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METALSMITHING RETREATS
 2010 RETREATS
INFORMATION AND DATES
Browse my list of workshops below, and click on the links to see more information about each retreat and to register online.
For a full list of all of my jewelry classes and retreats scheduled to date for 2010, please visit my schedule page.
I have been teaching one and two day classes in metalsmithing for 6 years in the San Francisco bay area. I have a BFA in Metalsmithing, apprenticed as a goldsmith and have been making jewelry for almost 18 years. My classes are known for being packed with information, practical techniques and full color handouts with pictures and diagrams. I'm excited to offer these new, longer classes that will allow us to more thoroughly explore jewelry techniques like casting and soldering. The first retreats held in the summers of 2008 and 2009 were a great success.
Check out these testimonials from my students:
"I had a great time! Learned a lot. The best part was being able to have 4 days in a row to learn and absorb."
"Time flew by - comprehensive, high quality teaching in a supportive atmosphere. One on one help speeds up the learning curve. Handout sheets are textbook quality."
"I appreciated Joe's patience and skill with a rank beginner like myself that allowed me to make things I couldn't imagine making before. Worth the drive from Seattle!" - Nancy
"I thought all the enthusiasm about Argentium was just marketing, but it really is significantly better than sterling silver to work with. It was great that there were so many tools available to use, both at our work stations and also to share and try out. The teaching style is very good - easy going, while still making great progress everyday. Projects were clever and challenging - I learned so much in just a few days!" - Kelly
"The concentrated time to work was the best part. The retreat offers a better learning opportunity than a single day class - it's easier to focus."
"Joe is an excellent teacher - calm, direct, keeps the class under control and moving at a great pace. Joe and Anat were hospitable and extremely patient. Thank you!" - Melinda
Check out photos from my retreats and student work on Flickr and Facebook.
So often, students don't have the time to dedicate to practicing their metalsmithing, even after taking a workshop. But these retreats are 3 days of demonstrations and practice - enough time to start to learn, practice and commit to memory new metalsmithing techniques. Class size is limited - only 8 - 10 students - for lots of personal attention and help.
My metalsmithing retreats are offered at our store and studio, Perlz Beads & Yarns, in Kelseyville, California. We have a 400 square foot classroom equipped with a metalsmithing and lost wax casting studio. Tools are available to use for class, including torches, saws, files, etc. - all the basics you need to create jewelry. We are authorized distributors of EuroTool tools and carry metalsmithing supplies and tools at our shop.
 Kelseyville is a charming little town north of Calistoga, with all that wine country has to offer - tasting rooms, bistros, resorts and the beautiful open waters of Clear Lake. The lake is the largest fresh water lake in California, the #1 bass fishing lake in the country, and a great place to boat, kayak and bird watch. Check out the links on our sidebar on this page for places to stay and things to do in and around Kelseyville.
Sign up for my newsletter to receive updates about these and future retreats.
2010 retreat schedule
February | March | April | May | June | July | August
September | October | November | December
february
Textiles techniques in wire
A beadwork RETREAT
WITH GUEST ARTIST lisa claxton
Perlz Beads & Yarns, Kelseyville
Friday - Sunday, February 26 -28
Join guest artist, Lisa Claxton, for three days of knitting, crocheting and weaving wire with beads into incredibly beautiful jewelry. This retreat combines 5 of Lisa’s best classes - including a brand new project - Spool Knitted Bracelet, Viking Knit Chain, Woven Wire Cuff, Simple Wire Crochet Bracelet and Crochet Medallion Bracelet. Click here for more information or to register online.
March
PMC RETREAT WiTH EMILY B. MILLER
Perlz Beads & Yarns, Kelseyville
Friday - Sunday, March 5 - 7
Learn all you need to know about working with this miracle material - the clay that fires into pure silver jewelry. Click here for more information or to register online
ART OF SOLDERING RETREAT
Perlz Beads & Yarns, Kelseyville
Fri - Sun, March 26 - 28
Spend three days practicing soldering - from jump rings to making earrings, charms and pendants. Click here for more information or to register online.
April
STONE SETTING SUITE RETREAT
Perlz Beads & Yarns, Kelseyville
Friday - Sunday, April 16 - 18
Stone setting is synonymous with jewelry - bezels, prongs and more! This three day retreat will guide you through three great techniques for setting cabochons and faceted stones, big and small: bezel setting, prong setting and tube setting. Click here for more information or to register online.
May
ARGENTIUM STerlING RETREAT
Perlz Beads & Yarns, Kelseyville
Friday - Sunday, May 14 - 16
Spend three days getting to know the new sterling silver on the block - Argentium! No tarnish, no firescale. Fuse it. Solder it. Learn how to handle this red hot new metal as you make several jewelry pieces during class. Click here for more information or to register online.
June
LOST WAX CASTING RETREAT
Perlz Beads & Yarns, Kelseyville
Friday - Sunday, June 25 - 27
Learn all about casting - from carving waxes to casting and polishing your pieces. Click here for more information or to register online.
