Calendar

Karen Christians

Founder & Creative Director
Curriculum Vitae

Art Gallery

2012

Metal Texturing Workshop
Saturday & Sunday, April 28-29
Artisan's Asylum, Somerville, MA
http://texturingmetalapril.eventbrite.com/

Description:

In this packed two-day workshop, explore creating diverse and interesting textures on metal using various mechanical and chemical processes. Using brass, copper and silver, students will etch and emboss a myriad of textures like sandpaper, wire screen to emulate fabric or a skeletinzed leaf, and use a specialized jewelry rolling mill to create cutouts.

We'll address the properties of non-ferrous metals, and how they can be modified for a variety of applications. We'll explore a process called photocopy transfer etch, a chemical etching with only saltwater that gives rich and detailed images; we'll modify off-the-shelf hammers by filing and marking to emboss and mark metal patterns;  we'll use a flex shaft to polish with various abrasives; and we'll use riveting and cold connections of samples to various flat objects such as wood panels or books.

Class Goals:

Students will create a personal library of metal samples with textures, etching and embossing to be used later and applied to their own work. Students will learn how to properly use a high end rolling mill, a flex shaft, how to rivet and solder small "washers" as attachments. Students will be learn to operate a jump shear and cut metal on their own.

Prerequisites:

None.

Materials:

A $45 material fee, payable to the instructor on the first day of class, will cover solder, copper, and brass. Students should purchase two small inexpensive ball peen hammers, available from any hardware store, and bring them to class.

Event Time:

This two-day workshop will run on Saturday, April 28, and Sunday, April 29, from 11AM to 6PM, with a break for lunch in the middle.

Metal Soldering for Jewelry & Sculpture
Wednesdays, May 9-30 (Afternoon and Evening sessions available) Artisan's Asylum, Somerville, MA
http://metalsolderingmay.eventbrite.com/

Description:

High temperature silver soldering, or brazing, is a clean and precise way to solder small metals. This class is the foundation of jewelry/small metals fabrication. Students will learn several types of soldering for attachment of bezels for stones, modified and organic prongs settings, T joints, soldering tubing, sweat soldering, pinbacks, earring backs and bales. We will address different types of soldering for small sculpture fabrication and learn about the different solders used for these techniques. We'll discuss the different gases and combinations for fuels used and emphasize proper preparation for achieving perfect solder seams with minimal cleanup.

Class Goals:

Students will solder several sample pieces together which emphasize the different styles and types of joining metal. If time allows, students can work on an independent project such as a band ring or wire ring with a stone. If proficiency is achieved, then students will be given access to solder on their own.

Prerequisites:

None.

Materials:

A materials kit will be provided on the first day of class, purchaseable from the instructor for $45. Silver will be available in wire or sheet or extra solder for a separate fee.

Event Time:

Afternoon Series

Session 1: Wednesday, May 9, 1PM - 3:30PM

Session 2: Wednesday, May 16, 1PM - 3:30PM

Session 3: Wednesday, May 23, 1PM - 3:30PM

Session 4: Wednesday, May 30, 1PM - 3:30PM

Evening Series

Session 1: Wednesday, May 9, 6:30PM - 9PM

Session 2: Wednesday, May 16, 6:30PM - 9PM

Session 3: Wednesday, May 23, 6:30PM - 9PM

Session 4: Wednesday, May 30, 6:30PM - 9PM

Metalcasting with Sand, Bone and Water
Saturday and Sunday, May 19 & 20
Artisan's Asylum, Somerville, MA http://metalcastingsandbonewatermay.eventbrite.com/

Description:

Learn to cast with molten metal without all the expensive equipment! In this workshop, you'll learn to cast three-dimensional metal pieces use simple and versatile molding methods and organic materials. Watercasting will help us create instant serendipitous organic forms. Delft clay offers a swift mold which is inexpensive, and the sand can be reused. Cuttlebone, the backbone of the cuttlefish, is easily carved and can withstand high temperatures.

These methods are a fun and easy way for the beginning jeweler to learn the art of casting. The final products can be made into charms, pendants, rings, or soldered to other components to create larger pieces. 

Class Goals:

Students will learn how to correctly and safely heat metal, the basics of reductive carving in cuttlebone, and how to reproduce simple forms into metal. Students will experiment with all three forms of casting.Introduction to soldering and basic jewelry techniques will be addressed for the completion of projects.

Prerequisites:

None.

Materials:

We will be using a bronze alloy which melts at 1650 F, included in a $45 materials fee, payable to the instructor. Sterling casting grain will also be available for an additional fee; pricing will depend on the weight of the finished piece.

Event Time:

This is a two-day workshop which includes two distinct class sessions: Saturday and Sunday, May 19th and 20th, 11AM - 6PM.

Sessions are sequential and cannot be purchased separately.

Soldering 101
Date/Time: June 1 -3, 2012 10 am – 5pm
Description:   Learn to solder like a pro! Good soldering techniques are the foundation of jewelry and hollowware fabrication. Understanding how metals heat and how to make accurate, well-fitting joints are the real secrets of successful soldering. Information on different gasses, i.e. propane, acetylene, MAPP and natural gas, as well as studio setup concerns.

You will learn:

• “T” joints
• butt joints
• curved joints
• sweat soldering
• fussy fitting for the best connection
• soldering small jump rings to larger cast pieces
• setups for intricate soldering tasks
• multiple solderings on one piece

Students will learn several styles of soldering such as pick style for precision, stick soldering for larger pieces and chip soldering. Students are encouraged to bring any soldering failures or challenges to class.  Basic soldering skills are a prerequisite. Soldering supplies are included in the registration fee.

Recommend purchasing Cleverwerx ErgoLast™ Titanium Solder Pick, Curved Crosslock Tweezers and Straight Tweezers for use in class.
Price:  TBA, Supply kit is $95
Location: Metalwerx
Street: 50 Guinan Street
City: Waltham
State: MA
Phone: (781) 891-3854
www.metalwerx.com

Soldering Boot Camp
Date/Time: June 24 – 28, 2012 TBA
Description: Learning confidence in soldering is the secret to fabrication. This five day class is designed to help you learn all the basic solder techniques and some of the tricky ones as well!  The student will build proficiency in the soldering process through and understanding of soldering equipment, different gasses, studio set-up and torches. Instructor will explain the different solders, the variety in temperatures from various manufacturers and how to maximize the full range of solders beyond the basic hard, medium and easy.

Students will learn pick soldering, chip soldering, and stick soldering. Instructor will also cover how to solder tricky findings on pieces, how to solder on metal clay and how to fuse metal. There will be ample time for students to practice pieces for different styles and learn the proper layout for work with multiple soldering operations. Repetition will reinforce each student’s skill set and students will walk away with a greater understanding of how metal heats and why.

There will be a final project employing all of the soldering types. This INCLUDES A hollow form, textured brooch, pendant or earrings WHICH contain a stone and gold appliqué.

You should be able to walk away from this class not only with a piece of jewelry, but with the confidence to tackle any soldering problem you encounter.

Students of all levels are welcome.  Some Silver soldering experience and basic knowledge of sawing and filing would be helpful to accomplish more in this class.
Price: TBA
Location:  Idyllwild Arts Summer Program – Metals Week
Street: 52500 Temecula Road
City: Idyllwild
State: CA
Phone: (951) 659-4552
www.idyllwildarts.org/summer.aspx
For registration:summer@idyllwildarts.org