Education In Motion - Courses We Offer

Courses Offered
Dedicated to the advancement of the jewelry making arts, Rio Grande offers classes for both beginners and experienced professionals. Each class is categorized to help you know whether it is intended for those who have little or no experience, those who have acquired some experience, or for those who require more advanced classes.

Unless otherwise stated, all necessary tools and materials are provided for your use during the class. Most are available for purchase separately; please ask your instructor.

If you have ever wondered about the exciting field of jewelry production or design, or if you are working to expand or improve your existing skills, please see our current schedule of available class offerings.

Basic Bead Stringing
Learn to string, crimp and weave with Swarovski^® beads and sterling silver findings. Each student will make a lariat necklace and tassel earrings to keep.

Intermediate Bead Stringing
Strengthen your beading skills by learning to use weaving techniques and cones and by learning to make basic findings. Each student will create a necklace and earrings to keep.

Pearl Stringing with the Tri-Cord™ Knotter
Learn the techniques to tie pearl strands using the Tri Cord™ Knotter and French wire (bullion). Use these skills for knotting all types of bead strands. Your finished piece is yours to keep.

Basic Bench Skills
Learn basic bench techniques including layout and design, drilling, piercing, sawing and filing. Basic hand tool use will be covered. Each student will complete projects to keep.

Basic Casting
Learn not only the step by step basics of casting, but also the cause and effect for each step so you are better prepared to manage and adjust your process. The course will cover waxes, molds, investing, burnout, equipment, metals, quenching/devesting, clipping and inspection. Class includes hands-on work and discussion time.

Beginning Lampworking Beads
Students will learn the basics of making lampworked glass beads using Minor Bench torches. Safety issues, using frits, enamels, foils, making stringer, and a variety surface decoration techniques will be demonstrated and taught. Class time will be spent on demonstrations and hands-on learning. Students will go home with many of their own beads as well as an understanding of how to set up their own home studio. All materials will be furnished. Each student will have their own torch and ventilated station with tools and glass for the duration of the class!

Beginning Dichroic Glass
Create sparkling dichroic glass jewelry and learn about the basic terms, components and elements of glass fusing using System 96 glass. Learn tricks and techniques for glass cutting with hands-on practice. You will enjoy making several pendants and a pair of earrings in class. Your creations will be fired overnight. You are welcome to join Edythe who will teach finishing techniques from 9:00am - 10:00am the following day or you may pick up your glass pieces at your convenience. Also, they can be mailed to you via U. S. Priority Mail for a shipping/handling fee of $6.00.

Metal Forming
Create a sterling silver neckband, bracelet and domed earrings while learning to form wire and sheet into wearable jewelry. Learn to use professional jeweler’s tools while working at a jeweler’s bench.

Beginning PMC^®
Using this exciting fine silver clay-like material, you will learn to mold, sculpt, texture and finish three ready-to-wear PMC^® pieces. When class is over, take home the pieces you have created.

Intermediate PMC^®: Gemstones & PMC^®
Build on your skills. Learn techniques to set natural and synthetic gemstones. Students will create a properly sized gem-set ring and and will learn syringe techniques to create a gem-set pendant. PMC experience necessary.

Intermediate PMC^®: Bezel-Setting
Advance your PMC versatility! Incorporate cabochon stone setting in your designs. Learn how to embed bezel cups and how to properly set stones.

Basic Soldering
Learn the basics of soldering on sterling silver and gold. Each student will make earrings, a bracelet and a pendant.

Intermediate Soldering
Learn advanced layout and assembly using various soldering techniques including investment soldering. Students will fabricate wire- and box-style heads, learn to assemble multiple components into a ring and make a dome pendant with bridgework and fabricated bail.

Basic Stone-Setting
In this two-day class, learn to bezel-, tube- and prong-set stones while making a variety of stone-set pieces including sterling silver and CZ earrings, a ring and a pendant.

Intermediate Bead- and Bright-Cut Setting
Learn Gypsy (flush-mount), bead- and bright-cut, and channel setting techniques with theory and hands-on practice. Students will keep their workpieces. Stone-setting experience is necessary.