A new jewelry school in the Asheville NC area

The Mountain Metalsmiths School of Jewelry &Lapidary, founded by
jeweler, Ruthie Cohen, opening in Arden, NC

April 10, 2007 from 1-4pm & 7 to 10pm

197 Locust Court, Arden, NC

The Mountain Metalsmiths School of Jewelry and Lapidary, founded by
Ruthie Cohen, jeweler and member of the Southern Highland Craft
Guild, is opening for the first 8 week class session on April 10,
2007, with day classes from 1 to 4pm and evening classes from 7 to
10pm. The school is located at 197 Locust Court, Arden, NC and is
geared to teach those who wish to develop jewelry and lapidary
skills in a non-competitive, supportive environment. The classes are
intentionally kept small; no more than 6 to 8 students, so that
everyone will have the same opportunity to learn. Classes will
consist of 8 week sessions held one day a week on Tuesdays with
either an afternoon or evening enrollment. Two or three day weekend
workshops will be available for a more intensive learning
experience. Other specialty weekends will be featured with guest
instructors. One-on-one sessions are also available by appointment
only. Classes are designed for both the raw beginner and the
experienced jeweler. The beginner will be exposed to various
techniques such as sawing, soldering, forging, polishing, and simple
stone setting. The more experienced jeweler can explore surface
techniques with a rolling mill, reticulation and more complex stone
setting, wax carving and casting.

Ruthie Cohen, originally an award-winning fiber artist, was
challenged to work in metal after 10 years of creating wall
hangings, window treatments, and even furniture. Her first jewelry
designs were bracelets created in silver with macrame knots. Jewelry
education came hard-earned. Ruthie was raising a family during the
day, and taught herself jewelry skills at night. Funds for formal
training were non-existent. A few fellow jewelers eventually gave
her some helpful hints after she achieved a level of expertise.
Ruthie spent the next 24 years exhibiting her jewelry designs at
juried craft fairs all over the East Coast. She also sold her work
in many prestigious galleries. After 34 years of traveling the show
circuit, she has decided to “pay it forward” and teach others to
make jewelry in a warm but informative atmosphere. Quote Ruthie, “I
won’t quiz you, but I will make you work.”

For further visit the school website: www.mmsjl.com

Contact Ruthie Cohen at

MMSJ&L
Phone: 828-687-7830

PO Box 1884
Arden, NC 28704-1884