Earrings to Die For

In this TWO-DAY workshop Annie and Lynette from Potter USA will teach participants to make unique handmade earrings using the hydraulic press. Emphasis will be placed on learning tool usage and techniques. A wide variety of techniques and tooling types will be covered including texturing with the rolling mill, blanking with pancake and FSS dies, and both simple and complex forming with silhouette and impression dies. In addition to learning to use commercially available tools, students will learn to make their own pancake and silhouette dies. We will also demonstrate how to use and make ear wire jigs and cover creative ways to make fantastic earrings, but even if earrings aren’t your thing, you will learn all the tricks of the trade when it comes to the hydraulic press.  The press is an incredible tool you can use to create jewelry more quickly, more efficiently, and in larger quantities. Learn to make the press work for you!

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate

DATE – Saturday, February 1, 2025 & Sunday, February 2, 2025

TIME – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Mountain Standard Time

LOCATION – Randolph Recreation Center Arts & Crafts Building #4 Jewelry Studio at 200 S Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85711

CONTACT: 520.837.8244

FEES: $225. Member/ $275. Non-Member

BIO:

I currently live in Tucson Arizona.  I grew up here but only recently moved back after being away for almost 20 years.  I have also lived in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Doha, Qatar, and Baltimore, Maryland.  I have both a Bachelors and Masters Degree of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing, and over 10 years of teaching experience.  I consider it an immense privilege to do creative work in the world and a greater privilege to work in a field I am passionate about.  I am currently trying to balance being an artist and maker with being a mother and wife.  I have two beautiful children and a pretty amazing husband. I also work part-time at PotterUSA, which is a tool and die company that manufactures tools for jewelry makers, and I teach part-time at Tucson Parks and Recreation.

Student Kit – Cost will be Approximately $65 Depending on Silver Price

•  Soldering Tweezers (these are my favorite [riogrande.com])

•  Mandrels for Ear wires – various sized wood dowels (1/4”, 3/8”, ½”, 5/8”, etc.)

•  20 Gauge Brass Round Wire (12 feet) – This will be used to practice and make ear wire samples with.

•  20 Gauge, Sterling Silver, Half-Hard, Round Wire [riogrande.com] – I would recommend purchasing at least 10 feet so you have plenty to work with.  This will be used to make ear wires.

•  Fine Silver Round Wire 20 Gauge – I would recommend getting at least 1 foot.  This will be used for pinning.

•  .7mm cylinder bur [riogrande.com] – This handy bur is super useful to help with filing an even slot when doing slotted construction pieces.

•  Separating discs [riogrande.com] – These are a necessary expendable when creating scored and bent designs, especially for curved bends!

•  Drill Bit #51 (14 gauge), #54 (16 gauge), #56 (18 gauge), and #65 (20 gauge) – Will be used to drill holes for hoop earrings or dangles

•  Sterling Silver Jump Rings – a variety of closed and open rings in sizes 1.5mm – 5mm

Student Supply List

•  18-22 Gauge Sheet Metal in Sterling Silver, Copper or Brass – I would suggest a minimum of 6x3 inches of silver and 6x12 inches of copper, but amount will depend on how many earrings (and their size) you plan to make.  Bring more if you can.  18 and 20 gauge metal will be used to texture with the rolling mill or hammers and then cut or formed into shapes.  22 gauge is too thin to texture (in my opinion) but makes lightweight forms when used in silhouette dies.  Silver and copper work great in pancake dies, but brass gets stuck and is not a good choice for pancake dies.

•  Silver Solder in Hard, Medium and Easy – I recommend wire or sheet solder

Student Tool List

•  Jewelers Saw

•  Saw Blades (2/0 or finer) – bring at least 1 dozen

•  Wet/Dry Silicon Carbide Sandpaper (220, 320, 400, 600 grit)

•  Sharpie