Upcoming Workshops
Dates: SNOW DATES/RESCHEDULED for April 15-16, 2023
Location: In person workshop (masks required) at 9020 Studios in Portland, OR
Hours: 10-5, with one hour lunch break each day
Cost per student: $345.00 plus materials fee of $30 (on top of Materials List
Register HERE (via CMAG)
Introduction to Wax Carving with Rachel Morris
In this two-day, live, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn some of the most common approaches to constructing wax forms for eventual molding and casting. We’ll practice both additive and subtractive techniques (building up and carving away), with multiple projects using soft and hard wax. You’ll learn how to texture, form, join, and carve using sheet, rod, and wire wax. The class is designed to “get your feet wet” and is by no means exhaustive, but will provide a good foundation for future work. Students can design rings, buttons, and 3-D objects for pendants, pins, or other uses and will likely finish two or more projects over the course of the weekend.
Instructor provides for shared use: basic woodcarving tools, wax file set, glue gun, ring mandrel, old tights, Kerr waxers, Wolf wax carving tools, ring carving mandrel
Studio provides: benches, torches, flex shafts
Materials fee covers: waxes in various forms, drywall sandpaper, spirit lamp alcohol
Students bring to class: Max Wax pen, alcohol lamp, wax carving tool set, x-acto knife, cutting mat, tracing paper, drawing implements, dividers, piercing saw, sandpaper, inspirational material
Hollow Forms in Silver – Live, Online Three Day Workshop
Presented by Rachel Morris, Eclectic Nature Jewelry & Design
Dates: May 19 – 21, 2023
Starting at: 8:30 am Pacific/9:30 am Mountain/10:30 am Central/11:30 pm Eastern
Ending at: 4:00 pm Pacific/5:00 pm Mountain/6:00 pm Central/7 pm Eastern
Hollow form jewelry allows artists to craft more architectural, larger work without the weight that can impede a large solid design. From lentils and other bead forms, to clasps, hollow rings, and pendants, these structural objects add a dimensionality to your work unlike any other.
In this three day online class, we’ll work through an array of simple and complex forms from beads to rings and pendants, adding decorative and functional elements such as inset stones, surface treatments, and multi-form connectors. The class will emphasize structural construction, functional and creative design, and technical fabrication skill building, and is a great stepping stone to subsequent study of metal box construction.
General rhythm of the class – the 4 T’s: Talk, Teach, Try It, Touch Base
- Talk – Discussion of design and technique
- Teach – Demo (Live) with Q&A time of the next steps
- Try It – Go off to your bench space and work on your project – I’ll be available to answer questions
- Touch Base – Group returns to share what we’ve all worked on and discuss challenges and next steps before moving on to the next talk/teach cycle
…Rinse, repeat!
We’ll go through several cycles of this per day and will aim to end on a “Try It” block, so you can either keep working or get up and work before class, depending on your schedule, for the next day’s “Touch Base” kickoff.
Skill Level:
Intermediate & Advanced (Advanced Beginners can contact Rachel (info@eclecticnaturejewelry.com) to discuss suitability before registering)
Students should have a solid foundation of sawing, filing, finishing, and soldering (able to create traditional large cabochon bezels consistently). Projects will be presented with a variety of modifications for easier or more challenging work, so students can level set based on their own skills and interests. No prior hollow form construction experience required, but if you already have experience and want to prepare in advance for more complex projects, reach out when registering.
Registration includes:
- An optional follow-up Zoom open studio two weeks post-workshop, to catch up, show off, and get any open questions answered
- Access to a private Facebook group with additional resources
- Access to the recordings for 60 days after class concludes
By registering you confirm you have read, understand, and accept the following:
This class has a minimum of 3 students to run and a 10 student cap.
- $425 per person, via Zoom, in your own studio space
Bezels Less Ordinary – Live, Online Three Day Workshop
Presented by Rachel Morris, Eclectic Nature Jewelry & Design
Please read all details below before registering!
Dates: Sept 29 – Oct 1, 2023
Starting at: 8:30 am Pacific/9:30 am Mountain/10:30 am Central/11:30 am Eastern
Ending at: 4 pm Pacific/5 pm Mountain/6 pm Central/7 pm Eastern
Stone settings should never be an afterthought in a design, but rather, well thought-out and integral. By expanding your understanding of both the function and the forms these settings take, you open up a world of design possibilities in which your gemstones and other set materials become the star of the show.
In this three day online class, we’ll explore ways to set stones beyond the basic cabochon and walled bezel. We’ll cover challenges in unusual stone shapes, with approaches including adding prongs to traditional step bezels, partial bezels, mixed structure, and tab settings. We will also cover the foundations of faceted setting and variations that can spice up a traditional bezel for both faceted and cabbed stones.
We will discuss additional settings and design considerations when choosing what’s right for a specific stone. This is a techniques weekend and students should not expect to go home with finished jewelry, but should complete one or more stone settings for future use in a project. Strong basic soldering experience required.
