Advanced Classes

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Some techniques require a bit of experience before trying to learn them. This might be having more practice at fine soldering control (for creating claw settings) or patience with drilling and fitting stone when doing Bur setting. 

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We keep these classes open to those with some experience so that students are all at a similar level, and have the best chance of achieving great outcomes.  It also keeps the cost and length of the courses down because tutors don't have to go over all the basics for every class. 

If you are unsure if you have the right experience for an advanced class, reach out and check with us! We can discuss your previous experience and your needs for the classes you're interested in to help you grow your skills. 

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Advanced Stone Setting: Simple Basket Settings.

This is a technique taster + session where students are shown the basic tools, technique and steps to create a simple round or oval basket (claw) setting, then how to set faceted stones. We hacve split the class over two days so that the fiddly details are not too exhausting. The class itself is 3 hrs on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Day 1: Students will get to watch and learn from a detailed demonstration, then take on at least one of their own settings using copper or brass to practice. They will also be issued suitable sterling silver to craft a silver setting if they wish - or they can use that later.

After class,  additional time is available for students to stay on and continue using the studio equipment, and complete their setting construction.   

Day 2: This class focuses on preparing the setting for inserting the stone and closing the claws as well as finishing and polishing around stones. Again there is a 3 hour class, with time after class for students to finish setting their stone.

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This course is designed to give students the first steps to learn construction of basic basket / claw settings. Students should expect to then go away and continue practicing the techniques they have learned  either solo or in their regular classes in order to refine and have success with their settings. 

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Basic materials (up to 6 grams of sterling silver, copper, brass and 2 faceted CZs are provided

along with all tools required. As always extra stones and materials are

available for purchase, along with specialist setting tools.

Next Class: 4 & 5 November 10am - 1pm

Additional independant practice time available after the class each day (until 4pm)

Course fee: $248 / Early bird until 28 Oct: $220.50

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Big Stone Setting - 4 wk block (Ōtaki Studio)  

This class will be held at the tutor's home studio in Ōtaki Beach. 

Spend 4 mornings with Vaune Mason tackling large bezel fabrication. 

Creating large settings presents unique challenges in forming the setting,  holding the heat while soldering, and then finally setting the stone smoothly and getting a great finish.

Students can work on chosen stones that your tutor deems suitable for the class, stones or cabachon forms will also be available for purchase. 

Please note the class fee is higher for this workshop as there is a larger

than normal class materials allowance.  As always materials may need to be

purchased depending on your chosen metal and project.

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The aim of this class is for students to finish a completed item such as a large

pendant, brooch, ring or even a round container. 

 

Next Class: TBC - class postponed

 Early Bird Pricing:  $292.50

Full Price: $325

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Advanced Stone Setting: Bur Setting.

This is a technique taster + session where students are shown the basic tools, technique and steps to create a simple small Flush Setting using round faceted stones and setting punches or pushers. The class is 3 hrs, and each student should get to watch and learn,

then take on at least one of their own settings on a practice piece of silver. 

Additional time is available after class for students to stay on and continue

using the studio equipment, and practice a few more settings.  

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This course is designed to give students the first steps to learn flush setting for small stones. Students should expect to then go away and continue practicing the techniques they have learned in order to refine and have success with their settings. 

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Basic materials (4 small faceted CZ and a silver setting blank) are provided

along with all tools required. As always extra stones and materials are

available for purchase, along with specialist setting burs and other tools. 

Next Class: TBC

Additional independant practice time available after the class (until 4pm)

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Kiln Fired Enamel Day (Ōtaki Studio)  

This class will be held at  our small studio at Ōtaki Beach. 

A full day class with Natalie Halley in texuring and foldforming silver then

applying beautiful transparent glass enamel using our enamels kiln.

This class is open to those with some experience in either metalwork (silver)

or enamels. The focus of this workshop will be to create and finish

your pieces  beautifully. A small class of up to 6 students in our

peaceful Ōtaki beach studio - BYO lunch. 

Next class : TBC

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