WEEK 1
FOUNDATIONS OF FABRICATION
Sawing • Piercing • Measuring & Layout • Patinas • Textures •Lathe Polishing
This week focuses on the foundations of fabrication including basic soldering, but also moves into the realm or applying patinas, textures shape, as well as the finishing techniques so you can start your Benchmark journey out with a finished piece from the start. Let’s have fun and play with metal this week during open studios so the creativity and excitement unfolds!
WEEK
2
SOLDERING + TORCH TECHNIQUE
Torch Control • Setups and Different Soldering Techniques • Solder Selection •
Troubleshooting • Chains and Mixed Metals • Cleanup
By the second week we will be diving deeper into soldering, teaching the skill needed to push farther into more detailed and advanced fabrication. You’ll learn different types of soldering, advanced setups and actually incorporate and practice these. After getting comfortable and starting those creative juices the first week, you’ll begin a variety pf new projects including work towards a final masterpiece of your design and choosing. During open studios this week instructors will touch base on these designs and projects. But in the meantime show up and play during open studios and see what happens!
WEEK
3
STONE SETTING
Stone Setting Techniques of Cabachon/Tube/Intro to Prong • Layout on curved
Surfaces • Adding Stones to Projects
Here’s to all those gemstones that need a setting! We’ll first work through bezels including irregular, step, curved surfaces and more. Then we will introduce prong setting. Hold on tight but don’t give up. You’ve already learned so much! And while stone setting is challenging we’re here to help. Practice Practice Practice (and maybe one day it will be perfect??? But who cares if not…. you’re having fun right? And who says it has to be perfect when it’s handmade! )
-Hang tight while we finalize Week’s 4-6, but they include Carving and Casting/ Recycling Metals and MORE! Full schedule will be posted soon. In the meantime don’t miss out and secure your space!