Are you already browsing for holiday gifts just to avoid the madness of the holiday rush at Christmas time? Or, are you dreading it because some of your loved ones are hard to shop for? Maybe some combination of these? Harold Studio can help you reduce your pre-holiday stress! We offer classes throughout the year. We have options for every skill level. From beginner, to intermediate and seasoned jewelry designer.   We also sell jewelry design supplies and tools at our studio in Phoenix, AZ.  All of these make great gifts! Here’s a list of gift ideas for the creative soul in your life. For the Beginner Jewelry Artist: Jewelry 1 Class --This class covers all the basics a metalsmith jewelry artist needs to know to develop their craft. Hand sawing earrings, soldering to make a ring, to creating patinas textures and more. This 8-week class will help your novice loved one become proficient at the art of metal jewelry design.   For the Mid-level to...

You were excited to see that at least a few of your projects finished in your introductory level jewelry class was successful, now you’re ready to expand what you learned. Here are some tools that will help you add interesting and fun details to your work. Center Punch – is a simple tool used to do as its name implies – it ‘punches’ or makes an indention in metal. This makes it easier for your drill to stay centered when making a hole in the metal. Since it stabilizes the drill, you’re less likely to damage the metal as you drill. Drilled holes can be a design element in and of themselves. However, they’re often utilized as a connection point for other jewelry parts – like a bail on a necklace, for example. Rolling Mill – A rolling mill serves multiple purposes. It can flatten/thin out sheet metal and wire. It can also be used to apply texture and designs to your piece. Durston is one of the most respected manufacturers of rolling mills on the market. No matter which brand of ro...

You were asked to use your jewelry metalsmith skills to make something for someone else’s product line.   It’s exciting!   Such opportunities are a good way to make some regular money for a period of time, get your name out there in a new way and work in collaboration with designers, or entrepreneurs. However, it’s your first offer of this kind, it can also be a bit overwhelming – especially if you haven’t created anything like the particular design requested of you. You want to be fair to your client, and yourself in regards to your time and the cost of materials. What does that look like? A contract agreement of some kind?  Here are some essential details Harold Studio recommends considering and including in a contract before you agree to take on the work. 1.      Arrange for a beta production period where you are paid to design and create from their specs a sample of prototypes for approval. This way, you know how long a certain piece ta...