2025 Jewelry Classes
Take a jewelry class with Erika! With over 15 years of teaching experience, and a passion for sharing “trade secrets” that are helpful for all skill levels, you’re sure to learn something new. Located in Pennsylvania, Erika primarily teaches in-person classes on the East Coast, with the occasional online class. Keep an eye out for updates, or sign up for our mailing list so you don’t miss an opportunity to learn.
Classes at Peter’s Valley School of Craft - Layton, NJ
Hoops & Hinges: May 17 - May 18, 2025
Hoop earrings are where it’s at, as we delve into the functionality and ergonomics of hinges and catches. Using sterling silver, copper, and brass, we will fabricate (at least one) pair of hoop earrings from start to finish – exploring closures, hinge styles, and design flow. Participants will be encouraged to come up with their own designs, and will have lots of samples in class for inspiration. Techniques covered in class will include soldering, sawing and filing, forging, riveting, and drilling/finishing with the flex shaft. Some jewelry experience or experience in another craft is preferred.
Articulating Wire Hanging Baskets: October 4 - October 5, 2025
Learn the ins and outs of constructing a hanging steel wire basket inspired by late 19th and early 20th century examples. We will explore chain making, unique cold connections in wire, properties of mild steel, and low-tech steel finishing treatments. A simple basket pattern will be provided, and many antique samples will be discussed and examined in class. Leave with an ergonomic basket ready to hold your favorite plant! This class is low-tech, requiring very few tools, and is suitable for any skill level – keeping in mind that some hand strength is required to manipulate the thick steel wires used in class.
Classes at Touchstone Center for Crafts - Farmington, PA
Elevated Ring Fabrication: June 16 - June 20, 2025
Develop your personal design sense as we take an all-encompassing look at rings – how to design, compose, create unique stone settings, and imbue them with meaning. Utilizing group discussions followed by individualized guidance, you will design a ring using specific design constraints, and we will cover the steps necessary to build it. Techniques covered will include precision sawing and filing, forging, soldering, flexshaft tips and tricks, hammer-setting stones in thick bezels, and finishing. Participants are encouraged to explore and challenge themselves.
