I am new to the world of jewerly making, I mean brand new! I
have always be very interested in the creative outlet that I
think this art will provide. I would appreciate any suggestions
on where to start, beside having the desire. I am having a hard
time locating anything in my area. Thanks!
Welcome!
If you are truly brand new (we’ve all been there), a good place
to start is with local classes. Sometimes local
colleges/community colleges offer some courses, but being in
Stevensville, I would recommend contacting the Gem Cutters Guild
of Baltimore. The will be offering a variety of classes
beginning the end of January (beginning silversmithing, wax
working, beginning lapidary, working with your flex shaft, intro
to faceting and wire wrapping) and are very reasonably priced.
Their number is 410-467-9838 and if no one is in they have a
message machine and will return your call. You do not need to be
a member to take classes; even if it is in Baltimore, it is well
worth the drive and will give you a good base to start from.
Hello and welcome! I just read the advice given to you about
the Gem Cutters Guild in Baltimore and wanted to let you know
that the Maryland Institute, College of Art–the oldest
accredited art college in the U.S.-- has a jewelry certificate
program available through their Continuing Studies department.
The Jewelry Center Studio is located in the same building as the
Gem Cutters Guild, the Clipper Mill Building in Hampden (north
Baltimore).
A sampling of the courses offered for the Spring '98 semester include:
Intro. to Art Jewelry (taught by Kirsten Rook--a fabulous teacher!!)
Color in Metal (also taught by Kirsten)
The Jewelry Business: Production, Design, Sales & Marketing
Metalsmithing for Jewelers
Intro. to Gemstones
All About Rings (taught by Shana Kroiz, the Director of the Center)
Advanced Wax Working & Casting
Photographing Your Craft or Art Object
Stained Glass
Goldsmithing Skills: Making Things Right Workshop
Wood and Silver Inlay Workshop
Polymer Clay Workshop
The classes change each semester, so you can learn enameling,
beadworking, rendering, stone setting and many other skills.
The prices are reasonable and the studio and staff are great.
They also offer bench time during the semester at a very
reasonable cost if you are taking a class.
You can reach the MICA Continuing Studies Office at
(410)225-2219, or e-mail at cs@mica.edu. The Spring '98
calendar just came out and registration will be through January
23rd.
I have been taking classes there for a little over a year and
it has been a really incredible experience. It may be a bit far
to drive, but I think it will be well worth your time.