Wearable and Decorative Arts Fall 2010 Courses

Hands-on workshops for personal enrichment and the exploration of professional alternatives. 

SXW 005 Crafts/Design: The Fine Art of Business
0 credits $130

Does everyone say you should sell your work, but no one tells you how to do it? Learn how to market and sell your art from experts affiliated with trade and craft fairs, shops, galleries, and showrooms. Discuss policies, fees and costs, pricing concepts, and promotional techniques, including booth and exhibit arrangements. Meet successful guest speakers including professionals from the commercial art and craft world along with artists who will share their experiences, emphasizing what's worked well and what to avoid. Program includes advice on resource development, salesmanship, and time management.

Instructor: Alice Melzer, professional commercial artist, photographer, award-winning exhibitor, and art educator with arts and crafts expertise

3 sessions: (55A) October 13, 20, 27

SXW 010 Bauble, Bangle, and Bead Stringing I
0 credits $130

Learn to design jewelry through this foundation course in the ancient art of bead stringing. Each session introduces an elegant and unique jewelry project, including a pair of wire and bead earrings. Pearl knotting and other beadwork stitches are included. Tools, resources, and the range and quality of beads and clasps are discussed within the context of design guidelines and finishing techniques. Produce quality pieces, get a foundation to continue on to more advanced techniques, and be a more savvy consumer when shopping for costume jewelry.

No previous experience necessary. Stringing basics for novices. Separate materials fee for the first class varies to $30, payable at first session. Class limited to 20.

Workshop leaders: Sumako Barnes, jewelry designer; Esther Esses, jewelry designer; and Leah Becker, jewelry designer

3 sessions: (55A) September 25, October 2, 9;
(55B) October 2, 9, 16;
(55C) October 14, 21, 28;
(55D) October 30, November 6, 13

SXW 011 Beadweaving for Novices
0 credits $130

Learn the foundational bead weaving stitches necessary to developing beaded jewelry pieces. Workshops concentrate on peyote stitch, square stitch, herringbone, tubular herringbone and right-angle basic weaves. Excellent follow-up to SXW 010 and recommended prior to SXW 012 and SXW 013.

Class limited to 15. Optional materials fee varies up to $50. Materials are available at each session.

Workshop leader: Jeri Schatz, jewelry designer

3 sessions: (55A) September 25, October 2, 9

SXW 012 Bauble, Bangle, and Beadweaving Techniques
0 credits $130
Prerequisite: SXW 011
Learn a variety of techniques in bead-weaving, making unique bracelets, brooches, earrings, necklaces, and rings. Each hands-on session introduces stitches such as brick, herringbone, netting, and peyote. Be prepared to finish at least three projects.

Class limited to 15. Optional materials fee varies up to $50. Materials are available at each session.

Workshop leader: Jeri Schatz, jewelry designer

5 sessions: (55A) October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3

SXW 013 Intermediate Beadweaving Workshop
0 credits $130
Prerequisite: SXW 012
Students in Bauble, Bangle, and Beads: Fundamental Creative Stitch Techniques continue to work in a higher level.

Workshop leader: Jeri Schatz, jewelry designer

5 sessions: (55A) November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 8

SXW 016 Wire-wrap Jewelry Workshop
0 credits $130

Learn the ancient art of wire-wrapping glass, semiprecious stones, and beads to make one-of-a-kind bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. This program introduces you to a variety of wrapping techniques. Start with free-form wrapping to create a pendant using wire and sea glass. As your skills advance, learn to make various styles of earrings and stone wrapped rings.

Bring to first class 5" round nose pliers, 5" chain nose pliers both are All Craft brand, Italian side cutters and a steel ring mandrel (no grooves). The first three tools are needed for every class; the ring mandrel will be used in the fourth week. Tools can be purchased at All Craft, 135 West 29th Street, second floor. Separate materials fee payable for the first project is $10. Additional supplies will be needed to complete later projects. Class limited to 16.

Workshop leader: Isolina Perez, jewelry designer

4 sessions: (55A) September 15, 22, 29, October 6;
(55B) November 10, 17, 24, December 1
55B Dates Changed to: November 10, 17, December 1, 8

SXW 018 Advanced Wire-wrapping Techniques
0 credits $175
Prerequisit: SXW 016 or wire-wrapping experience
Learn to make wire-wrapped jewelry pieces comparable to ones selling for hundreds of dollars. Master advanced techniques in wire-wrapping, including how to create your own ear wire, French hooks, clasps, chandelier components, pendants, rings, and more. Emphasis is placed on the different wire and hammering techniques, using sterling silver and fine silver round wire in various gauges. Once you've learned these skills, you'll be prepared to make one-of-a-kind fine silver and gold pieces.

