Hand Workshop Art Center
1812 West Main Street
Richmond, VA 23220
804-353-0094
Classes
Clay
Decorative Arts
Drawing, Painting
and
Printmaking
Fiber
Glass
Metal & Jewelry
Photography
Wood
Writing
Youth Classes
Quick Links
HWAC Home
Classes
Registration
Form
Registration
Guidelines
Rules
& policies
Instru
ctors
Contact
t or Visit Us
Metal and Jewelry Classes
- Metal Casting
- Flexible Molds for Casting
- Metal Jewelry I
- Metal Jewelry II
- Metalsmithing
- Wire Working
- Creative Metalsmithing
- Introduction to Welding
- Basic Bead Weaving
- Bead Weaving Master Circle
- Precious Metal Clay Workshop
- Loopy Loom Bracelet
- Working with Delicas
Metal Casting
Beginning
This course covers the fundamentals of metal casting using the lost-wax technique. Working from their own designs, students use wax to create jewelry models to cast in metal. The course includes the following techniques, model preparation, investing, burning out, and the actual casting process. Tuition includes some materials; the purchase of additional metal is required.
- Daniel Eaves
Tuition: $190 (members $175)
10 Thursdays, January 20 – March 24
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Flexible Molds for Casting
Intermediate
This class is an introduction in making flexible rubber molds to create wax-injected copies of your designs that can then be cast. Great for making links for bracelets and chains. Prior experience with jewelry fabrication or casting encouraged. Enrollment limited to 6 students.
- Daniel Eaves
Tuition: $190 (members $175)
8 Thursdays, April 7 – May 26
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Metal Jewelry I
All levels
In learning to forge their own metal jewelry, students solder metal to metal using an acetylene torch, study the characteristics of various metals, and explore metal decorating techniques, from surface texturing to coloring. In addition, the course covers acid etching, riveting, and basic stone setting. Includes some materials, students will purchase some metal and tools. Open to all levels of experience.
- Section A – Don Dransfield
Tuition: $180 (members $165)
8 Tuesdays, March 22 – May 10
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. - Section B – Susan Adams
Tuition: $180 (members $165)
8 Wednesdays, February 9 – March 30
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Metal Jewelry II
Intermediate/Advanced
This class is intended for students who have already taken two or more metal jewelry classes. In this course, you will work on independent projects with supervision and guidance from the instructor. Development and/or expansion of individual design work will be emphasized. Various metalworking techniques will be demonstrated, as required. Students will need to purchase their own materials and some tools.
- Section A – Don Dransfield
Tuition: $170 (members $155)
8 Tuesdays, January 18 – March 8 no class February 1
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. - Section B – Susan Adams
Tuition: $170 (members $155)
8 Wednesdays, April 13 – May 18
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Metalsmithing
Intermediate/Advanced
The art of transforming flat sheets of metal into three-dimensional shapes is the subject of this popular class. Sinking, raising, cold forging, and hollow forming are among the techniques to be covered. Possible projects include simple bowls, boxes, and spoons. Previous metal-fabrication experience recommended. Brass and copper will be provided; however, students may purchase precious metals, if desired. Students will need to purchase their own materials and some tools.
- Susan Adams
Tuition: $130 (members $115)
6 Wednesdays, February 9 – March 30
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Wire Working
Intermediate/Advanced
Get wired…not with caffeine, but by taking this fun course, where you learn wirework techniques to create three-dimensional objects such as picture frames and baskets. Most materials provided.
- Susan Adams
Tuition: $130 (members $115)
6 Wednesdays, April 13 – May 18
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Creative Metalsmithing
All Levels
This class covers the basics of metal jewelry, while encouraging students to create their own personal style through incorporating beads and gemstones into their designs. Students learn raising, sinking, forging, stretching, fabricating metal, stone setting and a variety of other techniques. In addition, students use tools such as files, hammers and patinas to help create their own unique look. Students will need to purchase their own materials. Open to all levels of experience.
