Jewelry and Metals
The jewelry-making classes taught in our Metals Department include the traditional focus on technique and materials, as well as contemporary considerations of concept, design, and experimentation.
Materials List
Classes not listed here will either have required materials in the class description, discuss needed materials during the first class, or the materials will be supplied.
Class details (meeting times, tuition, etc.) are listed below.
Metals Supplies Notes
Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment. Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted. Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for specific supply list.
Metals Open Studio
Limited open studio time for students to practice will be determined at the beginning of each term; dates and times will be discussed in class and posted. Students should be respectful to monitors and observe all studio policies and practices. Open studio is intended for students to practice techniques and projects covered in class; production purposes or outside work is not allowed.
Registration Information
Classes are open-enrollment to the community. Class registration is a simple process. Read 'How to Register' below to get started. Click here to view all registration policies and guidelines, including information on payments, class withdraws and cancellations, refunds, and more.
- Click the 'Register Now' button below to begin the registration process.
- Click onto 'Sign In' at the top right side of the page.
- To sign in, enter your user name and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one quickly by specifying a user name, password, and email address.
- Navigate to your desired course. Click the 'Add to Cart' button associated with the course.
- After completing the registration process and remitting payment, you will receive an email containing your registration confirmation.
Registration - Friends
Registration is closed. To become a Friend, view benefit levels or sign-up to receive notification.
Opens August 6
9:00am
Registration - Community
Registration is closed. Fill out the sign-up form to recieve notification when registration opens.
Opens August 13
9:00am
Jewelry & Metals Classes - Fall 2024
Course Description
What does it take to make a ring? Construction of handmade rings will be the focus of this two-day course in metal. Students will be introduced to the basic techniques of working with non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, and silver), basic hand tools, forging, forming, silver-soldering using a torch, surface embellishment, and finishing techniques. In two days, students should expect to walk away with at least two finished projects. NOTE: Bilingual instruction is available. Includes a materials kit for projects covered in class; see *METALS NOTE. Please bring a bag lunch.
Course Description
Learn the fundamental techniques and tools used to create unique jewelry and small metal sculptures as you work through a series of projects focused not only on technique, but also on encouraging individual expression. Techniques covered will include sawing, basic forming, surface textures, silver-soldering, riveting, ring-making, and surface finishes. NOTE: Bilingual instruction is available. Tool kits and some supplies included; see *METALS NOTE and website for a materials list and links to sources.
Course Description
For millennia, charms have been made and collected for all sorts of personal reasons—to keep us safe, to remember special moments, as sweet little gifts to cherish, marking milestones or sharing joy in our lives. Create your link bracelet as you hone your soldering and fabrication skills creating chains and clasps. Then create charms that are either fabricated, formed, or cast (wax or sand) to truly personalize your charm bracelet. Students can work in bronze or silver. Materials will be discussed at the first class. See *METALS NOTE.
Course Description
Delight in the bright colors achieved by fusing transparent and opaque enamels to copper. Discover how to create textures and unique shapes to capture the reflections of light. Students will be introduced to and experiment with a variety of techniques and should expect to complete several jewelry items and decorative accessories. This class will cover a variety of methods for fusing colorful enamel (glass) to copper using a kiln. After learning a few simple techniques, you will be free to explore your favorite. Previous metal working experience suggested. Materials will be discussed at the first class. See *METALS NOTE.
Course Description
In this follow up course to Metal Skills.1, students will hone their sawing, soldering, forming, and surface finishing skills and apply those basic metalsmithing techniques to create more complex projects. Students will be encouraged to design and fabricate independent projects and can anticipate completing at least two projects. Demonstrations will cover various techinques. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE.
Course Description
Explore various ways to connect beads—from stringing, knotting, and using wire connections to make necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Different ways to finish the ends and use of different types of clasps and closures will also be covered. Along the way learn about the materials, and the tools and their purpose. Create your own unique designs from purchased or repurposed beads, have fun, and end up with several new pieces of jewelry. Includes some supplies; please see website for materials list.
Course Description
For the advanced student wishing to pursue a new or continued topic of metalworking and/or jewelry-making or to create a small body of work. Although projects are self-directed, the instructor will work with each student to assist with design, aesthetic, and/or technical decisions. Prerequisite: Students must contact Jill Sortore at jillian. sortore@utsa.edu for prior approval before registering and should have successfully completed of at least three metals courses or equivalent intermediate metals experience. See *METALS NOTES.
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