Date:  July 19 - July 19, 2012

Southwest Style Rings


Time: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
This program is suited for attendees at Intermediate to Advanced levels of experience.

Turquoise and silver jewelry has been a hallmark of the Southwest for well over 150 years. The combination of silver and lovely blue turquoise has come to symbolize the beautiful skies of the Southwest. No other jewelry style is so closely tied to a particular geographical location. Now you can learn to create your own turquoise and silver jewelry in the Southwest Style. 

In this class students will learn the fabrication skills necessary to make one or more turquoise and silver rings. Ring sizing, bezel making, stone setting and polishing/finishing are among the topics covered. Also, several ring shank options will be demonstrated and discussed. This class will require that students are proficient with the jeweler’s saw and have some soldering experience,  but the basics of using silver solder will be discussed and demonstrated.  

About the Instructor

Richard has recently retired from teaching in public schools to devote more time to his art and teaching workshops around the country. He considers himself not so much a jeweler but rather a ‘maker of wearable art’. His interests include digital art, mixed media collage/assemblage, sculpture and jewelry. 

Richard’s work has been featured in Belle Armoire Jewelry, Art Jewelry and Jewelry Artist  magazines. Other published work can be seen in Susan Lenart-Kazmer’s book Making Connections, Steel Wire Jewelry by Brenda Schweder, Steampunk Style Jewelry by Jean Campbell and Metal Style by Karen Dougherty.

Richard and his wife, Jane, reside in Santa Fe , New Mexico. 

  • View Richard’s work at his website
  • Contact Richard via email

Studio and Material Fee

Material fee covers

  • 20 gauge sterling silver sheet 1.25" x 1.25"
  • 18 gauge twisted sterling silver wire 3"
  • Sterling silver bezel wire 3"
  • Turquoise cabochon
  • Silver Solder & flux
  • Propane/Oxygen & Torches
  • Butane and Torches
  • Sandpaper
  • Polishing supplies
  • Pickle Solution
  • Patina
  • Handouts
  • and miscellaneous studio supplies.
Student Supplies

Students should bring the following supplies:

  • Tools
    • Eye Protection
    • Ear Protection
    • Basic Jewelry making tools - round nose pliers, flat nose pliers, wire cutters
    • Ring clamp
    • Needle File Set – round, half-round, flat, triangle, etc.
    • Hand Files - #4 cut half-round or half-round ring file, #2 flat or half-round
    • Bezel pusher, bezel roller or burnisher
    • Bench Pin 
    • Jeweler’s saw and blades (size #2/0 or 4/0)
    • Tweezers
    • Calipers or ruler
    • Small Machinist Square (2" size or larger)
    • Ring Mandrel
    • Rawhide Mallet
Optional Supplies
  • Magnifying glasses or visor
  • Bring your own sterling silver and stones if you wish to make additional rings
Additional Program Information

Meals

Lunch is served in our community building at 12:30 p.m. and will be provided at an additional $15.00 per day.  You must make your lunch reservation in advance.  We pride ourselves in offering a healthy and organic lunch which will exceed your expectations. If you do not wish to make a reservation, please bring a sack lunch. Beverages will be provided. Some workshops have optional evening meal events, which must also be reserved in advance. Evening meal event prices vary, ranging from $15.00-$30.00 per meal.

Networking

A social hour is provided from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. following the first day of each program. Wine, cheese and a non-alcolohic beverage will be served in the community room for you to enjoy.

Policies

CANCELLATIONS: While we understand that circumstances can arise causing a change in your plans, we must adhere to a business policy. Because it is impossible for Valley Ridge to favor one individual situation or circumstance over another, we must adhere to our policy in all situations and can make no exceptions to our cancellation policy.

  • 45 Days or More prior to a workshop: Full refund of tuition, less a $75.00 cancellation fee.
  • 44 Days or Less prior to a workshop: No refunds or credits for any reason.

Registration Fees: The entire registration fee is due in full at time of registration. Valley Ridge Art Studio provides an advance deposit option to make it easier for those with financial constraints to participate in our programs. The advance deposit fee secures your workshop space, and is applied to your entire workshop registration fee. Payment for your fee/materials balance and any other optional meals will be charged to your credit card 45 days prior to workshop. Non-credit card payments will receive an invoice, which is due upon receipt.

Transfer Policy: You may transfer out of a workshop to another program in the same season. Transfer request must be received at least 45 days prior to a program. There will be a $50.00 transfer fee assessed on each transfer.

Credit Card Transaction Reversal: You intended to reserve a workshop and registered for one instead. You noticed your credit card was charged for the entire balance and only wanted to apply $75.00. You would like your credit card credited for the difference. We at Valley Ridge Art Studio are willing to reverse your transaction. There will be a $25.00 administrative fee per reversal request. Your balance will be due 45 days prior to the workshop.

Program schedule is subject to change.

Release/Waiver

I understand the risks associated with my attendance at the Studio and the use of various tools, equipment and products found in the Studio.  I voluntarily agree to assume the risk of injury or illness or property damage that may arise out of my attendance at the Studio and use of tools, equipment and products found in the Studio and hereby waive and release the Studio and its members, affiliates, employees, and agents and assigns from any and all claims, actions or losses which I may suffer as a result of my attendance at and use of the Studio.  I further agree to  hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Studio and its members, affiliates, employees, and agents and assigns from any and all claims, actions or losses arising out of my attendance at and use of the Studio or use of the tools, equipment and products found in the Studio regardless of the cause, including but not limited to the negligence of the Studio or its members, affiliates, employees, and agents and assigns.

Workshop Gallery


Fees

Date:  July 19 - 19, 2012
Registration Fee: $150
Material Fee: $40
Min/Max Students: 8/15

Register

Fee/Materials: $190 
Lunch: $15  per day

Reserve

Reservation Advance Deposit: $75. The balance of your payment will be charged to your credit card 45 days prior to program.

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