The Bead Gallery, Honolulu

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Guest Teachers:
Iris Sandkuhler

Our good friend Iris Sandkuhler visits from Northern California to teach exciting hot and cold working techniques! With a background in fine arts and a whole lot of metalworking knowledge, Iris brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to her classes!

The November 2009 workshop schedule is here! This time we are SOLDERING!

Soldered Line Drawings

• Nov. 5th AND 6th (yes, this is a two-day workshop!) - Thursday AND Friday - 5 to 8 pm BOTH days •

Reserve a space in this class via email

Students will expand on their basic soldering skills by experimenting with components through shaping heavier gauges, texturing, polishing, hardening and combining metals such as sterling, gold fill, brass and copper. The shapes easily lend themselves to being used as rings, pendants, chain links and earring components. In addition, students will learn how to construct a home made tumbler.

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Beautiful Bangles

• Nov. 8th - Sunday - 1030am to 430pm •

Reserve a space in this class via email

This workshop is designed to give students a very simple introduction to soldering a bangle. Other topics include bracelet sizing, cutting, filing and polishing. In addition, students will be able to choose between different patterns, a highly polished sterling, mat, or black patina finish. What makes this soldering workshop different from others? It's kept simple, safe and non-toxic. No experience is necessary.

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Please let us know which class(es) you would like to take. Each class is $110.

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Thanks for joining us Iris! Your April classes were a blast!

Here are reviews of her SOLDERING CLASS with our staff in early '09:

I took a soldering class with Iris in Jamie and Jason's garage this past spring. I was interested in the technique because i felt it was a way to expand my jewelry pieces. I wanted to be able to make dangling components for earrings, bracelets and even rings... Ican fuse fine silver, but sterling is sturdier.... AND I was intrigued.

Iris spends a lot of time explaining the history behind soldering, and going over the types of solder and the types of 'joins' and the heat involved, the equipment, the tools, and most importantly SAFETY - very detailed and important information and tips.

I'd say a good 2/3 of the class was spent listening. When we finally got to try our hand at soldering... it was exciting. I must say my rings weren't the most beautiful... but like all other things I've learned - I know that practice is the key.

Sadly I haven't had the chance to practice. My apartment is just too small and I don't have the space to set up the pickle pot and a soldering area... I'm hoping that the Bead Gallery will offer soldering studios for us in the near future... I enjoyed the class and I really can't wait to solder again. the possibilities... they are endless! ~ anna

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Iris really knows her stuff!!! She really had an answer for all of our questions. She is a technician so if you really want to learn the "right way" I would recommend taking her class! ~ charlene i.

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I have been "soldering" at home w/out chemicals ever since I took the class. So glad I did! Can't do beading w/out it. Or is it "can't leave home w/out it." Anyway, it is my American Express card to doing more w/wire! ~ lanette h.

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Iris not only covers basic soldering techniques but she has a wealth of information covering various metal makeup, what can/cannot be used for soldering, even using everyday items in place of chemicals typically used for soldering. ~ aunty linda k.

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Want to be the first to know about upcoming classes with Iris? Send us an email us at workshops@thebeadgallery.com and we'll give you the inside scoop!