Setting up a new studio

Hello everyone,

I am in the planning stages of setting up a shop behind my home to
work in “silversmithing” and PMC. I would appreciate any suggestions
you might have in what I might need. I know that I will need a kiln,
drill press, something for polishing and grinding, etc., what kind,
where to purchase, and possible cost, would be appreciated.

I have Tim McCreight’s book “The complete Metalsmith” that is chock
full of things I want to try. I want to be able to make my own
findings, beads, everything to make my designs “mine”. Does this
make sense?

I have been making jewelry for over two years now, but I find that I
am not satisfied with putting “other designers” components together
and then saying the design is “mine”. I want to state here that I
always and I mean always state in my descriptions who the designers
were if I am using their components. I strongly believe that this
should be done.

I know that I am talking to much. But, as I stated in the beginning,
I would greatly value your opinions about what I need to set up my
shop.

One more request. Do any of you live in North Carolina? I am looking
to take classes in metalsmithing. I can travel a short distance and
stay in the area for 1 week at a time, if someone is willing to
teach me in their shop for a fee.

I am waiting to hear from you.

Thank you so much!

Pat Everett, President
www.1ofakindjewelrymall.com
www.1ofakindbeadstore.com

Pat,

I have a school here in Asheville. I do private classes as well as
an ongoing program. Let me know how I can help. Please contact me off
list.

I am currently enjoying students from as far away as Atlanta,
Knoxville, Johnson City, and Charlotte. as well as upper SC.

Bill Churlik
@Bill_Churlik
www.earthspeakarts.com

I don’t know where in North Carolina you live, but I took a
silversmithing class at the local community college in Winston-Salem
at Forsyth Tech. It was an evening class where you made a pair of
earring, a ring and a bracelet. They had all the tools and you
learned how to solder, saw, make a bezel, make your earring
findings, etc. After you take the beginning class, you can keep going
just to use their equipment and work on your own creations (for the
same fee as the class). The lady who taught it was very knowledgable
and would help you in anyway she could. Hope that helps. It would
also give you some ideas on what you needed and how to set up your
studio.

Cathy Holleman
Crafty Cathy’s Creations

you might consider taking classes at the william holland school in
Young harris, georgia. It is about 50 miles south of franklin, north
Carolina so it should be fairly close to you. Coat is moderate, $330
per Week in 2006. Cost includes a room with private bath, all meals
from sunday Dinner through breakfast on the following saturday and
inatruction. They Have a web site: www.lapidary.com.

howard siegel
laptique, ltd.

William Holland School of Lapidary Arts has a website at:

Laura

I want to thank everyone for your help in finding a school of
silversmithing. I have had the most people tell me that the William
Holland School of Lapidary Arts is the place to start, and I believe
that I will go there to begin my learning process.

One person suggested the community college, which is also a great
idea. Our community college taught silversmithing for a couple of
years but than stopped. So that venue is not open to me anymore.

I live in Washington NC, about an hour drive from the coast, really
beautiful area, but not much going on by way of the arts.

I will keep you posted about my learning. I am sure that I will have
many questions along the way. Again, thank you for telling be about
the William Holland School.

One more question if you don’t mind. What will I need to set up a
good basic silversmith shop? My shop is 12x14 and I would appreciate
any help in getting it set up.

Thank you again,

Pat Everett, President
www.1ofakindjewelrymall.com
www.1ofakindbeadstore.com

The old classic “Contemporary Jewelry” by Philip Morton

has a nice shop layout plan. I used a variation on
it to design my first tradeshop back in 1972… Excellent starting
point for any silver or goldsmithing endeavor!

Nowadays, what I’ve collected would never fit!

Brian