Silversmithing 1: Three Day with Marilyn Hanson
Level: Beginner. No experience necessary
Class 1: Friday through Sunday
Date: May 3, 4 & 5, 2019
Registration Deadline: March 23, 2019
Class 2: Friday through Sunday
Date: May 10, 11 & 12, 2019
Registration Deadline: March 30, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Milan Village Arts School
This year we are offering two 3-day beginner classes in May. In this class, you will learn all the basics, including how to solder and how to use most of the tools (including power tools). Over the 3 days, you will make a ring, bracelet, and/or pendant while developing all the skills necessary to take your silversmithing to the next level. On the third day, you will continue to develop your skills by making another piece of jewelry of your
choice. Marilyn will have completed pieces as examples for you to look at.
Silver Studio is available to those completing Silversmithing 1.
Tuition: member $180 non-member $195
Supplies: Sterling silver kits will be provided for this class. No outside silver please. Cost ($70-$90) is dependent on the current market price of silver and the number of pieces completed. Stones for the pendant are available for purchase. Students are welcome to bring their own stones. Stones must be flat on the bottom side.
Silver supply is limited. A supplementary $5 Acetylene Fee will be added to the Silver Fee. Both the Acetylene and Silver Fees are paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
Click here to register.
Read Marilyn Hanson’s bio.
Silversmithing 1: Two Day with Marilyn Hanson
Level: Beginner. No experience necessary
Date: Saturday & Sunday, September 7 & 8, 2019
Registration Deadline: July 27, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Milan Village Arts School
In the 2-day class, students will learn the same basic skills as taught in the 3-day class, including how to solder and how to use most of the tools (including power tools). Over the two days, you will make a ring, bracelet, and/or pendant while helping you develop all the skills necessary to take silversmithing to the next level. Marilyn will have completed pieces as examples for you to look at.
Silver Studio is available to those completing Silversmithing 1.
Tuition: member $130 non-member $145
Supplies: Sterling silver kits will be provided for this class. No outside silver please. Cost ($70-$90) is dependent on the current market price of silver and the number of pieces completed. Stones for the pendant are available for purchase. Students are welcome to bring their own stones. Stones must be flat on the bottom side.
Silver supply is limited. A supplementary $5 Acetylene Fee will be added to the Silver Fee. Both the Acetylene and Silver Fees are paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
Click here to register.
Read Marilyn Hanson’s bio.
Silversmithing 2: Three Day with Marilyn Hanson
Pre-requisite: Silversmithing 1 or similar silversmithing experience
Date: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 17, 18 & 19, 2019
Registration Deadline: April 6, 2019
Location: Milan Village Arts School
The 3-day class is designed for both intermediate and advanced silver students. The class suits the intermediate student who wants a refresher on beginning silversmithing and then go on to try some new techniques or work on a more intricate design. The class also suits the advanced student with more experience who wishes to work independently on their own designs. Whether intermediate or advanced, creativity is encouraged in this class. We will make a bracelet or two as a class for a refresher and then I will set you up to work independently on a design of your choice.
Silver supply is limited. Contact Marilyn a minimum of 2 weeks ahead of time if you have a special project so that she is sure to order the silver needed. You may choose to do another bezel setting, bracelets, pendants or earrings. We will concentrate on improving your soldering techniques and use of power tools as you create more challenging pieces. Other tools not used in a beginner class but available to try are dappers, form cutters and ring stretchers. There will be a project to use these tools. Come with some ideas or pictures. Marilyn brings completed pieces for you to look at. Stones for bezel setting are available but you may bring your own. No outside silver unless it has previously been purchased at MVAS or you have receipts proving the sterling quality.
Tuition: member $180 non-member $195
Supplies: Cost of supplies ($70-$100) is dependent on the current market price of silver and the number of pieces completed. A supplementary $5 Acetylene Fee will be added to the Silver Fee. Both the Acetylene and Silver Fees are paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
Click here to register.
Read Marilyn Hanson’s bio.
