up with all the various online sites where I could / should post class information these days. But if you want to see if there are any other workshops or classes that pique your interest, feel free to see if any of these got updated before this site:

Other Locations

I am happy to offer workshops at other locations:

  • If you know of another suitable site, please let them know about me!
  • If you manage such a site, please let me know!

Further Options

Additional Workshops in My Studio

Garden Web Pendant with Jade

Pick YOUR Date!

Often when I schedule workshops, people say, "I'd like to take that one, but can't make it on that date..."

So here's another option: you pick the date!

  • Because the schedule at my studio can be fairly flexible, let me know if there's something you'd like to learn!
  • I'm always happy to schedule a private lesson (just you) or semi-private session (you and a friend or two).
  • Once I have several people interested in a particular project or technique, we can sort out a date and time that will work for all!
  • Or, we can talk about options for meeting at one of my other occasional sites, or even at one that you can arrange.
Convergent Series Studio
Wilkins School Community Center
7604 Charleston Street
Swissvale, PA 15218

Garden Web Pendant, Mosaic side with Citrine

I hold additional events at other sites...

Have Metals — Will Travel!

I also offer private lessons and home parties at your site
where you can learn about metal clays ...
or just relax and shop from my many creations!

If you can't wait for a regular class or sales event, do get in touch and let's see what can be worked out.

And please remember my blog! Its intended audience includes students of mine and fellow-creators who use powder metallurgy / metal clay techniques. Whether you read the content in detail, or just browse the sample photos I try to include with most items, do feel free to leave comments there, especially where I present something you'd like to learn! (I also list upcoming events in the right sidebar, often sooner than I get them up here.)

Also, of course, if you know of another venue (e.g., gallery or shop) that might be interested in carrying my work or hosting any of my workshops, do let me know. Thanks!

And host still other activities at my studio!



The best way to make initial contact with me is via email:
convergentseries [AT] gmail [DOT] com


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This page was last updated on 21 September 2017.