There is a $50 registration fee for all of Marissa's classes taught at Spark, which is due upon registration. The materials fee is payable to Marissa either via credit card (PayPal) or cash. If you would like to pay by credit card, please provide your email address at the time of registration and an invoice will be sent to you. Please note that tax is charged on the materials fee.



Metal Clay Basics
Metal Clay allows you to create unique pieces of silver jewelry. It consists of microscopic particles of silver or gold suspended in an organic binder to create a pliable material with a consistency similar to modeling clay. After firing, what remains can be hallmarked as .999 silver or gold.  In this class, you'll create a pendant, earrings, and bracelet as you learn about working with Metal Clay, kiln firing, and finishing techniques with visiting expert Marissa O'Brien.
Fee: $150, includes class fee ($50) and supplies kit ($100)
Skill level: Beginner
Offered:
TBD

Metal Clay Finishing Techniques
Learn about liver of sulfur and using different sanding techniques including a mirror finish, cross hatch, and doming. Students will be able to add patinas ranging in color from gold to blue-green, add different finishes to the metal based on the filing technique, and also dome their pieces using doming blocks and dapping tools. Students should bring their pieces from the Basics class for this session. Pieces will need to be fired prior to attending class.
Fee: $80, includes class fee ($50) and supplies kit ($30)
Tools: Set of 6 finishing papers (provided by instructor) and use of instructor's liver of sulfur, files, burnishers, and sunshine polishing clothes.
Skill level: Beginner (pre-requisite: PMC Basics)
Offered:
TBD

 

 
Metal Clay Rings
Students will the techniques to make metal clay rings.  Students will also have the option of setting a CZ in their ring.  Supply kit includes Metal Clay + 18 gram, 1 CZ stone, use of instructor’s tools, texture plates, stamps, finishing supplies and kiln. A ring mandrel and raw hide mallet will be used in this class.  *Students are required to bring metal clay slip and syringe to class.  If you do not have either of these, please email the instructor prior to the class to order these supplies.  Slip is $30 and the syringe is $20.
Fee: $120, includes class fee ($50) and supplies kit ($70)
Skill level: Beginner
Offered:
TBD

Metal Clay Earrings
Students will learn the basics of Metal Clay (shaping, texturing, desigining, and finishing) as they create a pair of earrings.  Class kit will include an 18 gram packet of Metal Clay, fine silver wire, and sterling silver earring hooks. The class will also include using liver of sulfur to add patinas to the metal and use of the instructor's dapping block and punches to dome the earrings, if desired.
Tools: Round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, and wire cutters (You may bring your own tools. Tools are also available for purchase at Spark or you can rent tools for $5.  Rental fee can be applied to tool purchase at the end of class.)

Chainmaille: Persian Weave
Chainmaille is an ancient technique of connecting jump rings to form patterns. Using sterling silver jump rings and flat nose pliers you will learn the Persian Weave. The class kit includes sterling silver jump rings and a sterling silver clasp to make a 7.5" bracelet.
Fee: $120, includes class fee ($50) and supplies kit ($70)
Tools: Two pairs of flat nose pliers (You may bring your own tools. Tools are also available for purchase at Spark or you can rent tools for $5.  Rental fee can be applied to tool purchase at the end of class.)
Skill level: Beginner
Offered:
TBA


Chainmaille: Japanese Flower Bracelet
Learn how to create fabulous jewelry pieces by creating your own chain maille. This ancient art form is still popular with jewelry makers today. In this class, visiting expert Marissa O'Brien will show you the basics of making chain maille and help you make a Japanese Daisy Flower bracelet.
Fee: $130, includes class fee ($50) and supplies kit ($80)
Tools: Two pairs of flat nose pliers (You may bring your own tools. Tools are also available for purchase at Spark or you can rent tools for $5.  Rental fee can be applied to tool purchase at the end of class.)
Skill level: Beginner
Offered:
TBD

Chainmaille - Byzantine Bracelet and Earrings
Using an ancient technique, students will learn how to use 16 gauge sterling silver jump rings to create a bracelet and matching earrings.  Students with previous experience working with jump rings should be able to finish the pieces in four hours; others may need to finish the bracelet in class and work on the earrings at home.  Supply kit includes 16 gauge sterling silver jump rings, sterling silver
toggle, and sterling silver earring wires.
Fee: $120, includes class fee ($50) and supplies kit ($70)
Tools: Two pairs of flat nose pliers (You may bring your own tools. Tools are also available for purchase at Spark or you can rent tools for $5.  Rental fee can be applied to tool purchase at the end of class.)
Skill level: Beginner
Offered:
TBD