My Beginning Silversmithing Class reads like a book with hundreds of photographs that plays on any computer, including Macs. I have been told that it takes over 400 pages of 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheets. I have taught well over 1,000 people to be successful Silversmiths and jewelry makers. I will teach you every aspect of Silversmithing through making a ring usually of "southwestern" style design.
This class is taught from the following view points:
1. It will be taught as a metals class not an art class.
All the basics of metal smithing for the creation of jewelry will be taught with Mr. Norris’ unique techniques he has learned over the
past 30 years of studying and teaching silversmithing.
2. Soldering: You will taught to use nothing but hard solder for all solder joints on new construction. It is easier, faster, and makes better
jewelry! For more information E-Mail dnorris@frii.com and you will be sent sever web sites that will convince you to throw away
your easy and medium solder! Learning how to be an expert with a torch is the secret and it is not that difficult!
3. That everyone in the class will want to do Silversmithing to make a living. An emphasis will be placed on designing, making and selling
jewelry for a profit. If you wish to do Silversmithing as a hobby, that is fine, but after taking this class you will be able to make
nearly any type of silver jewelry and it will be good enough to sell. How to sell your jewelry will be discussed and taught!
4. Below are some other unique, even controversial, techniques and theosophies that will be taught.
You will be taught to spray on your flux and use it as a temperature gauge for soldering.
You will be taught what flux does, and that flux does not “clean” the silver.
You will be taught that you can not use too much flux
You will be taught to use nothing but strip (sheet) solder in large snippets, not those silly little tinie, tiny snippets, and for sure not to
use wire and paste solders!
You will be taught how solder works on a physics level so that you fully understand why and how to solder correctly.
You will be taught to use a $10.00 torch from Ace Hardware. It will make you thousands of dollars worth of jewelry so that you can
purchase more important tools and equipment. The best torch for silversmithing will also, of course, be shown and
discussed.
You will be taught that if you are doing repairs, YOU ARE LOOSING MONEY!
You will be taught that every time you pick up a jeweler’s saw, YOU ARE LOOSING MONEY!
You will be taught never to use rouges.
You will be taught to never worry about “fire coat” or “fire scale” and why.
You will be taught a way to make a bezel that will forever change the way that you make them. FAST AND PERFECT!!!!
You will be taught why you should never use any thing but serrated bezel.
You will be taught why you will never want to use a “jeweler’s bench”.
You will be taught that you only need two files to do all your filing on sterling silver.
You will be taught the difference between working with silver and gold.
You will be taught that if you are a beginner you should not even work in gold and why, if you do, you will loose money!
You will be taught many unusual ways to sell your jewelry, and for a good profit.
This is not a “project class”, you will only make one “Southwestern” or “American Indian” styled ring.
By making it you will learn all the basics to make just about anything!
“If you are a beginner, I will teach you everything you need to know to become a successful, profitable Silversmith!
If you are an experienced silversmith, I will teach you to work quicker, make better jewelry and make more PROFIT!”
Don Norris
