116
days until the show!
IMPORTANT DATES
January 12, 2010 -
Online registration opens!
June 6 - June 8, 2010 -
Master Classes, Fundamentals in Techniques, and Pre-conference Workshops
June 9 - 13, 2010 -
General Education classes
June 9, 2010 -
Meet the Teachers Reception
June 10. 2010 -
Private Shopping Preview for Registrants
View More Dates
Master Classes

Pick Your Master - Charles Lewton-Brain
Master Class - Metals












There are currently seats available for this Master's Class. If you have questions regarding any of the Master Classes, please contact Customer Service directly at 800-554-0197 or by e-mail.
Master goldsmith Charles Lewton-Brain was educated in Germany, Canada, and the United States. He publishes his research internationally. Charles developed 'fold forming," a new system of metal working which offers fast dimensional and textural forming using hand tools. He is Head of the Jewellery/Metals Program at the Alberta College of Art and Design. Charles teaches full time, has published seven books and numerous articles. Thousands of metalsmiths internationally have adopted methods he developed and use them in their work. His inventions and working techniques are taught around the world in jewelry programs. Charles co-founded the Ganoksin Project web site with Dr. Hanuman Aspler, the largest educational site in the world for jewelers with over 4 million unique visitors a year and an 8,500 member archived, searchable discussion email list called Orchid. Charles has curated many high-level exhibitions of contemporary jewelry in North America. He is also a regular technical editor and advisor for a number of magazines as well as books by other authors. As an educator, Charles has influenced many students, and directly taught his ideas about position, philosophy, learning, and technique to several thousand people through workshops and lectures.

E-mail Charles to ask additional questions about this unique class with a "metals and jewelry master."
Setting Gems and Other Materials in Metal
This inclusive workshop with an acclaimed metals master teaches the basics of setting gemstones and even found objects into metal, for jewelry and other purposes. Simple, effective settings are demonstrated and done. These include bezel settings, thick walled setting, tube settings, flush or Gypsy setting, basic bead setting using an engraving tool, pearl settings, basic prong. Other approaches are also covered discussed for joining odd materials or found objects to your work, sewing, binding, wire attachments and so much more. Charles will also cover basic tool making for setting during this three-day master's class.

Class Fee: $1,200
Kit Fee: $60.00

Kit Materials: A selection of synthetic gems, some settings, and handout information.
Who should take this class?
This class is for the intermediate to advanced student and jewelry artist. Prior jewelry-making classes, the ability (and comfort level) to properly saw, file, solder, and finish independently is a requisite and essential for this metals master class.
Student Supply List - Please Review Carefully
















Charles has highly recommended the following list of gem setting and personal workshop tools for students to bring:

  • Gems and stones that you want to set.

  • Drawing materials, paper/sketchbook, pencils, markers.

  • Burr sets for setting, assorted pliers, saws, blades, and soldering supplies, etc.

  • Burnisher.

  • Stone setting punches, or 2 pieces (per person)of square or round 3-4mm drill rod 4" or 9 cm long.

  • Stone pushers, or 4 pieces 3mm square or round drill rod 7cm (2.5") long (per person).

  • Beeswax, soft for mixing with ground or filed charcoal.

  • Point burnisher (broken burr) and universal collet handle.

  • Flat graver, one, 2mm wide.

  • Beveled gravers, one, with base 1.5-2mm across.

  • 4 graver handles. Make sure to fit them to your hand so they are comfortable.

  • 1-2 pairs "cheap" chain nosed pliers to modify.

  • Flat needle file, triangular needle file, barrette needle file.

  • 1 flat fine cut narrow (3-5mm) file if you have available.

  • 1-5 18cm (7") lengths of broomstick handle.

  • Hard setter's pitch (Black setter's pitch from Fischer or Jett Sett/Aquaplast Arkansas hard sharpening stone or equivalent.

  • 1 fine (600-800) grit sanding stick.

  • Selection of emery papers.

  • 1 "cheap" knife for adapting. A small pen knife is also useful.

  • Assorted broken or damaged burrs to adapt for other tools. (Try the dentist or local jewelery stores).

  • Set of medium cut round burrs; or one each of 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm sizes.

  • Set of medium cut setting burrs; or one each of 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm sizes.

  • Set of bearing cutters; or one each of 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, sizes.

  • Set of cup burrs; or one each of 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm sizes.

  • Cubic Zirconia, glass or inexpensive round facetted stones, 3 to 5 mm, a minimum 10 per student.

  • A selection of cabachon stones, 4mm, 14mm or up, round or oval.

  • Selection of tubing, sheet thicknesses etc.


Note: If Master Class students wish to ship their tools to the Show ahead of time, we will accept delivery. However, you must contact Kristin Jastroch in our Events Department prior to shipment. We need to know when you ship and the number of boxes. Due to the volume of packages we handle, your tools must be received no later than May 24, 2010. Please do not ship to us directly from a retailer or manufacturer which makes tracking difficult for us. We ask that you "color code" your box with an identifier such as colored tape and your name (large print) is included in the shipping label.

Suggestions for a mailing label:

Jane Smith - Very Large
Master Class Metals
c/o Bead&Button Show
21027 Crossroads Circle
Waukesha, WI 53187


Contact Person:
Kristin Jastroch
kjastroch@kalmbach.com
262-796-8776, Ext. 245
Where will this workshop be held?

All of the Master Classes will be held nearby at the
Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC).

MATC has a dedicated metals studio which will be utilized for this master's class.

Transportation by school bus will be provided in the morning from the Hyatt Hotel to the college studios each day. In the evening, students can be dropped off at their downtown hotels.

Students can also walk to the college, if they prefer. It is a four block walk to the campus building.

MATC
700 West State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233-1443
Registration at the Show
For 2010, Master Class students should go to our Registration area at the Hyatt to pickup their badge holder, Show tote, Show Souvenirs, and special event tickets.

With Registration opening up Saturday June 5 at the Hyatt (second floor atrium) for limited hours, 5:00-8:00 p.m., and on 7:00 a.m. Sunday, June 6, there will be sufficient time for those enrolled in Master Class sessions to pickup their registration packet before boarding the buses Sunday morning. Please identify yourself as a Master Class student to our customer service representatives.
Photos are representive only of the artist's body of work and not the actual class designs.
Suggested Reading for Students
Charles recommends the following books for review to enhance your master's program:

Robert Wooding: Diamond Setting: The Professional Approach, Bead
Setting Diamonds with Pavé Applications,
Channel Setting Diamonds

Walter Zeiss: The Setting of Gemstones

Gerald Wykoff: Master Stonesetting

Related Articles:

Apply for our Metals Master Class - Charles Lewton-Brain

Pick Your Master - Laura McCabe

Pick Your Master - Andrea Guarino-Slemmons

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