Imagine traveling to the land of Infinite Variety—South Dakota—to take a Basic Jewelry Metals Course at JOE’S Garage.
Learning the wires (rather than the ropes) is something best done in a progression. Each new skill systematically unveils new possibilities as the techniques build upon each other. The BJMC 8 month course, provides a comprehensive approach to basic jewelry fabrication at an easy pace…for those nearby. For those looking to take their creativity on the road, the BJMC is now possible as an intensive workshop.
Sherry from Tampa just completed PROJECT BJMC. The Project-based Basic Jewelry Metals Course compacts the foundational information into one week of instruction. The projects contain the skills needed to satisfy the requirements of the original BJMC, to the extent chosen by the student— striving to meet the artist’s vision and goals.
Sherry and I had the run of my Garage Studio, pushing the envelope of what could be and reimagining. I loved the ideas she wanted to try, and the beautiful pieces she left with!
The BJMC is offered in two 10-session terms for Sioux Falls local folk. Here is the schedule from 2024.
The JOE’S Garage plan goes over everything from wires and pliers, to jigs, rolling mills, and stone setting! You can read more specifics on the BJMC HERE.
Sherry opted for a more focused PROJECT approach. She arrived with experience that earned her the Sherry F Soldering Technique Award =]. Sharing is always encouraged! Scroll down to see more of her creations.
The images above represent some of the projects possible with Project BJMC. Wire working, working with jigs, cold forging, dapping/doming, punching and gauging are just some of the techniques you will learn through project-based instruction, and be able to apply those skills to your future designs.
Sherry managed to create all day (6-hour per day option) and sample Sioux Falls’ downtown eateries each evening, when she wasn’t saving my grandsons from s’mores.
Crawford’s was a favorite! Eighth & Railroad was my recommendation for a boardwalk style shopping and eating destination, with Josephine’s Floral Designery , Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean, Simply Perfect, and Plum’s Cooking Company.
Above: My little vices, Aluminum multi-wrap with doming/punching/stamping, Sherry’s Show-n-tell of a wrap bracelet focal element of set gems, SUCCESS recognized for a week’s worth of accomplishments, creating bezel settings from scratch, Sherry soldering at a propane set-up, Heidi and Monica at OPEN STUDIO during OUTLANDER WEEK for JOE’S Garage students, production mode for Edge-set Rings, the ubiquitous Dr. Tim here laying pavers to complete a patio.
Thank you to Sherry for a wonderful week of metal and gem artistry.
