Saturday, November 14 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Turn a Lake Superior riverstone into a one-of-a-kind pendant using sterling silver, hand tools, and traditional metalsmithing techniques.
What you’ll do
Choose a basalt stone collected along the shoreline of Lake Superior, then transform it into a finished pendant from start to finish.
You’ll drill directly through the stone, cut and set a sterling silver tube rivet, and use fine silver wire to create a coiled bail for hanging your pendant. Along the way, you’ll work with hammers, hand tools, a flex shaft, and a small butane torch to shape, secure, finish, and polish each component.
Most stones will measure approximately 1–2 inches long by about 1 inch wide, so every finished piece will have its own shape and character.
What you’ll learn
How to use a hollow-core drill bit and flex shaft to drill stone
How to cut silver tubing for a rivet
How to anneal silver with a butane torch
How to create a double-sided rivet in stone
How to finish and polish the rivet
How to ball fine silver wire with a butane torch
How to create a coiled pendant bail
Great for: Novices–no prior metalsmithing experience needed!
Instructor: Kay Rashka is a local metalsmithing instructor with more than 15 years of teaching experience, including at the Madison Bead Show and Milwaukee Bead & Button Show. She is also the author of Bead Meets Metal.
Schedule
Saturday, November 14 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Cost: $150
Includes one basalt stone, 9.5 mm sterling silver tubing, 16-gauge fine silver wire for the bail, and written instructions. Necklace chain is not included.
What to bring: Wear old work clothes and closed-toe shoes. Long hair must be tied back. Safety glasses will be provided. Bring your own necklace chain or leather cord if you’d like to wear your finished pendant home.