Bring to first class tools purchased for SXW 016 and round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, chasing hammer, Italian cutters, 4mm crystals, 20 gauge wire in sterling argentium round approximately 2 feet.
Additional tools: metal block 4x4 or an anvil, 1/2" dowel approximately 4-5 inches long used to shape wire and/or retractable ultra fine sharpie pen, tape measure, metal shears, 1 nail file white 100/180 coarse (found in beauty supply stores), cup bur for 20 gauge wire, 1.8 mm hole punch.
Supplies: eyelets to fit the 1.8 hole made by the hole punch, 1 or more of each-24g copper and sterling silver sheet at least 3x3 in size, assorted jump rings, sterling silver argentium round wire approximately 3-5 feet of each of the following gauges: 14, 16, 18. 1 ounce of 20 gauge wire, if you choose to complete most of the projects using 20 gauge sterling silver round wire. Approximately one ounce of 24g s/s argentium round wire. You may be required to purchase more s/s wire to complete the projects or you can use copper or brass. Three feet of 18g and 20g copper and brass wire. (You can buy a spool of copper and brass, it's much more economical) All supplies listed can be purchased at: All Craft, 135 West 29th St., second floor - (212) 279-7077. Please mark your tools with your initials or a noticeable mark with a sharpie or an opaque pen. Optional supplies and tools will be discussed during first session.

Instructor: Isolina Perez, jewelry designer

5 sessions: (55A) October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11

SXW 100 Collectible Jewelry I
0 credits $135

Learn to produce elegant, finished pieces through European techniques of knotting, weaving, and stringing with pearls, crystals, and semiprecious stones. This program stresses the principles of style, design, and color as well as custom fitting methods. Tricks of the trade are revealed, including where to obtain materials and tools. Classic larger bead pieces are emphasized. Start by making a bracelet from materials provided in the first class and progress to creating your own necklace torsade and a complex woven necklace in subsequent classes. Techniques for both beginning and experienced beaders are taught.

Bring to class a small white terrycloth towel, curved cuticle scissors, one small non-serrated knife, and a compact-size hand mirror. Separate $30 materials fee payable at first session. Class limited to 16.

Workshop leader: Marian Fay Levitt, jewelry designer

4 sessions: (55A) September 7, 14, 21, 28;
(55B) November 16, 23, 30, December 7

SXW 110 Collectible Jewelry II and Beaded Wire Earrings
0 credits $135

Recommended Prerequisite: SXW 100
Continue to develop your jewelry skills as you create more complex designs. Learn how to attach pendants, make jeweled tassels, and design elegant multiple weaves and graduated multi-stranded necklaces. Principles of good design, color, and proper fit are discussed. Make necklaces and earrings working with wire and chain.

Separate $30 materials fee payable at first session. Bring to first session a small white hand towel, curved cuticle scissors, one small non-serrated knife, and a compact-sized hand mirror. Class limited to 16.

Workshop leader: Marian Fay Levitt, jewelry designer

4 sessions: (55A) October 12, 19, 26, November 2

SXW 115 Sterling Silver Link Jewelry Workshop
0 credits $180

If jewelry making is your passion, learn to work in sterling silver to capture the techniques necessary for making links and chains. Workshop begins with construction of a classic sterling silver link bracelet. As your proficiency increases, graduate to making a pin or pendant piece. Let sterling silver add a new level of fashion and value to your work.

Bring to first session an industrial style apron, bench brush, brass scratch brush, goggles, bench pin, 1 pair of flat pliers, 1 pointed pliers, 1 saw frame 5" or 6", # 1 saw blades (2 doz.) and 1 ounce of 2mm sterling silver wire. All materials available at All Craft, 135 West 29th Street, Suite 205. Additional tools, equipment, and materials will be provided, though some additional materials (to be explained at first session) will be required.

Instructor: Garnet Barracks, jewelry designer

4 sessions: (55A) October 5, 12, 19, 26

SXW 125 Handcrafted Costume Jewelry I: From Design to Creation
0 credits $210

Graduate beyond making beaded jewelry to designing and creating unique pieces in brass, copper, or a combination of both. Start with a pendant that becomes a necklace that turns into a brooch. Create your own design or adapt a historic or ethnic prototype. Work hands-on in a specially equipped lab, learning important metal techniques such as cutting, forming, filing, polishing, and assembling. You'll be amazed at how a simple piece of metal transforms into a treasure as you develop proficiencies shared by working jewelry designers.

Bring to first session The Handmade Costume Jewelry Kit, at a discounted price of $170 at All Craft, 135 West 29th Street, Suite 205. Additional tools, equipment, and materials provided.

Instructor: Vladimir Deming, MA in decorative art; decorative jewelry designer; antiques restorer

6 sessions: (55A) September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21;
(55B) October 28, November 4, 11, 18, December 2, 9

SXW 126 Handcrafted Costume Jewelry II: Studio
0 credits $210

Prerequisite: SXW 125
Students who have completed SXW 125 continue to work hands-on, refining their metal-working skills in order to produce beautifully executed, professional jewelry pieces. Program introduces refined techniques and complex projects.

Bring to first class tools purchased for SXW 125. Additional tools and materials provided. Some additional expense for personal project work.

