Silver I - Heidi Mandich

Silver I - Heidi Mandich

Class | Registration opens 12/2/2024 9:00 AM EST

1
5/4/2025-5/9/2025
View Schedule
$200.00

Silver I - Heidi Mandich

Class | Registration opens 12/2/2024 9:00 AM EST

SILVER l: LEARN BASICS AND CREATE BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY
INSTRUCTOR: HEIDI MANDICH

 

Discover the thrill of using hammers, tools, saw, torch and Imagination to transform plain pieces of metal and wire into beautiful wearable jewelry. Experience the advantages of using Argentium sterling silver (940) in your work.

In this week of discovery we will learn safe studio practices and the basic fundamentals of silversmithing: forging, forming; adding texture; shaping, sawing, piercing and filing. We will also focus on soldering techniques, cold connections and basic stone setting.

We will learn basic fundamentals of silversmithing while creating 2 bracelets and a spinner ring -projects I will provide. Then it's your turn to design and create-under my guidance-your own custom piece (or pieces) that will include a set stone.

The goal of this class is to gain comfort using a torch to anneal and solder; learn how to correctly use hammers, punches and machines to texture and shape; develop proper techniques to saw and file, create cold connections and set a stone.

Class fee includes: printed materials for techniques and step by step detailed instructions for projects along with consumables (fuel, solder, flux, patina, sawblades, drill bits, solder brick, sandpaper, use of tools, equipment plus specialty tools provided by instructor plus materials to complete 4 projects - two in copper; two in Argentium sterling silver. Argentium for additional projects will be available to purchase.

Please wear closed toed shoes and have eye protection - glasses or readers are fine or safety glasses. If you have long hair, please have a way to tie it back.

Class Fee: $195 (includes materials for first 4 projects)
Materials: $50-300 includes Argentium sterling silver and comfort that, if you have an issue, it can be exchanged for a new replacement piece of the same size; cabochons based on size and stone choice and some tools will also be available for purchase.

Mandich, Heidi
Heidi Mandich

Heidi first discovered her passion for metalsmithing while taking a class at the Indianapolis Art Center in 2006. Using hammers, saws, fire and imagination, Heidi enjoys taking simple sterling silver sheet and wire and turning it into unique jewelry for people to enjoy and treasure. She continues to learn from experts in the field every year. “Metalwork…reshaping and reforming metal to become something you have envisioned is exciting …especially when it becomes what was in your head.”

In 2010 Heidi was asked to teach at the Indianapolis Art Center in the same studio where she first learned. She discovered her greatest joy is helping adult students find the same passion of using fire and tools to create jewelry from simple pieces of metal.

In 2011, Heidi took early retirement from her “day job” to follow her passion full time. She does art fairs throughout the Midwest, and continues to teach at the Indianapolis Art Center, and other venues, including William Holland in 2022 (after a 2 year wait 2020-2021). In and around these, she pursues learning opportunities to continue to grow creatively.

In 2014 Heidi was selected to join Indiana Artisans, a juried organization representing the best of art in Indiana as well as CCA Gallery, the oldest member owned coop art gallery in Indiana. In 2022, Heidi was invited to join Art IN Hand; another juried coop art gallery established in 2000, in Zionsville, Indiana. In 2022 & 2023, she was selected as a finalist for the Skip McKinney Faculty of the Year Award at the Indianapolis Art Center.