Classes Offered by HGMS
Updated 02/08/2012
Membership in HGMS is required to take any HGMS class. Please contact the Membership Chairman (membership@hgms.org) for information on membership. (You can download the membership form by clicking on the green "Current Info" button and scrolling down to the bottom of the page.)
All classes are held at the HGMS Clubhouse, 10805 Brooklet at Rockley. Contact the Education Chair at classes@hgms.org if you wish to take a particular class or wish additional information. Classes will be scheduled and then announced through the HGMS E-mail Notification Service sponsored by one of our volunteers and published on the Web site. Full payment must be sent at the time of registration. If for some reason the class is not held, your money will be refunded. If you reserve a place in a class and do not attend a class that is given, 50% of the class fee will be forfeited. HGMS will not retain deposits for a future class if the class is not held.
Classes currently being held:
Beginning Jewelry Fabrication: Students will learn about different methods of making jewelry, and work specifically on fabricating jewelry from sheet metals, tube, and bezel material. Each student will learn how to solder and will be able to make and keep three pieces of jewelry, two of which will be their own designs. Other topics to be covered are tools and their care, reticulation, stone setting, making bezels and prong settings, polishing, antiquing, stamping and texturing, and making rings, earrings, pins, brooches, and pendants. All supplies and tools are provided although students may bring their own if desired.
$375, five Sundays from 12-5 p.m. (February 19, February 26, March 4, March 11, March 18) - Instructor: Jim Burrell. Jim is a Master Electrician and has been a silversmith and goldsmith for over 10 years. He has produced hundreds of pieces of unique and beautiful jewelry.
To enroll for the class:
1.) E-mail classes@hgms.org and advise that you want to take JEWELRY FAB 021912. Please include your full name and phone number.
2.) Please send full payment immediately. (The $375 check should be made payable to "HGMS" and "JEWELRY FAB 021912" should be in the memo line)
3.) Mail payment to: HGMS Education, 10805 Brooklet, Houston, TX 77009
Wire Wrap Jewelry—Beginning: Wire wrapping is one of the oldest techniques for making jewelry by hand. Students will learn beginning wire wrap techniques for making pendants using standard cabochon sizes. All supplies and tools are provided although the student may bring his own wire cutters, flat nose pliers, and two 30x40mm cabochons if desired.
$135, three Sundays from 2-5 p.m. (February 19, February 26, March 4) – Instructor: Charlie Fredregill
To enroll for the class:
1.) E-mail classes@hgms.org and advise that you want to take WIRE WRAP BEGINNER 021912. Please include your full name and phone number.
2.) Please send full payment immediately. (The $135 check should be made payable to "HGMS" and include in the memo line the description "WIRE WRAP BEGINNER 021912)
3.) Mail payment to: HGMS Education, 10805 Brooklet, Houston TX 77009
Other classes that HGMS offers:
Bracelet Made of Jump Rings (chain maille): Students will learn the importance of using appropriate wire gauge and jump-ring diameter to make a chain-maille bracelet using prepared jump-rings. Each student will take home a completed bracelet in the Byzantine style. All supplies and tools are provided, although a student may bring his own tools if desired. One four-hour class, $60, class size 4-6 students.
Chasing and Repoussé: Students will initially learn how to make chasing and repoussé tools using tool-steel which will be shaped, hardened, and tempered. The tools will belong to the students. The class will then include instruction in use of the tools by working on copper. Repoussé is the technique of using steel punches driven by a hammer to create shapes and forms by stretching metal outward into the pitch material supporting it. Chasing is the technique of working on the front side of the metal to refine the shape, form, and texture of the object. All supplies and tools are provided although you may bring your own tools if desired. Five Sunday classes, 12-4 p.m., $300, class size 4-6 students.
Lost Wax Casting: Learn lost wax casting. Make patterns by wax injection, then learn the basics of sprueing. Prepare a flask for casting by investing the wax models, then burnout and cast the mold in metal. If time permits, the cleaning and polishing of the cast items will be reviewed. Students may bring their own patterns. Students must supply their own metal for casting.
Solderless Pendant: Students will learn how to create a solderless pendant by scribing a design onto metal and removing the negative space. Students will learn the elements of good design and choosing suitable materials. All supplies and tools are provided, although you may bring your own if desired. One Sunday class, 1-5 pm, $60, class size 4-5 students.
Precious Metal Clay® (PMC): PMC consists of microscopic particles of silver or gold suspended in an organic binder and creates a material similar to clay. PMC is worked with simple tools to create jewelry pieces. When heated in a kiln, it forms solid metal that can be worked with conventional tools. Students will learn basic techniques and will complete at least three pieces of fine silver jewelry. Tools are provided for the class.
PMC Ring: Students will learn to make PMC rings. Unlock the mystery of sizing.
Viking Wire Knit: The basics of Viking knit will be learned first by using copper then using sterling silver.
Advanced Wire Wrap Ring or Bracelet: The students learn how to make wire rings or a bracelet. This program is for members who already have wire wrapping knowledge and experience.
If you would like to be on a waiting list so that you will be notified when one of the above classes is scheduled, please send an e-mail to classes@hgms.org with your name, phone number, and names of classes which interest you.