Piercework Mastery

Tuesdays, January 7, 2025 - January 28, 2025; 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT (Pacific Time)

In Person


Cost: $420


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Online


Cost: $390


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Your jeweler’s saw is one of the most versatile and important tools you have. In this class, learn to master the saw and pierce work and how to make those cuts perfect every time!

With a combination of exercises and pieces, you will learn how to get perfect corners, straight lines, smooth curves, how to texture, file, and manipulate your saw to create everything from intricate patterns to natural edges. We will also dive into how to take two-dimensional cuts into a three dimensional form without soldering.

 

This course is available as an in-person workshop or live online class. Please check this page for times and formats available.

 

Techniques covered include:

  • How to adjust tension and load your saw frame
  • What the different blade sizes are for
  • How to choose a saw blade
  • Sawing straight lines accurately
  • Sawing perfect corners
  • Practice patterns- curved and straight lines
  • How to layout designs
  • How to pierce multiples
  • Cleaning up your saw lines
  • Using your saw for filing and texturing
  • Two dimensional to three dimensional forms
  • Finishing techniques

 

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

 

A kit of materials is included with this class.

 

Tools.
Classes at our school include use of tools, with each student having their own bench to use during class. Online students will need to have their own tools (see the list of tools below). Feel free to contact us with any questions.

 

A full color handout is included with the class.
Create your own workbook with the beautiful handout that is downloadable for this workshop. Handouts include instructions for techniques and projects, reference charts and lots of information to support your learning.


Tools Required for Online Students
This is a list of tools online students need to practice the techniques shown in class. (in-person students have tools to use at school)

A list of tools with links to recommended suppliers for the best prices will be sent to you after registration. If you have questions about the tool list, please contact us.

  • Bench pin
  • Saw frame
  • Needle files
  • 1mm drill bits
  • Pin vise or dremel/flexshaft to use with the drill bit.
  • Center punch
  • Scriber
  • Dividers
  • Machinist square
  • Extra fine point sharpie
  • Glue stick or rubber cement
  • Super Glue
  • Scissors
  • Scotch brite or steel wool
  • Sandpapers
  • Rawhide or plastic mallet
  • Round/flat pliers
  • Safe edge barrette needle file cut 2 or 3 

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

 

Prerequisites:

Must have previous experience using a jeweler's saw and drilling. Jewelry 1 or similar class will give you this experience. 

Instructor:

Jenn Parnell Kirkpatrick

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. 

There are no requirements regarding COVID at this time. 

As always, we clean and disinfect shared tools and benches after each class. 

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.