Metal jewelry making class examples

I teach a jewelry making class at Gifts of Avalon, Gainesville, Florida, once monthly. My students are always pushing me to come up with new class ideas. For my class on October 4, I am showing students how to create a crimped pattern in both metal sheet and wire. The class examples are shown here.

No experience is necessary to take these classes.  Students only to need to pay the class fee.  A materials allowance is included with the class registration.










I teach students how to use the equipment we need for the project.  The store generally offers a discount to equipment purchases made on the day of the class.









I teach classes that don't require a torch.  There is so much to jewelry making that students can do without needing to use heat.












I also like to teach short, evening classes.  I think students have the best attention span that way and tend to get less frustrated.













Is there something you would like to see me teach?  I'm always open for suggestions.

A change in the way I do business

I love making jewelry. It's a great outlet for me. I also love visiting with my collectors. It's how I get to know what everyone likes and doesn't like. It also gives me valuable feedback on what and where to go next with my art. That leads me to a few announcements:

I am moving towards selling more directly from my studio. What does this mean to my typical customer? If you're local, there are a couple of things:

I am going to be selling my jewelry at more home shows and events directly to customers. I really enjoy the relaxed setting of getting to know people. I will not be doing the Santa Fe Community College Spring Arts Festival in Gainesville next month. I will instead, be booking events at homes and businesses. Anyone interested in hosting an event can email me at kmsdesigns@hotmail.com. By selling my jewelry this way, I can offer discounts and incentives to party hosters and attendees. It's a better situation for me because I don't have to be away from my family for extended hours and be concerned with finding childcare.

I will also be reducing the number of Gainesville, Florida area galleries that I show my work in. Effective March 16, my work will no longer be at the Artisans' Guild Gallery. For those of you not familiar with how the gallery operates, the artist members staff and maintain all the business aspects of the gallery. With three small children at home, I cannot honor my 10 to 15 hour monthly commitment to the organization and must resign at this time.

I am excited that I will be able to teach classes monthly at Gifts of Avalon. It is a wonderful opportunity for me to interact with jewelry and crafting enthusiasts on a personal level. My next class is March 29. Details are on the Gifts of Avalon classes page.

For those of you who are not local to Gainesville, not much should change for you. You will continue to receive top quality jewelry in a timely fashion upon purchase. I have more jewelry to photograph and post, so be looking for new work over the next couple of weeks.

Thank you to everyone for understanding this change. I'm looking forward to offering you more of what you're looking for.

Both pairs of earrings shown are available for $65. Go to the KMS Designs resin and sterling silver earring page to purchase securely through Paypal.

Jewelry making classes

For those of you local to Gainesville, Florida who have ever wanted to learn how to make your own jewelry, you're in luck! I'm back to a monthly teaching schedule at Gifts of Avalon. I work with another local jewelry artist to teach basic metal working techniques. I generally teach jewelry making methods that don't require a torch. You would be surprised what you can do with just a few tools.

My next class is Monday, March 29 from 6 to 8 PM. The class is "How to Make Stamped and Embellished earrings." Attendees will learn how to make earrings (like those shown here) with a few simple tools. No experience is necessary and everyone will have a new pair of earrings in two hours or less! If you're interested in taking the class, please contact Gifts of Avalon. The classes are filled on a first come, first served basis.

If you would like to notified of future classes by email, please sign up for the KMS Designs email list and check the option to join the "class and teaching schedules" list.

Photo credit: Sterling silver french wire stamped earrings with moss agate briollettes

Hammered earrings with stones

Hammered sterling silver earrings on french wires. Assorted semi-precious stones available. Earrings hang 1 1/2 inches long by 3/4 inches wide., each disc 1/2 inch in diameter.

Far left picture (top, moving clockwise): black star diopside; red coral, green aventurine, rhodolite garnet

$50, limited edition

Mixed metal earrings

Hammered metal earrings on french wires, each disc 1/2 inch in diameter. Top is 14K gold fill, middle is sterling silver, bottom is copper.

$35, limited edition

Metal earrings

Hammered metal earrings on french wires, 1 1/4 inches in diameter.

Top: sterling silver; $30
Lower Left: 14K gold fill; $40
Lower right: Copper; $18