JEWELRY MANUFACTURING I
Ms. Meinhart / Chris Telford
Rm 412

Welcome to Beginning Jewelry! It is my goal to make this class as interesting and as challenging as possible. I have an extensive art and jewelry background. I love working with metal and am constantly striving to learn more about it. I have taught jewelry at A.H.S. since 1988 and have had my own jewelry business since 1997.
I will be working to bring you the best class possible. I will expect a lot of creative energy and work from you. Do the best you can and strive to improve your skills. LET’S HAVE FUN!

I. ABOUT THIS CLASS

This class can count as an elective, fine arts or vocational/OJT credit towards graduation. Because of this we will be exploring a variety of jewelry manufacturing techniques as well as the fundamentals of art and design. We will begin with the basic skills required for working with metal; sawing, filing, sanding and polishing. You will learn the difference between fabrication with solder and fabrication without solder. By the end of the semester you will also have a working knowledge of the jewelry studio, the tools it contains and safety procedures.
Each unit will start with several instructional days spent listening to lectures, attending demonstrations and completing handouts. The remainder of the time will be spent applying the skills learned to make a finished and wearable piece of jewelry.

II. SUPPLIES

There will be a $20 lab fee* collected for this class. This fee covers most of the supplies we’ll be using in class including a $5 punch card redeemable for additional supplies, (i.e. extra saw blades and additional sterling silver). However, if you wish to purchase materials beyond the $5 there may be additional charges. (note: any credit left at the end of the semester may be redeemed for supplies only.)
*In order for you to receive all the supplies necessary to complete the projects required in this class you will need to show us your receipt from the business office showing that you have paid your lab fee.

III. PROJECTS

This is a rough timeline of projects for the semester. We may not get to all of these or we may do others.

week one skills exercise / wire-working
week two tool introduction / perfect circle / wire-working
week three perfect circle / enameling
week four enameling / riveted picture frame
week five enameling / riveted picture frame
week six enameling / riveted picture frame
week seven enameling / riveted picture frame
week eight silver ring
week nine silver ring / silver ring varieties
week ten sweat soldering
week eleven sweat soldering
week twelve sweat soldering
week thirteen sweat soldering
week fourteen lost wax casting
week fifteen lost wax casting
week sixteen lost wax casting
week seventeen lost wax casting
week eighteen lost wax casting/final

Independent project(s) of your choice using any of the skills taught at the time assigned.

IV. GRADING

Class Assignments, Tests and Quizzes 70% of Grade

Project grades will take into account design, creativity, presentation, an understanding of techniques taught, adherence to project specifications , and attention to detail (craftsmanship). In-class work will include daily vocabulary, bi-weekly vocabulary quizzes, handouts and serving as shop foreman.

Class Participation 20% of Grade

Class participation is critical to your success in this class. The majority of the
work you will do in here is done in the lab so therefore, consistent attendance is vital.
Five participation points will be earned for every day you are in class, on time and participating.

Leadership 10% of Grade

100 leadership points are to be earned by completing a combination of items for the Leadership Requirements Sheet, ( 50 points by quarter, 100 points by semester).

V. CLEAN UP

For efficiency, health and safety, it is imperative that the studio be kept clean and organized. This is YOUR work space. It will stay only as organized and clean as you are willing to keep it. Remember, four other classes use this studio too.
Daily clean-up will be assigned to table groups on a weekly basis. Failure to participate will result in the loss of participation points.