Silversmithing: Beginning with Marilyn Hanson
Level: Beginner
Class 1: Friday – Sunday (3 Day Class)
Date: May 5, 6 & 7, 2017
Registration Deadline: April 8, 2017
Class 2: Saturday & Sunday (2 Day Class)
Date: September 9 & 10, 2017
Registration Deadline: August 12, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Milan Village Arts School
This year we are offering a 3 day beginner class in May and a 2 day beginner class in September. In both classes, you will learn all the basics. You will learn 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 pendant while helping you develop all the skills to take silversmithing to the next level. In May, the third day you will continue to develop your skills by making another piece of jewelry of your choice. Marilyn will have completed pieces for you to look at.
Silver Studio is available to those completing Beginning Silversmithing.
Tuition (Class 1):* member $180 non-member $195
Tuition (Class 2):* 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. The Supply Fee is paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
Click here to register.
Read Marilyn Hanson’s bio.
Silversmithing: Intermediate with Marilyn Hanson
Pre-requisite: Beginning Silversmithing
Class 1: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Date: May 12, 13 & 14, 2017
Registration Deadline: April 8, 2017
Class 2: Saturday & Sunday
Date: September 16 & 17, 2017
Registration Deadline: August 12, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Milan Village Arts School
This year we are offering a 3-day intermediate class in May and a 2-day intermediate class in September. It is meant for the student who wants a refresher on beginning silversmithing and then try some new techniques or do a more intricate design. 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 (Class 1 ):* member $180 non-member $195
Tuition (Class 2):* 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. The Supply Fee is paid to the instructor at the conclusion of the class.
Click here to register.
Read Marilyn Hanson’s bio.
Silversmithing: Advanced with Marilyn Hanson
Pre-requisite: Intermediate Silversmithing
Dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
May 19, 20 & 21, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 8, 2017
Location: Milan Village Arts School
This 3-day class will begin with a design of your choice to make a pendant or bracelet using a jeweler’s saw. You will be challenged to perfect your soldering techniques so that your joins are invisible. Filing by hand and finish work using the Fordham power tool will be additional skills used. This project should take 1-2 days depending on the complexity of your design. When you have completed your cutwork piece, you will have time for independent design work. You may also experiment with reticulation. Silver is limited. You must contact Marilyn 2 weeks ahead of time to order the extra silver that you may need for your design. She does have stones for sale, but you may choose to bring a stone of your choice for mounting. You may order your own silver for your needs or perhaps you have some silver left from a previous project. Outside silver is allowed if it has been previously purchased from MVAS or you have receipts verifying that the metal is sterling.
Tuition: member $180 non-member $195
Supplies: Estimated cost of supplies is ($70-$100) is dependent on the current market price of silver and the number of pieces completed. The supply fee is paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
Click here to register.
Read Tom Johnson’s bio.
Captured Ball Silver Braclet with Kathy Nardi
Level: Beginniners & above
Date: Saturday, April 8, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: March 18, 2017
Location: Milan Village Arts School
Using purchased jump rings, this class will be constructing an inverted round mail chain, incorporating captured silver beads. Matching earring supplies may be purchased and assembled if time allows.
Tuition: member $85 non-member $100
Supplies: $40 – $75 depending on the price of silver, length of the bracelet, and the option of the earrings. The supply fee is paid to the instructor at the conclusion of the class.
Click here to register.
Read Kathy Nardi’s bio.
Barrel Byzantine Silver Bracelet with Kathy Nardi
Level: Beginniners & above
Date: Sunday, April 9, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: March 18, 2017
Location: Milan Village Arts School
Using purchased jump rings, this class will focus on constructing byzantine chain sections separated by the barrel of three jump rings. Matching earring supplies may be purchased and assembled if time allows.
Tuition: member $85 non-member $100
Supplies:$40-$75 depending on the price of silver, length of the bracelet, and the option of the earrings. The supply fee is paid to the instructor at the conclusion of the class.
Click here to register.
Read Kathy Nardi’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 7, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: January 1, 2017
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: $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
Age/Level: Adults & Teens, Beginners and Beyond
Date: Sunday, January 8, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: January 1, 2017
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: $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.
Keum Boo: Silver & Gold with Kim Bakken-Parr, PMC Certified
Age/Level: Adults, Teens, Beginners and Beyond
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 8, 2017
Location: Milan Village Arts School
Keum-Boo is known as the ancient Korean art of fusing gold foil to silver. In the class, students will be creating beautiful pieces of fine silver (99.9% pure silver) jewelry using Precious Metal Clay (PMC), and enhancing with 24K gold foil. After the pieces are created, they are kiln fired. Once firing is complete, and before polishing the Keum-Boo, application begins. First, the pieces are heated on an electric burner, and then the gold foil is burnished to the surface using an agate burnisher. Using this process, the gold is fused into the silver, unlike gold plating. This is an affordable way of incorporating gold into your jewelry pieces and works equally well on fine or sterling silver. Additional supplies may be purchased if desired.
Tuition:* member $90 non-member $105
Supplies: $60. 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 Kim Bakken-Parr’s bio.
Sami-Inspired Bracelets with Norma Refsal
Level: Beginner and above
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: January 28, 2017
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: Advanced with Norma Refsal
Level: Some experience in Sami Bracelet making required.
Date: Sunday, February 12, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: January 28, 2017
Location: Milan Community Center
Join me in exploring the traditional Sami-inspired bracelet, with additional embellishments. Knowing the primary technique would be helpful as there will be more sewing to do with this design. They are lovely in their complex, elegant motifs and look wonderful layered on a wrist with the traditional bracelet designs.
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: $40. The supply fee is paid to the instructor at the conclusion of 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 4, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: February 18, 2017
Location: NeDA
481 Wabasha Street South, Saint Paul
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 $60 non-member $75
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
In 2010, with the help of a Legacy funded grant, the Milan Village Arts School set about developing a broad-based Studio Program with the aim of providing the facilities and equipment for the ongoing arts education of the school’s members and students. The Silver Studio is the product of this vision.
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: 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 complementary.
Silver Studio Dates
2016
October 18
November 22
December 13
2017
January 17
February 21
March 21
April 18
May 16
June 20
July 18
August 15
September 19
And on select Saturdays throughout the year. Dates to be announced.