Student Level: All
Type of Workshop: Project/Process
Prerequisite: None

Dare to be unique...embrace the back of your ear! Fit for the modern bohemian, the ear cuff is the perfect adornment. In this class, you can create a simple cuff or something more elaborate, classically styled or southwest inspired; the options are endless. You'll learn how to cut, shape and form a beautiful ear cuff. Bring your metal stamps and we'll also stamp a design into our cuffs, then we'll do some silver soldering and set a sweet little stone into a sterling bezel. If you've never used it before, this class is a great introduction into using solder paste. I'll show you multiple options for adding embellishments and dangles; twisted wire, coiled wire, paddles and a gorgeous, wire wrapped gem stick are all options we'll explore. If you're not into cuffs...perfect!...the gem stick can easily be converted into earrings, I'll show you how, as well as how to make perfect ear wires. You'll never need to buy another pre-made ear wire, again! Techniques covered are: cutting, filing, shaping, metal stamping, silver soldering, stone setting, annealing and hardening metal, texturing metal, coiling and twisting wire, wire wrapping, making perfect ear wires, and more.

Please pre-order your wire and metal at least several weeks before class. I recommend Thunderbird Jewelry Supply, online. Also, patina your wire before coming to class.

Kit/Materials Fee (payable to instructor at class time):

• $25 includes materials and use of tools:
• One sterling bezel
• 1 stone (a limited number of extra bezels and stones will be available for purchase in class)
• Texture hammers and tools
• Metal shears
• 0000 steel wool
• Bailing pliers
• Wrap n Tap pliers
• Hammers
• Hand drills
• Vices
• Burnishers
• Torches
• torch set-ups: trays, pliers, tweezers, picks, solder boards
• Fuel
• Paste solder
• Gloves
• Pickle
• Patina
• Baking soda
• Expendables
• Safety glasses

Student should bring:

• 24 gauge sterling silver sheet metal, approx. 1 1/2 by 1 inch per ear cuff
• 16 (or 14) gauge, dead soft sterling wire, approx. 1 inch per cuff
• 18 gauge, dead soft sterling wire, approx. 10 inches per pair of earrings
• 18 gauge, dead soft sterling wire, approx. 5 inches per cuff
• 20 gauge, dead soft sterling wire; approx. 10 inches per pair of earrings
• 20 gauge, dead soft sterling wire; approx. 6 inches per cuff
• 22 gauge, dead soft sterling wire; approx. 3 inches per cuff
• 26 gauge, dead soft sterling wire; at least 3 feet per gem stick (2 sticks for earrings, 1 stick for a cuff)
• Beads: please bring an assortment of 3-6mm center drilled rondelle beads, 6-10mm top drilled briolette beads and 3-6mm round beads for gem sticks (see photos). Also bring beads with holes to fit 22 gauge wire for dangles.
• Chain nose jewelry pliers
• Round nose pliers
• Flush cutters for wire (craft store type)
• Rounded face jewelry hammer
• Small (12 oz) rubber dead blow hammer or rawhide mallet
• Steel bench block
• Bench pillow (or hand towel) for use under bench block
• Metal file, fine (#0 and/or #2)
• Awl
• Metal shears
• Foam sanding block, fine grit
• 0000 steel wool and/or manicure block or stick
• Fine point Sharpie
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Battery powered work light (required)

Optional:

• Extra bezels and stones
• Stone burnisher
• Extra wire and beads
• Sharp texturing hammer
• Bailing pliers or small size wrap n tap pliers
• Ear plugs