Silversmithing 2: Two Day with Marilyn Hanson
Pre-requisite: Silversmithing 1 or similar silversmithing experience
Date: Saturday & Sunday, September 14 & 15, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: August 3, 2019
Location: Milan Village Arts School
The 2-day class is designed for both intermediate and advanced silver students. The class suits the intermediate student who wants a refresher on beginning silversmithing and then go on to try some new techniques or work on a more intricate design. The class also suits the advanced student with more experience who wishes to work independently on their own designs. Whether intermediate or advanced, creativity is encouraged in this class. We will make a bracelet or two as a class for a refresher and then I will set you up to work independently on a design of your choice.
Silver supply is limited. Contact Marilyn a minimum of 2 weeks ahead of time if you have a special project so that she is sure to order the silver needed. You may choose to do another bezel setting, bracelets, pendants or earrings. We will concentrate on improving your soldering techniques and use of power tools as you create more challenging pieces. Other tools not used in a beginner class but available to try are dappers, form cutters and ring stretchers. There will be a project to use these tools. Come with some ideas or pictures. Marilyn brings completed pieces for you to look at. Stones for bezel setting are available but you may bring your own. No outside silver unless it has previously been purchased at MVAS or you have receipts proving the sterling quality.
Tuition: member $130 non-member $145
Supplies: Cost of supplies ($70-$100) is dependent on the current market price of silver and the number of pieces completed. A supplementary $5 Acetylene Fee will be added to the Silver Fee. Both the Acetylene and Silver Fees are paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
Click here to register.
Read Marilyn Hanson’s bio.
Precious Metal Clay (PMC): Fine Silver Clay with Kim Bakken-Parr, PMC Certified
Age/Level: Adults, Teens, Beginners and Beyond
Date: Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: December 22, 2018
Location: Milan Village Arts School
Learn the basics of working with Precious Metal Clay and how easy it is to design and create beautiful silver earrings, pendants, charms and even how to set stones. The final product is 99.9% pure silver. After rolling and texturing the clay it is cut into a variety of shapes. Drying, filing and firing in a kiln are next. No sawing, hammering or soldering are involved in this class. A patina can be applied after the pieces are polished. If you can work with “Play-Doh” this is the class for you.
All tools are provided. Just bring a bag lunch and ideas for your original creations. Students will leave with their finished pieces at the end of the day.
Tuition:* member $90 non-member $105
Supplies: Supply Fee: $55. The supply fee is paid to the
instructor at the conclusion of class. Additional
materials can be purchased in the class
* Students who take both the Precious Metal Clay and Nature’s Beauty in Silver classes will get a $20 discount. Member: $160 Non-member: $175
Click here to register.
Read Kim Bakken-Parr’s bio.
Nature’s Beauty in Silver with Kim Bakken-Parr, PMC Certified
Level: Adults & Teens, Beginners and Beyond
Date: Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: December 22, 2018
Location: Milan Village Arts school
Starting with samples from nature (leaves, twigs, seed pods, etc.) and a jar of fine silver paste that is 99.9% pure silver, students will never look at nature in the same way. After painting several coats of silver on the piece from nature, it is dried after each coat. Then silver clay is used to create a bail to attach the piece to a necklace. If making earrings, a hole is placed in the piece. The pieces are then kiln fired and polished. A patina can be applied if desired. The result is a beautiful one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. All tools are provided. Students may purchase additional silver if they wish to create additional pieces. No previous experience necessary. The instructor will provide the materials, but if you have a favorite leaf (with good veining on the back) bring it to class. All leaves should be fresh, not dried.
Tuition:* member $90 non-member $105
Supplies: Supply Fee: $55. The supply fee is paid to the
instructor at the conclusion of class. Additional
materials can be purchased in the class
* Students who take both the Precious Metal Clay and Nature’s Beauty in Silver classes will get a $20 discount. Member: $160 Non-member: $175
Click here to register.
Read Kim Bakken-Parr’s bio.
Sami-Inspired Bracelets with Norma Refsal
Level: Beginner and above
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: February 2, 2019
Location: Milan Community Center
The indigenous Sami people (in the past, often referred to as Laplanders) can be found in northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. Many own herds of reindeer, and reindeer husbandry can be a significant part of their livelihood.
Sami artisans create beautiful items using reindeer leather embellished with spun pewter thread. The bracelets we will be making are then fastened with buttons made of shed reindeer antler.
We will work in leather, nickel-free pewter thread and antler, constructing a bracelet that can be finished in a one-day course.
The work is very close hand work and if you need extra magnification, you will need to bring your own.