Instructor: Vladimir Deming, MA in decorative art; decorative jewelry designer; antiques restorer

6 sessions: (55A) October 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

SXW 130 Make Your Own Buttons, Bands, Buckles, and Bangles
0 credits $215

Design and make your own buttons, headbands, buckles, and bangles. Work with Plexiglas, a highly malleable, easy-to-use plastic, to create fun, colorful, retro pieces, hot in today's fashion market. The program starts with design coaching and teaches you how to cut, file, shape, carve, drill, polish, color, and finish your pieces. Once you master the basics, you can begin execution on a matching set. Skills learned can be performed at home with a minimum of tools, equipment, and inexpensive materials.

Some additional expense for materials and tools. Bring to first session the kit for this course at a discounted price of $172 at All Craft, 135 West 29th Street, Suite 205. Additional tools, equipment, and materials provided.

Instructor: Vladimir Deming, MA in decorative art; decorative jewelry designer; antiques restorer

6 sessions: (55A) November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, December 7

SXW 200 Knitting for Pleasure
0 credits $150

Learn to make hand-knit, designer-inspired sweaters from start to finish. Workshop teaches you to write your own instructions and to measure and convert properly. Assembly and blocking are demonstrated. Recommended for people with basic knitting skills who are interested in producing sweaters at a fraction of their normal cost. Advanced instruction in more challenging designs and stitches available to experienced knitters.

Bring two sets of straight knitting needles, sizes 8 and 9, and two balls of worsted-weight yarn (same color). Some additional supplies required. Knowledge of basic hand-knit stitches required. Class limited to 16.

Workshop leader: Arnetta Kenney, adjunct assistant professor, Textile/Surface Design; boutique knitwear designer

6 sessions: (55A) October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17;
(55B) October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22

SXW 201 Knitting for Novices
0 credits $150

If you long to take SXW 200, but don't knit or haven't in a long time, learn or reacquaint yourself with the basic hand-knit stitches, fabrics, and techniques in this knitting start-up program. Learn knit and purl combinations, how to measure and fit properly, intarsia color knitting, basic cable stitches, seams, and finishing. A small seasonal project is completed. If you are new to knitting, take this program prior to SXW 200.

Bring two sets of straight knitting needles, sizes 8 and 9, and two balls of worsted-weight yarn (same color). Some additional supplies required. Class limited to 16.

Workshop leader: Arnetta Kenney, adjunct assistant professor, Textile/Surface Design; boutique knitwear designer

6 sessions: (55A) August 31, September 7, 14, 21, 28, October 5

SXW 220 Beginners' Machine Knitting
0 credits $235

Learn to produce garments with a hand-knit look through introductory machine knitting. Whether or not you own a machine, the basic techniques covered enable you to pursue knit production. Attendees start by making a sweater at their own pace and can advance to additional garments in SXW 230.

Workshop leaders:  Marian Grealish, adjunct instructor, Textile Development and Marketing ; and Kathryn Malik, technologist, Textile Development and Marketing

3 sessions: (55A) September 11, 12, 19

SXW 230 Machine Knitting II
0 credits $235

Prerequisite: SXW 220
Continue to develop machine-knitting skills learned in SXW 220 using your own standard gauge tools. Program stresses sophisticated stitches and additional garment construction at the intermediate and advanced levels.

Workshop leaders: Marian Grealish, adjunct instructor, Textile Development and Marketing; and Kathryn Malik, technologist, Textile Development and Marketing

3 sessions: (55A) September 26, October 3, 10 

SXW 400 Learn to Sew Like a Pro I
0 credits $235

This basic sewing workshop teaches professional techniques employed in the fashion business. Utilizing the college's industrial equipment, learn how to sew and produce correctly finished, professional looking pieces. The program includes layout, cutting, construction, and finishing of garments. Attendees use a commercial pattern to sew a pajama-style bottom—long, cropped, or capri—working in cotton or cotton-type fabrics. Appropriate sewing techniques for a variety of fabrics and fabric resources are covered.

Separate $10 materials fee payable at first session.

Workshop leader: Joan Endres, professional designer

5 sessions: (55A) September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10;
(55B) September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10;
(55C) October 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21;
(55D) October 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21

SXW 425 Hand Sewing, Mending, and Alteration Essentials
0 credits $205
1.5 CEU
Learn professional hand-sewing techniques that can save time and money. Lessons include how to do a proper hem for dresses, pants, and skirts, and how to shorten sleeves on tailored jackets. Repairs such as buttons, eyes, hooks, snaps, and zippers are taught. Also included are basting and stitch-style techniques. These skills complement careers in styling, image, events, and wardrobing, and will banish costly alteration fees from your life.

Bring to first session 12" ruler, tailor chalk or invisible pen, embroidery scissors, assorted buttons, hooks and eyes, snaps, 1' of solid cotton fabric, needle, and thread. Additional supplies discussed at first class.

Workshop leader: Ruth Katz, professional wardrobe costumer, stylist

3 or 4 sessions: (55A) October 3, 10, 17, 24;
(55B) November 6, 13, 20, December 4;
(55C) November 7, 14, 21, December 5