Little Weirdos with Alex Boyd

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Join Alex Boyd for a dive into setting funky and weird shaped cabochon stones. In Little Weirdos, its all about those quirky shapes! Curves, angles, asymmetry? No problem! We'll make a 22k bezel fused to a sterling silver backplate that fits the cabochon like leather pants on Mick Jagger. Then we'll make a special bail that lays flat so it can be soldered just to the silver backplate without touching the gold. Along the way, Alex will show how he textures, patinas, and tons of other tips and tricks. By then end of this one day class, no stone will be too weird to work with! 

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

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

 

A kit of materials is purchased directly from Alex Boyd. Kit prices range from $190-400 depending on the stones chosen. 

Online students will have their kits shipped directly to them from Alex. In person students will be pick up their kit in 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. 

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.

  • Chain nose pliers
  • Round/flat pliers
  • Parallel pliers
  • Half round pliers
  • #2 and #5 needle file sets
  • Coarse and fine flat hand file
  • Flush cutters 
  • Scriber
  • Fine point permanent marker
  • Bezel roller
  • Sanding sticks
  • Binding wire bird's nest
  • Flexshaft or micromotor
  • 1mm drill bit
  • Jeweler's saw and 2/0 blades
  • Hammer handpiece
  • 3m bristle discs 
  • Torch and soldering setup: soldering surface, pick, Prip's flux and applicator, pickle and tongs
  • (note: dual fuel or propane/acetylene air is recommended)

 

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

Prerequisites:

This is an intermediate level class. Students must be proficient with soldering, bezel setting, and general fabrication skills. We recommend completion of 3-4 fabrication classes or equivalent experience. 

Instructor:

Alex Boyd (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 there is an in person section for this class, in person students each have a bench and a complete set of tools to use, including torches, flex shaft, and more. 

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. 

And now the fine print. Payment in full for class fees is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. Our online registration system accepts credit cards and other methods. 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.