General rhythm of the class – the 4 T’s: Talk, Teach, Try It, Touch Base
- Talk – Discussion of design and technique
- Teach – Demo (Live) with Q&A time of the next steps
- Try It – Go off to your bench space and work on your project – I’ll be available to answer questions
- Touch Base – Group returns to share what we’ve all worked on and discuss challenges and next steps before moving on to the next talk/teach cycle
…Rinse, repeat!
We’ll go through several cycles of this per day and will aim to end on a “Try It” block, so you can either keep working or get up and work before class, depending on your schedule, for the next day’s “Touch Base” kickoff.
Skill Level:
Intermediate & Advanced (Advanced Beginners can contact Rachel (info@eclecticnaturejewelry.com) to discuss suitability before registering)
Students should have a solid foundation of sawing, filing, finishing, and soldering (able to create traditional large cabochon bezels consistently). Projects will be presented with a variety of modifications for easier or more challenging work, so students can level set based on their own skills and interests.
Registration includes:
- An optional follow-up Zoom open studio two weeks post-workshop, to catch up, show off, and get any open questions answered
- Access to a private Facebook group with additional resources
- Access to the recordings for 60 days after class concludes
By registering you confirm you have read, understand, and accept the following:
This class has a minimum of 3 students to run and a 10 student cap.
- $425 per person, via Zoom, in your own studio space
Live, online class Rachel Morris, Eclectic Nature Jewelry & Design
Dates: November 17 – 19, 2023
Starting at: 8:30 am Pacific/9:30 am Mountain/10:30 am Central/11:30 am Eastern
Ending at: 4 pm Pacific/5 pm Mountain/6 pm Central/7 pm Eastern
So you’ve already leveled up your jewelry work and started making custom chains for your pendants, or perhaps you do a lot of bead and pearl stringing for your designs and want something custom to add. What’s next? The custom clasp, of course! By creating custom clasps, jewelers can elevate the overall look and perceived value of their hand-crafted designs over manufactured components.
This three-day hands-on virtual workshop begins with quick and easy enhancements for several wire-based clasps, such as hook-and-eye and toggle and then moves on to basic box clasps – more experienced students can focus on integrating them into larger hollow form objects. Day two concludes box clasps and demonstrates open keyhole clasps. Day three will cover enclosed, lentiform keyhole clasps. By the end of session, students will have fabricated several sample clasps while gaining an understanding of how each style best serves their designs.
We’ll delve into the form and function of these and numerous other types, with an emphasis on how the right clasp can make a piece and the wrong one can create problems for both the wearer and the jeweler down the road.
NOTE: This is a techniques and skill-building class! Students may not complete all demonstrated clasps in the course of the workshop, but should come away with the understanding to continue building their skills post-workshop.
Skill Level:
Intermediate & Advanced (Advanced Beginners can contact Rachel (info@eclecticnaturejewelry.com) to discuss suitability before registering)
Students should have a solid foundation of sawing, filing, finishing, and soldering (able to create traditional large cabochon bezels or basic hollow forms). Projects will be presented with a variety of modifications for easier or more challenging work, so students can level set based on their own skills and interests.
What’s Included:
- An optional follow-up Zoom open studio two weeks post-workshop, to catch up, show off, and get any open questions answered
- Access to a private Facebook group with additional resources
- Access to the recordings for 60 days after class concludes
This class has a minimum of 3 students to run and a 10 student cap.
PRICE: $425
Tools & Materials List – PENDING – NOTE: This is a materials-heavy workshop!
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My Online Workshop Approach – The “Four T’s” – These workshops are presented live via Zoom, from my multi-camera studio in Portland, Oregon, and follow a sequence of Talk (discussion of approaches, concepts, design and “gotchas”), Teach (live demoing of your next steps), Try It (you work at your own bench while I remain available for questions), and Touch Base, in which we circle back to address challenges and share discoveries and successes you’ve had, before starting another cycle. Multiple cycles will happen each day, according to the pacing needs of the class. To get a sense of it, check out this video intro.
Selection of Available Workshops
Almost all of the sessions listed below can be done either in a 2 or 3 day workshop format (6-8 hours per day) or a weekly class format, schedule permitting. Almost all classes can also be done as live, online/remote learning utilizing my multi-camera studio for high quality video presentation.
This is a 6-week weekly live, online series is a way to work on whatever projects you choose with input from me, while also having the camaraderie of working alongside a group of other artists. Each class will start with relevant demos by me, which pertain to something in the projects each student is working on, based on your requests. This type of class lets you look over the shoulder of your fellow students and get inspired by the kinds of work they’re doing. It comes with a half-hour consult before the class starts and a half hour at end of session for next steps.
Sessions will only run if I have 3 students or more. This class will be capped at 6 students. Please email me before registering to be sure the work you’re interested in doing is something I can help you progress.
