Special October classes and courses. 

BUGS {beginning Entomology} EVENING CLASS $70pp 
6:30pm-10pm, October 23rd –

In this class we will discuss harvesting and drying specimen, rehydrating dried specimen, and in class we will practice handling techniques, spreading, mounting, the nuances of posing, display, and maintenance. Students will learn how to put together and maintain their own rehydration chamber, things to check for during all stages of the process to ensure a clean and successful end product, and tips for gentle handling. Students will also build their very own spreading boards for use in class and beyond. We will also cover how to select museum quality materials for displays. Display cases for finished butterflies will be provided

Students go home with their own prepared butterfly, a spreading board that can be used for future projects, an extra butterfly for practice, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future. It is recommended students bring a small bag or box to transport their pieces.

 

 

BIRD Taxidermy weekend $380CADpp (1 space left!)
Saturday and Sunday Oct 24th-25th, noon to 6pm both days. Class size limited to 8  – NO experience necessary!

In this intensive 2 day workshop, we will cover all the basics of beginners taxidermy, focusing specifically on small bird taxidermy. The basics of skull cleaning and wet specimen will also be discussed. Taxidermy is a process of deconstruction and reconstruction, and this class be divided as such, giving students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the process at their own pace.

Please note-

We use NO harsh or dangerous chemicals.

Everyone will be provided with gloves and sanitary equipment.

All animals are disease free.

Although there will not be a lot of blood or gore, a somewhat strong constitution and maturity are necessary. We will be seeing meat. In this manner, a good taxidermist prides themselves on working cleanly!

In consideration of other students, please do not dissect carcasses in class. (You are welcome to take the carcass and dissect on your own, instruction can be provided)

All animals are sourced humanely and according to the instructors code of ethics- nothing was killed for the sole purpose this class.

Please do not bring any raw dead animals with you to the class.

Minors under 18 are allowed in class with the supervision of a parent/guardian over 18. The parent/guardian does not need to participate or buy an extra ticket if they are only there to supervise.

 Purchase your ticket soon, 1 seat remaining Oct 15th!

 

 

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Metal-  Chain chain chainssss, hinges, gold fused onto silver (keum-bo), settings, working with bronze & silver clay. 1 evening per week, starts up Tuesday, October 27th 6:30-9:30pm 9 weeks –     3 student minimum, 6 student max. $380pp   (3 spots remaining!) NO experience necessary!

Step it up! Make your own handmade chains, construct a hinged locket/box. Fuse gold to silver. Learn basic, hand built prong settings, tab settings, and setting free-form cabs/drusy with Sterling hand-cut bezels. Demonstrations of how to construct rolo, cable chain, woven, and weaving over armatures. Participants will also learn how to construct their own closures, and locking mechanisms. Applying gold to fine silver/sterling silver: participants will add texture to silver via hammers and fuse 24k gold foil onto their designs through Keum-bo. Basic prong settings for faceted stones and cabs and working with bronze clay and silver clay.
Materials included:
•Bronze & Silver clay
•Sterling plate 3″x3″ 16 gauge(1.3mm)
•Copper wire (for woven chain practice and armatures)
•Sterling wire (15′ of 19gauge, 6′ half-round 12gauge)
•Choice of 5-8mm faceted stone for prong setting
•Copper & Brass tubing for hinges
•23.5k gold foil for Keum-bo process

Student supplied:
•Druzy, crystal cluster or other unusual cut cabochon for sterling bezel setting
•Saw blades: Purchase good saw blades along with Bur life cutting lube. Recommended blades:  2/0-4/0
•High speed steel drill bits: Choose drill bits that fit with your saw blades. This class is geared towards absolute beginners to intermediate goldsmiths and silversmiths and creative individuals! 🙂