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Boston Chapter Retreat Sept 10-13 2010
 

Each year members and guests of the Boston Chapter of the ISGB gather for a weekend of sharing, learning, and socializing. This year the Boston Chapter will be gathering from September 10-13, 2010. We will again be at Snow Farm in beautiful Williamsburg MA. Each Retreat is packed with classes and open studio time. As always the flame studio will be open to participants during the entire retreat. The hot shop will remain running into the evening, and other instructors may continue their classes after dinner as well.

Classes run on Saturday(Sept 11) and Sunday(Sept 12). Check in is on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Monday is open studio time. Cost is $195 per member or $210 per guest and includes all meals on Saturday and Sunday and breakfast and lunch on Monday. Friday night meals are not provided.

2010 Classes:
Rivets - Cold connections
All about Soldering
Glassblowing
Fused Glass Buttons & Cabochons for Jewelry
Fusing Small forms
Welding
Bead Weaving

 

"Rivets - Cold connections"

Instructor: Joy Raskin

Riveting is a way to connect pieces of metal & other objects without using heat. It is both decorative & functional, allowing heat-sensitive objects & found objects to be added to jewelry & artwork.  The class will explore various rivets - wire and tube (also known as grommet rivets) which can be invisible or decorative.  Also, mini brass or steel nuts & bolts can be used to join pieces together. The instructor will have a variety of objects to join together & students can bring objects of their own. Estimated cost of materials is between $10 and $20.

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"All about Soldering"

Instructor: Joy Raskin

This workshop will cover the basics of soldering and brazing metal. Using copper, brass, and silver, we will use silver solder to solder metal together. Tips and tricks on successful soldering will be given, and how to set up a brazing torch for the home studio. Even small scale welding with a Little Torch will be shown for welding steel into jewelry or small sculpture. The basic bezel for setting stones will be covered as well so for those of you who have glass gems to set, we can do that. Tips to solder metal with glass will be discussed to avoid breakage.

"Glassblowing "

Instructor: Brian Gingras

Introduction to furnace working. We will be working onn both solid and blown forms. We will be incorporating System 96 inclusions into solid work.

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"Fused Glass Buttons & Cabochons for Jewelry"

Instructor: Debbie Harary

Create buttons and small cabochons for jewelry using basic fusing techniques from tack fuse through dimensional fuse, full fuse, and fire polishing. Work with stringer, dichroic chips, frit, and enamel to layer patterns and develop depth and intrigue in your pieces. Go beyond the rectangular shaped pendant using a saw and lap grinder.

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"Fusing Small forms"

Instructor: Debbie Harary

This class will start utilizing a tack fuse to create a candy dish. Embellishments to your work can be created using stringers, dichroic chips, frit, and enamel painting.

The other part of this class will introduce you to the full fuse process by making a "bubble inclusion" trivet.  Stringers and sheet glass come together to trap bubbles in your trivet to create a festive and unique design in glass. Pocket vases may also be created with added embellishments to hold small flower arrangements.

"INTRO TO WELDING"

Instructor: Alison Stafford

This class will cover the basic concepts and techniques for welding and cutting ferrous metals (metal that sticks to a magnet).  The class includes the following materials: a 24" x 24" sheet of steel, as well as a pile of found objects to rummage through furnished by Snow Farm. You are welcome to bring any metal objects to use or add to the pile but please do not bring any with enameled or painted surfaces. Expect to complete one project; come with a couple of ideas and be flexible.

Some suggestions for possible projects: a small kiln stand, a mirror or picture frame, a creative sculpture (anything really from a figure to an abstract object), a sign for your business or house. 

Look in garden magazines or on the web for more ideas.

The teacher suggests you bring a few things:

            Long sleeve cotton shirt
            Long pants (preferable jeans or other cotton type)
            Closed toed shoes
            Baseball hat 
            Comfortable leather gloves (we have some but they are large and bulky)
            If you own safety glasses (clear and/or shade five glasses)

Get ready to have fun and explore the process of working with metal.

"BEAD WEAVING"

Instructor: Chris O'Connor

For those new to bead weaving we will do an introduction to Peyote stitch by making a bracelet with a medium size focal bead and either a Peyote or a small glass bead closure. As time permits, we will also do a fringe bracelet or necklace project. Bring focal beads and smaller beads to work with.

For students who have been with me before, the class will be "sit and bead". Bring projects you are working on, questions and ideas. I'll bring the usual books/magazines and my collection of directions and give guidance as needed.

I started doing needle felted beads. This technique is very quick to learn and limited only by your imagination. Beads are light weight and can mimic/or complement your glass beads. I will put together starter kits for folks interested in trying needle felting. (Kit cost is $12.)

Extra beading supplies will be available for purchase.

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