All tools and supplies will be provided for use during the class. Please bring a thimble.
Tuition: member $85 non-member $100
Supplies: $35. The supply fee is paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
Click here to register.
Read Norma Refsal’s bio.
Sami-Inspired Bracelets: Continuation Class with Norma Refsal
Level: Some experience in Sami Bracelet making required.
Date: Sunday, February 17, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: February 2, 2019
Location: Milan Community Center
Join Norma for a day of continuation making Sami-inspired bracelets.
We will use new materials to construct the bracelets, combining the traditional spun pewter with either the “sparkle wire” or the “flattened pewter”. Also available will be the option to combine leather with wool for a multi-colored
bracelet. The use of new materials inspires new designs. Colored wool and leather embellished with 3 pewter thread options awakens the designer in all of us.
This class will give each student the opportunity to personalize the final design of each bracelet made. Students are free to incorporate traditional braids with the new materials, or to construct a fantasy bracelet inspired by the traditional materials.
All materials and tools will be provided by the instructor.
Again, it is close work so be sure to bring along any extra magnification and lighting that you are accustomed to, as well as your leather thimble.
Tuition: member $85 non-member $100
Supplies: $50. The supply fee is paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
Click here to register.
Read Norma Refsal’s bio.
Sami-Inspired Embroidery with Norma Refsal
Age/Level: Beginner & above
Date: Saturday & Sunday, September 28 & 29, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: September 14, 2019
Location: Milan Community Center
Join Norma for a 2-day class learning the basics of Sami-inspired embroidery. During this class you will learn the embroidery technique, applying pewter thread to either a wool or leather background. First, you will make a small pendant or brooch and from there, you will learn to apply those techniques making an embroidered bracelet to fit your wrist.
It is a different technique from the traditional braided bracelets, so no prior experience is necessary. All levels are invited to join in and discover yet another Sami-inspired technique for making a lovely piece of wearable jewelry.
It is very close work so be sure to bring any extra magnification that you may need. Also, be sure to bring along your favorite leather thimble.
Tuition: member $140 non-member $155
Supplies: $55. The supply fee is paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class. Additional materials can be purchased in the class
Click here to register.
Read Norma Refsal’s bio.
Sami Bracelets with Sue Roisen (St. Paul Class)
Level: Beginner and above
Date: Saturday, March 2, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: February 16, 2019
Location: Schaffer Fine Art Services, Inc.
315 Morton Street West
Saint Paul, MN 55107
These are traditional Sami style bracelets using pewter tin thread hand sewn onto reindeer leather. The clasp is a reindeer horn button. Some close hand work is involved. Please bring additional light/magnification.
Tuition: member $65 non-member $80
Supplies: All tools and supplies will be provided. A Supply Fee of $25 is payable to the instructor at the conclusion of the class.
Click here to register.
Read Sue Roisen’s bio.
Silver Studio
The Silver Studio is designed to give silversmiths and jewelers the opportunity to access the school’s growing inventory of specialized silversmithing equipment to further develop and improve their silversmithing skills. Meeting on a regular basis, the school provides a welcoming and professional environment for experienced and inspiring artists to network, learn, and create.
For further information or to be added to the Silver Studio email list, please contact the school.
Requirements: Beginner Silversmithing experience and MVAS Membership.
Studio fee: $10 for the evening studio, $20 for an all-day studio.
Students are responsible for their own silver and stones. All other materials, including acetylene, burnishing compound, flux, and pickle are complimentary.
Silver Studio Dates
Wednesdays, 6-10 p.m.
2018
October 17
November 21
December 12
2019
January 16
February 20
March 20
April 17
May 15
June 26
July 17
August 21
September 18
And on select Saturdays throughout the year. Dates to be announced.
All Silversmithing Classes:
Due to the high demand for the Silversmithing classes and the limited spaces available, students are required to pay on registration. Students may drop out of the class prior to the Registration Deadline and receive a refund minus the cancellation fee. Please note that the Registration Deadline for Silversmithing classes is 6 weeks prior to the class. The instructor requires this extra time to order silver.
Silversmithing requires each student has their own work station. Each class can hold a maximum of 6 students.
If the class is full, please contact the school to be put on a Waiting List. Spaces often open up late.