I am in San Antonio, TX for the weekend to attend a few classes in simple metalsmithing. Saturday's class is in setting and soldering. Sunday's class is in surface design and creating jewelry without solder.
The classes are being held at a studio called Wired Design Studios. It is located in a part of San Antonio called "Artist's Alley," a collection of small studios and shops that showcase art, fashion and craft from around the San Antonio area. Visit the various studios and shops found throughout the complex if you're in town. You'll enjoy yourself.
The class was great. The instructor Gail is patient, knowledgable and is a great teacher. In the Saturday class we learned basic soldering techniques, creating a bezel and setting stones in the bezel. Woohoo!!!! A piece of the puzzle has been demystified and I'm so excited about the future of my work.
On a separate note, I also visited a friend from college in Austin. I met his two children and spent time chatting with he and his wife. It is refreshing to see the awe in a child's eye when they see handmade art. The honest reaction from one of the children reminds me of why I am doing this.
Next, a review the "If I had a Hammer" class.
