San Diego Jewelry Lab offers live, instructor-led interactive online classes covering a wide range of the jewelry/metals field, from beginner topics to advanced specialty techniques such as mokume gane chisel-patterning and keum boo. We also host free, interactive metal arts events featuring tips & tricks, guest artists, metal arts history, live studio tours and more.
Until we can travel again, join us online - all classes include a free side of virtual warm sand and sunshine.
Until we can travel again, join us online - all classes include a free side of virtual warm sand and sunshine.
Free Events
Online Sawing Circle
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When: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 5:30-7pm Pacific.
9/7/21 Shared Project: Make a Box - introduction by Annette. Hosts: Dale & Jan 9/21/21 Shared Project: Box making demo by Annette. Hosts: Annette & Kathe Where: Online via Zoom Cost: FREE Our Sawing Circle is like a book club but instead of reading, we work on cool stuff, help each other with problems, share ideas and provide accountability for ongoing work. If you've been looking for support for moving forward on your projects during quarantine then this is the online gathering for you. Join us from your studio to work in the good conversation and company of like-minded friends. Totally free, no need to RSVP, simply make yourself a snack, settle at your bench and click the button to join in. For more details and upcoming shared projects, see our Sawing Circle page. |
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Upcoming Classes
The Art of Mokume Gane with Anne Wolf
Diane Weimer's Studio in Long Beach, CA
LIVE! In Person! - ONE spot left!
October 22, 23, 24, 2021. 9am-4pm
My first in person mokume gane workshop in 1.5 years - you bet I'm excited! This class will be a smorgasbord of patterning techniques - stamp, twist and some metamorphic. Exact content will be determined by the level of those that sign up. If you have taken online classes with me, I'd love to meet you here in person and help dial in your mokume skills. Or if you are brand new to mokume that is great too. Mokume Gane is an ancient Japanese technique involving fused layers of differently colored metals that form unique organic patterns. This class begins at the patterning stage - we will be using fused mokume gane blanks (copper/brass included in kit fee, other more exotic silver-containing combinations will be available for purchase in class). This allows us to focus on the most artistic part of mokume gane - unique and expressive pattern development. We will be trying a variety of techniques, from stamping to direct hammering among others. The special considerations for fabricating and finishing mokume gane work will be covered, including soldering and patination. Students can choose to focus on creating multiple patterned samples for inclusion in later work, or create one or more simple finished jewelry pieces. This class is available to all levels, however some experience soldering and working with silver will be helpful. Even advanced jewelers/metalsmiths will benefit from learning these secrets of mokume gane patterning. Learn more on Diane Weimer's site.
Diane Weimer's Studio in Long Beach, CA
LIVE! In Person! - ONE spot left!
October 22, 23, 24, 2021. 9am-4pm
My first in person mokume gane workshop in 1.5 years - you bet I'm excited! This class will be a smorgasbord of patterning techniques - stamp, twist and some metamorphic. Exact content will be determined by the level of those that sign up. If you have taken online classes with me, I'd love to meet you here in person and help dial in your mokume skills. Or if you are brand new to mokume that is great too. Mokume Gane is an ancient Japanese technique involving fused layers of differently colored metals that form unique organic patterns. This class begins at the patterning stage - we will be using fused mokume gane blanks (copper/brass included in kit fee, other more exotic silver-containing combinations will be available for purchase in class). This allows us to focus on the most artistic part of mokume gane - unique and expressive pattern development. We will be trying a variety of techniques, from stamping to direct hammering among others. The special considerations for fabricating and finishing mokume gane work will be covered, including soldering and patination. Students can choose to focus on creating multiple patterned samples for inclusion in later work, or create one or more simple finished jewelry pieces. This class is available to all levels, however some experience soldering and working with silver will be helpful. Even advanced jewelers/metalsmiths will benefit from learning these secrets of mokume gane patterning. Learn more on Diane Weimer's site.
What's New?
Watch the video recap: Metal Arts Adventures #28: Grand Finale with Mokume Tips and Powdered Metals
When we started in March of 2020, Metal Arts Adventures with Anne and Ame (MAA) was just a way to stay connected as the pandemic pushed us into isolation. We thought we'd do the show a few times, never imagining it would take on a life of its own for over a year. Together we've virtually traveled the world, learned tips & tricks, celebrated holidays, found solace and shared inspiration. As the world reopens, it's time to pursue exciting new endeavors. In this show, master metalsmith Earl Bushey shares top-notch mokume gane tips and Bette Barnett introduces us to the fascinating world of powdered metals. Watch the recap.