Time: 6 weeks of 2.5 hours each (15 instructional hours), plus ½ hour pre- and post-session private consults. ($395)
Looking for some very specific skills training or to get guidance moving past obstacles a challenging project? One-on-one private lessons may be right for you. Before registering, please contact me to discuss your project or goals to make sure they’re ones I can truly help you with, and to ensure that our schedules are compatible. These sessions must be purchased in 3 hour blocks but we can break them up into units as small as half an hour based on your needs. ($100/hr)
Are you and a friend interested in working on your metalsmithing together? Semi-private sessions are a good way to go. You can work on similar projects or each follow your own path. These sessions must be purchased in 3 hour blocks but we can break them up into units as small as an hour based on your needs. ($65/hr per person)
No experience needed
This course continues where Intro to Jewelry (Level I) leaves off. Through demonstrations and hands-on work, you become more familiar with the tools of the trade and expand your basic soldering and design skills as you work on a rough-form cabochon setting. You’ll learn to make a bezel by hand so you’re not limited to pre-made bezels. You’ll design a pin, pendant, earrings, or bracelet and may have time to complete additional project(s) in the course of the weekend.
101 or equivalent recommended
This course continues where Intro to Jewelry (Level I) leaves off. Through demonstrations and hands-on work, you become more familiar with the tools of the trade and expand your basic soldering and design skills as you work on a rough-form cabochon setting. You’ll learn to make a bezel by hand so you’re not limited to pre-made bezels. You’ll design a pin, pendant, earrings, or bracelet and may have time to complete additional project(s) in the course of the weekend.
102 or equivalent recommended
This course is designed for intermediate to advanced students looking to work on a complex project or hone a specific skill with guidance from instructor. Students should already be very comfortable and self-sufficient on the torch and with other core bench jewelry skills. Not only will you learn cool new techniques for your own project, but you’ll be inspired by what your classmates bring to the bench, as well.
Solid basic soldering comfort required
This workshop focuses on crafting small, decorative boxes with lids. Boxes are designed with an inner lip so the lid sets snugly in place. First time box builders may want to work on a round or rectangular box, while more advanced students work on unusual shapes. Advanced students can also learn to add hinges, clasps, handles, and/or stone detailing. Students should solid soldering experience and other core bench skills (sawing, filing, finishing).
Solid basic soldering comfort required
Hollow form jewelry allows artists to build more architectural, larger work without the weight of a solid object. From lentils and other bead forms, to box clasps, hollow rings, and pendants, these box-like objects add a dimensionality to your work unlike any other. We’ll work on simple forms and then move on to more complex, decorative elements. Students should have a strong basic understanding of soldering, sawing, and filing, and should bring all materials to the first day of the workshop.
Solid basic soldering comfort required
Enhance your design work with unique, handcrafted chains. Learn an array of techniques, both soldered and fused (single & double loop-in-loop chains & unusual soldered chains). Strong basic torch experience required.
Solid basic soldering comfort required
Explore ways to set stones beyond the basic cabochon and walled bezel. We’ll cover challenges in unusual stone shapes, with approaches including adding prongs to traditional bezels, partial bezels, and tab settings. We will also cover the foundations of faceted setting and variations that can spice up a traditional bezel for both faceted and cabbed stones. We will discuss other techniques such as pave, flush, and channel setting, and design considerations when choosing a stone’s setting. This is a techniques weekend and students should not expect to go home with finished jewelry, but should complete one or more stone settings for future use in a project. Strong basic soldering experience required.
No experience required
Students learn the fundamentals of working both soft and hard casting wax, using hot and cold wax working tools to craft their choice of metal buttons, belt buckles, or jewelry objects (no casting done as part of the class). The class is open to anyone, regardless of prior jewelry experience (no soldering skills needed). This is a great work-from-home hobby!
Solid basic soldering comfort required
Whether you bead, string pearls, or create your own chains, the finishing touches count. In this three day workshop, you’ll be given demos of several variations of S or hook clasps, toggles, box, keyhole, and lentil clasps. Students will work on one or more clasps of their own – Intermediate/advanced metalworkers can opt to focus on a more intricate piece, while intro students are advised to become proficient in some of the simpler forms first. Attendees can bring in projects or designs in need of clasps, and we will discuss the importance of both form and function appropriate to their needs. Basic soldering, sawing, and filing skills are required.
Assumes artist already knows how to use basic equipment
This session is geared for the hobbyist who is considering taking the next step and setting up a home studio space. It will include such subjects as budget, safety, equipment, tool maintenance, and functional layout. We will discuss the pros and cons of various tools, and talk about how to prioritize what gear to purchase and when to invest in higher end tools. Students are encouraged to bring an inventory of their existing gear and some examples of the kind of work they are doing or hope to be doing at home. While this will be fabrication-focused, we can include conversations around related techniques such as enameling, PMC, wax working, and casting at home.
All experience levels/art forms
Feeling a little stagnant in your design process? Not sure what to work on next? Consider an evening of creative brainstorming with fellow artists, opening up to new ways of thinking and developing ideas. We’ll do a series of short, interactive, hands-on exercises to awaken your mind and get the ideas flowing, no matter what your medium of choice.
All experience levels/art forms
An session of discussion on what to consider when you are taking your craft from a hobby to a business, including such topics as: Marketing, Where and How to Sell, Pricing Your Work, Budget Management, Managing Payments, Custom Orders, Incorporation, Tax IDs, Business Insurance, Developing Good Work Habits, and other considerations.
Also available in a 2 day format with hands-on workshop activities
Looking for a class on a specific topic? Get in touch!