Tuition: $165 (members $150)
- Section A – Jay Sharpe
8 Fridays, January 28 – March 18
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. - Section B – Jay Sharpe
8 Fridays, April 1 – May 27
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Introduction to Welding
All levels
This course is designed for those with little or no experience in steel and/or metalworking. Students learn basic arc welding and oxygen-acetylene cutting techniques. The course will emphasize welding for strength, durability, and beauty. The course covers safety issues and exposes students to all aspects of using and maintaining equipment. Students have the opportunity to design and fabricate a steel piece of their own. With new teaching space, students have the ability to create large-scale pieces. Materials list to be mailed.
- Section A – Karen Kincaid
Tuition: $165 (members $150)
8 Thursdays, January 27 – March 17
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Section B – Karen Kincaid
Tuition: $165 (members $150)
8 Thursdays, January 27 – March 17
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. - Section C – Karen Kincaid
Tuition: $165 (members $150)
8 Thursdays, March 31 – May 26
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Section D – Karen Kincaid
Tuition: $165 (members $150)
8 Thursdays, March 31 – May 26
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Basic Bead Weaving
Beginning
Learn various methods of Off-Loom Bead Weaving using Seed Beads and Delicas, for both flat and 3-dimensional works. These can become the foundation methods to use for simple jewelry on up to your own bead sculptures. You will learn the basics- Flat Peyote, Tubular Peyote, Single Needle Right Angle Weave along with different forms of basic embellishments to highlight your Bead artwork. The instructor will collect a $60.00 materials and tool fee the first night of class.
- Tuition: $125 (members $110)
Ingrid Bernhardt
6 Mondays, February 7 – March 14
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Bead Weaving Master Circle
Intermediate
Continue learning and master various methods of Off-Loom Bead Weaving using Seed Beads and Delicas, for both flat and 3-dimensional works. Students will have the opportunity to explore and create more intricate designs for jewelry and three dimensional functional items. The instructor will collect a $60.00 materials and tool fee the first night of class.
- Tuition: $125 (members $110)
Ingrid Bernhardt
6 Mondays, April 4 – May 9
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Precious Metal Clay Workshop
Beginning
Turn clay into precious metal? Must be magic! No, it’s precious metal clay, most commonly referred to as PMC. PMC is a clay-like substance that becomes pure precious metal after firing. Microscopic particles of fine silver are suspended in a combination of water and organic binders. The clay is molded into a desired form, dried, and then fired; the firing process removes the binders and moisture, while fusing the metal particles into .999 pure silver. Upon completion of the finishing process, the result is a durable, wearable work of art! A materials fee of $65 is due to the instructor the first day of class. For this fee, students will receive 1 oz of PMC and a tool kit.
Tuition: $100 (members $85)
- Section A – Melanie Bentley Shockley
Saturday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 6, 1:00-3:00 p.m. - Section B – Melanie Bentley Shockley
Saturday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Loopy Loom Bracelet
Beginning
This elegantly eclectic bracelet is created on a bead loom but moves beyond the flat surface of the warp threads. Utilize all your odds and ends beads and cool charms on this unique piece while learning the basics of loom work. A materials list will be mailed. Some supplies will be available for purchase from the instructor.
Tami Bowman
Tuition: $100 (members $85)
- Saturday, April 30
10:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m. - Sunday, May 1
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Working with Delicas
All Levels
Delicas are tiny cylindrical beads that are almost perfectly uniform in shape and size. They have thin walls and large center holes making it possible to pass a needle through easily. These little beauties come in a huge variety of colors and finishes and are inspiring. This class will introduces the strong and versatile square stitch. You will develop a bracelet project using interesting and creating new patterns. Learn the basic Peyote stitch in a simple but beautiful bead creation, and further utilize this stitch in an amulet bag project. Finishing techniques will also be explored by attaching findings, basic stringing and adding fringe. Some basic materials supplied, more are available for purchase. Bringing your own materials will be discussed and welcomed.
- Tami Bowman
Tuition: $100 ($85 members)
$25 materials fee due to instructor during the first class.
4 Saturdays, January 29 – February 19
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.