July
THE ART OF SOLDERING RETREAT
Perlz Beads & Yarns, Kelseyville
Friday - Sunday, July 23 - 25
Spend three days practicing soldering - from jump rings to making earrings, charms and pendants. Click here for more information or to register online.
August
BOX CLASP & HINGES BRACELET RETREAT
Perlz Beads & Yarns, Kelseyville
Fri - Sun, August 6 – 8
This class is for intermediate students in metalsmithing - making a hinged bracelet that closes with a box clasp from scratch! Click here for more information or to register online.
September
MORE SOLDERING RETREAT
Perlz Beads & Yarns, Kelseyville
Fri. – Sun., September 3 – 5
The suggested sequel to the Art of Soldering - learn more intermediate skills, like fabricating hollow boxes and more. Click here for more information or to register online.
October
LOST WAX CASTING RETREAT
Perlz Beads & Yarns, Kelseyville
Friday - Sunday, October 8 - 10
Learn all about casting - from carving waxes to casting and polishing your pieces. Click here for more information or to register online.
NOVEMBER
To be announced.
DECEMBER
To be announced.
KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST DATES
AND TIMES FOR METALSMITHING RETREATS
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REGISTRATION AND CLASS POLICIES
Students may register for classes in person at Perlz Beads & Yarns in Kelseyville, by phone at 707 355 0382 or 707 279 2080, or send in our registration form by mail, or fax it to 707 279 2080. Payment in full for tuition is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. Material fees (when applicable) are due the first day of the retreat. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, money order, checks and cash. After your registration is received, a confirmation letter is sent to you by email or mail, with class information and directions to our studio classroom.
If the retreat is canceled for any reason, all fees will be refunded. Students can cancel their registration up to 21 days before the retreat for a full refund. No cancellations are accepted 21 days or less before the retreat, however, we will do what we can to try and sell your place to a qualified student. If we can sell your place, you will receive a refund less a $25 cancellation fee. You may send a participant who has the necessary prerequisites in your place if you cannot attend the retreat. Please call us immediately with any changes in the participant information. Students must be at least 15 years old to attend a retreat, and students under 18 must have a legal guardian sign our liability waiver form. Lodging and meals are not included.
SIGN UP FOR MY CLASS NEWSLETTER
I send an email newsletter to my students about upcoming metalsmithing classes and retreats. The newsletter is only sent infrequently, and I promise not to flood your inbox with tons of emails. Sign up for my newsletter at the bottom of the right hand sidebar on this page.
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how to sign up for retreats
 Signing up is easy, but space in my retreats is limited to 8 - 10 students. Register in advance to reserve your place. For complete instructions on how to register, class policies including refunds and cancellations, and an easy to use form to phone, fax or mail, download our retreat registration pdf. The pdf includes information on places to stay and directions to the retreat.
download registration form
where to stay
There are motels, hotels and resorts in and around Kelseyville in scenic Lake County - and with affordable rates. In town, within walking distance of the retreat, is the Kelseyville Motel. This hotel is located nearest to the retreat, but has slipped in quality of late. The rooms are adequate, rates are good, but there have been some comments about cleanliness around the grounds and in some rooms. The Edgewater Resort is a short drive from class and is near the lake and pet friendly. And for a real treat, book a room with an adjoining private japanese soaking tub at the Tallman Hotel, just 20 minutes away in Upper Lake. There are lots of charming and affordable resorts, b&bs and hotels in the area. We have a list of hotels available on a PDF to download. Find out more at VisitKelseyville.com, LakeCounty.com and LakeportChamber.com. If you would like help, please call me at 707 355 0382 for advice.
find a place to stay
Students get Discounts
at the Tallman Hotel
Anat has negotiated a nice discount for students who come to Kelseyville for retreats at the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake, only 20 minutes away. This hotel was renovated from an 1800s inn and saloon and was careful to accent its history, while adding modern conveniences, like Japanese soaking tubs!
Mention that you are registered for a retreat at Perlz to get a year round rate of $110 dollars per week day, and $135 for each weekend day. Prices are regularly $119 - 189 dollars! Visit the TallmanHotel.com to browse the facilities and consider giving yourself a nice treat during the retreat!
what to do in and around Kelseyville
 Kelseyville is a charming little town north of Calistoga, with all that wine country has to offer - tasting rooms, bistros, resorts and the beautiful open waters of Clear Lake. The lake is the largest fresh water lake in California, the #1 bass fishing lake in the country, and a great place to boat, kayak and bird watch. Hike and swim at Clear Lake State Park, just 10 minutes drive from historic main street Kelseyville. Read articles from Sunset Magazine and Via Magazine about Kelseyville and Lake County online. Explore the many wineries around the lake, including Ceago, one of the few certified organic vineyards in the state, with beautiful views and delicious wines. Take a scenic drive along the shore and stop in small towns boasting lots of character, good food and shopping, including antiques, local crafts and more.
Find out more at VisitKelseyville.com, LakeCounty.com and LakeportChamber.com.
find out more about Kelseyville
links
where is Kelseyville
places to stay
things to do in Kelseyville
visit Perlz Beads & Yarns online
our classroom
lost wax rings
soldered earrings with red copper patina
filing a wax ring
bezel setting
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