FOOLPROOF FLUSH-SETTING WITH KRISTIN MITSU SHIGA
Add sparkle – and value – to your designs with flush-set diamonds, rubies and sapphires! Flush setting (aka “gypsy setting”) is a fast and easy way to add stones to a piece without distracting from the design with prongs or other elements. Whether you are new to the technique or have tried unsuccessfully in the past, this class is for you!
We’ll begin by creating our own custom tools specifically for this unique setting style. We will be practicing using synthetic rubies, but the techniques covered can be used with any hard, round faceted stones, including natural or synthetic diamonds, sapphires and rubies.
Beginning and advanced students can expect to pick up tips in this fun, fast-paced workshop, including alternative methods for holding your pieces and the proper preparation and use of rubberized abrasives in the jewelry studio.
Students will leave the course with the skill and confidence to securely flush-set round stones in nonferrous metal and a point burnisher they can use for years to come.
All levels welcome (no prerequisite).
INSTRUCTOR:
Kristin Mitsu Shiga (she/they) is a hapa metalsmith, enamelist and educator who has been making in metal using sustainable materials and processes since 1992, and teaching around the world since 1995.
In addition to being shown and collected internationally, Kristin's work has been published in many books and magazines, including Art Jewelry Today, The Art of Enameling and several of Lark's "500 Series" books. Her work can be found in public and private collections around the world, notably the Kamm Artful Teapot Collection and the Permanent Collection of the White House.
One of Kristin's proudest achievements is establishing nonprofit metalsmiting studios and programs that continue to thrive in New York, Portland (Multnomah Arts Center), and Hawai'i . She is excited to be involved with the launch of CMAG's new MakerSpace, and looks forward to seeing you there!
Kristin believes that service is a critical part of any career, and has served in many volunteer leadership roles over the years, including as a former board member and Spring Show Committee Chair for CMAG. She currently serves as an officer of the Board of Directors of the American Craft Council (www.craftcouncil.org) and on the CMAG Education Committee.
DATE: Saturday, October 26th, 2024 (1 session)
TIME: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
LOCATION: CMAG Makerspace
(address will be emailed upon registration)
TUITION: $ 150 CMAG Members
$ 200 Non-Members
SUPPLY FEE: $ 45
The following supplies will be provided as part of your supply fee:
7/8" Dedeco Brown Longlasting SE
7/8" Dedeco Miracle Gold SE
7/8" Dedeco White Flexie SE
7/8" mounted hard felt SE
Fine Koolie Grinding Wheel
3/32" reinforced screw mandrels
1.5mm Uniform Shank Drill
2 mm Ball Bur
2 mm Setting Bur
2 mm Round Lab-Grown Rubies
Brass Practice Ring Blank
14ga Brass Sheet - 2"x3"
Sticky Wax
Dialux Gray Rouge
French Tool Holder with Bulb Handle & 3/32" collet
STUDENTS MUST BRING:
1 old, dull or broken bur or other steel bit with 3/32" shank
Lid from a small jar or tub (we will use these as parts trays)
Silver or gold finished jewelry to add stones to (optional)
If you have them, please bring:
Flex shaft or micromotor
Digital calipers
Diamond Tweezers
Safety Gear:
Apron or shop clothes
Closed-toe shoes
Eye protection
Hair tie (if applicable)
Particulate mask (optional)
Ear plugs (optional)