Introduction to the Fascinating World of Filigree with Milt Fischbein

Saturday, April 10, 2021; 10:00AM - 5:00PM PT (Pacific Time)
Sunday, April 11, 2021; 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT (Pacific Time)
Saturday, April 17, 2021; 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT (Pacific Time)
Sunday, April 18, 2021; 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT (Pacific Time)

Online


Cost: $445


This class is already under way. Please see below for any other available workshop dates.

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Filigree is a beautiful jewelry technique that has roots in antiquity and is being used in jewelry today! Using fine silver wires, filigree is a lace-like open work technique that creates lightweight pieces that allow the light to shine through the metal.  In this class, learn how to make filigree jewelry with Canadian Filigree Artist Milt Fischbein! 

Milt is excellent at breaking down the complicated look of filigree into its building blocks and guiding you through the creation process with a hands-on approach that puts you at ease. Working with these basics, Milt will guide you through creating a beautiful filigree pendant set with a cabochon stone and you will have the knowledge to continue making filigree objects on your own.

You will learn how to prepare fine silver filigree wire and sterling silver frames and how to solder them together to create  filigree jewellery. In addtion, you will learn about how to fill the frame in ways that are structurally sound and pleasing to the eye. Learn to spot well done filigree patterning and create lace-like open work effects. Paste and powdered solder will be demonstrated! Top off your pendant with a filigree bail and finishing techniques. 

This course is available as a live online class. Please check this page for times and formats available. 

Techniques include:

  • How to make fine silver filigree wire
  • How create numerous lacy filigree shapes- building blocks to fill the frames
  • How to create frames
  • Filigree soldering with paste solder and powder solder
  • Formulas and techniques for making your own filigree powder solder
  • Design basics for making filigree pendants
  • Incorporating bezel set cabochon stones in your filigree jewellery
  • How to fabricate a traditional filigree bail
  • Selecting the appropriate tools for making filigree
  • Finishing filigree

 


A kit of materials is included with this class and will be mailed to you.

 

Read what students have to say about our online classes on the testimonials page.

Recordings of this class are available for 30 days from the final class session.


Tools for this Class

This is a list of tools you’ll need to practice the techniques shown in class. A list of tools with recommended suppliers for the best prices will be sent to you after registration If you have questions about the tool list, please contact us.

  • Torch and Soldering set up
  • Soldering Tweezers Type MM or AA or 00
  • Flex Shaft
  • Filigree Tweezers. Included in your kit (never used for soldering)
  • Solder application tool. Included in your kit
  • Flush cutter – Light duty
  • Flush cutter – Medium duty
  • Digital Caliper
  • Steel Bench Block
  • Ring Mandrel
  • Plastic or Rawhide Mallet
  • Chain Nose Pliers
  • Flat Nose Pliers
  • Ruler – 6” steel
  • Cell phone with camera
  • Stainless Steel binding wire 0.4 mm
  • Safety Equipment as required ie Dust Mask, safety glasses, natural fiber clothing etc

A computer, phone or tablet to use the free Zoom app for class
 

 

Prerequisites:

Basic metalsmithing skills including previous experience soldering is required. 

Instructor:

Milt Fischbein (Guest)

If a class is online, or is a combination online and in-person session, all students receive a link to a recording of the class demonstrations. In-person only workshops are not recorded. For staff instructor classes, students have access to the recordings for one year. For guest instructors, access is 30 days. 

If a kit is included with the class, online students will have them mailed to them. Kits for in-person students are delivered at the beginning of the first class. More information about the kit is included with the supplies list which is emailed after registration.

International students may be charged an additional amount for shipping, because of the increased cost to ship abroad. Also, shipments to other countries may incur a tariff payable by the student. International students are welcome to contact us re: these costs and options for their materials. Please be sure that the address with your payment is the correct one for shipping.

If this class is offered online, it uses the Zoom app/website. Through Zoom, you’ll be able to see demos and follow instructions, ask questions and interact with your instructor. Zoom is easy to use and free for students to use for class, and works on most devices, like phones (iPhone, Android, etc), tablets (iPads, etc), and computers (Mac or PC).

Your instructor is also available during free Zoom office hours for questions and help.

For classes that include work time, online students work at home or in their studio. All of our recommended tools and the kit materials are chosen to be home studio friendly. Links to preferred vendors are provided in the supplies list sent after registration. Some classes, like our short demo only classes, don't require tools or materials to attend. 

We remain committed to keeping everyone as safe as possible while continuing to move forward and adapt to the current circumstances for our in person classes and open studios.

We recommend that in person students be vaccinated, but it's not required. 

Face masks are encouraged while at the school, but no longer required. Students must bring a particulate face mask (N95, KN95, KF94 or similar) to protect against dust and particles when needed and required during class work time.

If you have tested positive for COVID, have symptoms that could be COVID, or feel ill, please don't come to class. Contact us for more information. 

And now the fine print. Payment in full for class fees is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. Checks and cash are accepted only if you register at school. If you mail a check, your registration is not processed until it clears and the class may fill during the wait. 

If the workshop is canceled by our school for any reason, all class fees will be refunded, or you can transfer to another class, or you can keep a credit on account with us for future classes or purchases, 

Students can cancel, receive a credit or refund, or transfer to another class up to 21 days before a workshop, whether it is online or in person. No cancellations are accepted after the 21-day deadline, however, we will do what we can to try and sell your place to a qualified student. If we can sell your place, you can receive a refund less a $50 cancellation fee, keep a credit on account with us, or apply your fees towards a transfer to another class. 

If you can’t make it to class, you may send a participant who has the necessary prerequisites in your place. Please call or email us immediately with any changes in the student participant information. If a class includes an online section, your class will be recorded and you can watch later to make up a class you miss. 

Students must be at least 15 years old to attend a class, and students under 18 must have a legal guardian sign our liability waiver form. We have had younger students attend classes, on a case by case basis. If you’re interested in enrolling your child, please call or email us. 

If you sign up for a class and fail to have the required prerequisites as listed in the class description, you are still subject to the 21-day cancellation policy, listed above.

Lodging and meals are not included for in person classes.

If you don't come to class, there are no refunds, credits or transfers.