What's Your Poison? Rings with a Catch

What's Your Poison? Rings with a Catch
Instructor: Maru Almeida
April 29 - May 20, four Monday nights, 6:00-9:30pm
Class Fee: $425 | Materials fee: $10 pay to instructor, Materials list

Class format: in studio at Danaca Design

Prerequisites: soldering and basic metal working skills

Class Description

In this 4 night workshop we will not only discuss the mysterious history behind the Poison Ring but also learn the multiple techniques to create such a fun and challenging artifact. Students will construct a small container with hinges and a clasp all set atop a ring shank with or without a set stone, you pick your poison ;) An excellent technical skill builder, this class will explore the many different ways in which you can integrate the ring and container using the technique that best suits your individual taste and skill level. Although the Poison Ring may be behind many dark stories of plotting and revenge, they also where used for personal keepsakes. So whether it is a poison, a potion, a keepsake or your inner secrets…only you will know what is inside that beautiful ring you just made. Beginning to Intermediate level, must have soldering and basic metal working skills.

Materials INCLUDED:

• Solder, flux, tube and wire for hinge

Students MUST Bring:

• 22 gauge sheet metal, approximately 2x3” sterling or brass (available in studio store)
• 24 gauge sheet metal sterling or brass approximately 2"x1"  (available in studio store)
• Thicker sterling silver material for ring shank if not constructing a fully hollow ring (available in studio store)

Students MAY Bring:

• A selection of 18-16g round or square wire to embellish rings (round available in studio store)
• Cabochon stone or other found objects for embellishments if desired (preferred bezel -or we can make your own from the sterling sheet) (available in studio store)
  textures for roller printing or stamps for embellishment
• half round pliers
• nylon jaw pliers
• planishing hammer
• small rawhide hammer
• needle files
• hand/habilis files
• sandpaper/sanding sticks
• bring what you may want to place inside the secret container on your ring
  

Instructor Bio:

Maru Almeida was born and raised in Mexico growing up surrounded by a rich silversmithing tradition and the work of local artisans. Her curiously of the artistic transformation of metal guided her to pursue both a BFA and an MFA in jewelry and metalsmithing from the University of Texas at El Paso and the University of Oregon, respectively.
Through her education she learned the necessary skills for working with precious materials as well as exploring non-traditional materials to incorporate on her one-of-a-kind work.  In her work she develops ideas exploring movement, tactility and discovery through the senses; always looking for a true connection to the work through the body.
Maru has been working as an artist and professional jeweler for more that 15 years and has taught at several institutions including the University of Oregon and the Seattle University. She also teaches private lessons at her Seattle studio.
Maru’s work has been featured in Metalsmith Magazine and is part of the jewelry collection of the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland, Oregon. Her wedding rings have been published in the book "500 Wedding Rings" by Lark Books.

Learn  more about Maru, HERE.

Review our class cancellation policy HERE.

All students must fill out and electronically submit the Danaca Design COVID-19 Studio Safety Protocol and Waiver form before attending class.