When we started in March of 2020, Metal Arts Adventures with Anne and Ame (MAA) was just a way to stay connected as the pandemic pushed us into isolation. We thought we'd do the show a few times, never imagining it would take on a life of its own for over a year. Together we've virtually traveled the world, learned tips & tricks, celebrated holidays, found solace and shared inspiration. As the world reopens, it's time to pursue exciting new endeavors. In this show, master metalsmith Earl Bushey shares top-notch mokume gane tips and Bette Barnett introduces us to the fascinating world of powdered metals. Watch the recap.
Sawing Circle Fun: What's Your Favorite Tool?
The discussion topic for tonight's Sawing Circle was "What is your favorite tool, what do you use it for and where can we get it?" and boy did we have fun with that. For Annette it was her Genie, Charlotte said it's emery boards for sanding, Carmen lovingly praised her Micromark mini bandsaw, Ame mentioned (rather irrelevantly) her computer tablet and stylus, Kathe showed us her new favorite Grobet hand file and Anne shared her fancy digital calipers. Jan got a new rolling mill and we discussed rolling mill care and feeding a bit and then Dale gave us an update on his sick rolling mill. We also had a grand time seeing recent works by Annette and Jan and a spirited talk about step bezels. Read on for links and more photos.
The discussion topic for tonight's Sawing Circle was "What is your favorite tool, what do you use it for and where can we get it?" and boy did we have fun with that. For Annette it was her Genie, Charlotte said it's emery boards for sanding, Carmen lovingly praised her Micromark mini bandsaw, Ame mentioned (rather irrelevantly) her computer tablet and stylus, Kathe showed us her new favorite Grobet hand file and Anne shared her fancy digital calipers. Jan got a new rolling mill and we discussed rolling mill care and feeding a bit and then Dale gave us an update on his sick rolling mill. We also had a grand time seeing recent works by Annette and Jan and a spirited talk about step bezels. Read on for links and more photos.
Metal Arts Adventures #27: Emerge Online Opening
Put on a swanky outfit, pour yourself a glass of something sophisticated and imagine yourself making a grand entrance into an artsy gallery space populated with interesting people and jazz .... it's our online opening reception for "Emerge" our juried exhibition! Wander around nibbling cheese (make yourself a small plate of cheese beforehand to get the full effect) and see the jewelry metal art works while listening to celebrity judges Anne Wolf of Anneville Studio and Bette Barnett of Studio Migoto discuss the technical prowess and design merits of each piece. Guess the winners and stick around til the end to see if you're right as we unveil the Best of Show, Best Mokume, Best Steel Piece and Most Creative Piece and award each artist their fabulous prizes. We want to hear from you in the comments. Do you know of a jewelry metal arts work space reopening? Have you heard about a fair that's going to be live again this year? Do you know what's up with Idyllwild Arts, the San Diego Gem & Mineral Society or a cool place in your area? We're looking for signs of things getting back to normal and we'd love to hear from you so jot down a few notes and raise your hand or type them into the chat window during the show. Watch the video recap and step into the gallery to view the online show "Emerge"!
Put on a swanky outfit, pour yourself a glass of something sophisticated and imagine yourself making a grand entrance into an artsy gallery space populated with interesting people and jazz .... it's our online opening reception for "Emerge" our juried exhibition! Wander around nibbling cheese (make yourself a small plate of cheese beforehand to get the full effect) and see the jewelry metal art works while listening to celebrity judges Anne Wolf of Anneville Studio and Bette Barnett of Studio Migoto discuss the technical prowess and design merits of each piece. Guess the winners and stick around til the end to see if you're right as we unveil the Best of Show, Best Mokume, Best Steel Piece and Most Creative Piece and award each artist their fabulous prizes. We want to hear from you in the comments. Do you know of a jewelry metal arts work space reopening? Have you heard about a fair that's going to be live again this year? Do you know what's up with Idyllwild Arts, the San Diego Gem & Mineral Society or a cool place in your area? We're looking for signs of things getting back to normal and we'd love to hear from you so jot down a few notes and raise your hand or type them into the chat window during the show. Watch the video recap and step into the gallery to view the online show "Emerge"!