Jeff Duryea

Jewlery Fabrication Instructor

Beginning students will learn basic technique and use of tools for creating their own jewelry with detailed step by step demonstrations, followed by lots of hands-on practice time. Skills covered will include sawing, filing, drilling, doming, forging, forming, surface textures, soldering, and bezel set stones. This beginning class will include a forged bracelet, a textured pendant, and a ring with a cabochon stone setting. Students advance at their own pace; instruction is individualized as you progress. Students will be given a supply list of tools and materials to purchase to complete projects on the first day of class. You will NOT need any tools or supplies for the first class. $15.00 supply fee for beginners paid to instructor during first class. This class is held in metal studio B.

A Little About Jeff:

I began working as a bench jeweler at my uncle's jewelry store in Royal Oak Michigan. I continued my education at Wayne State University by taking metalsmithing classes. I continued in the Jewelry business as a master model maker for an industry manufacturer while pursuing an MBA at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. I have been an active member (and more recently instructor) at the Craft Guild for over 10 years.

I love combining distinct metals to form interesting organic patterns. I like to allow the metal and the shape of the melded pattern to inspire the shape and context of the piece I am building. Bringing form and function (ornamental) to the raw, diverse palate of metals is my primary objective while working and building ornamental art objects.

I like to focus on fundamentals for beginning students. To me, this means teaching fundamentally sound techniques for hammering, sawing, soldering, and finishing. Additionally, I try to help students develop an eye for symmetry and design elements. The hands-on experience, I believe, is fundamental to developing a sound fundamental technique that may serve them well in the future.