Plenty of folks fill their pockets with pebbles from the shores of Lake Superior (or other places) and want to turn these pebbles into jewelry. In this three-day workshop we will focus on drilling pebbles and basic metalsmith fabrication skills to make pebble chains. Students are welcome to bring pebbles for design consideration, but there will also be time to gather pebbles during the workshop. Students  will make a variety of different chain links using sterling silver wire that incorporates pebbles. To connect the links, we will both solder elements and use cold connection techniques to fabricate the designs. This will be a fun, collaborative class that will give students the opportunity to tap into their design skills through several creative exercises. Students should have the time to make a necklace or bracelet using a favorite chain design. All tools will be provided, and sterling silver will be available for purchase at the time of the class. A materials fee of $20-$45 will be payable directly to the instructor at the time of class. 

Required Tools 

• A way to tie back longer hair
• Small old hand towel to dry your metal pieces
• Fine black Sharpie pen
• Pen and paper for notetaking
• Closed toe shoes

Optional Tools that Might be Helpful

• Tools will be provided, and sterling silver will be available for purchase at the time of class, but students are welcome to bring their own hand tools.
• Flush cutters
• Flat nose pliers – two pairs 
• Round nose pliers
• Half round pliers
• Parallel pliers  
• Needle files (especially the round needle file)
• Half round file or flat file
• Jewelers saw
• Metal ruler
• Eye magnification, if needed to see small detail
• Bibbed apron if you so desire
• Dust mask if you are bothered by fine dust particles