Finishing School: Just Finish it!

Finishing School: Just Finish it!
Saturday, November 22, 10:00 - 5:00pm
Instructor: Maru Almeida
Class Fee: $225 | Material Fee: $15

Prerequisites:  Beginning jewelry making skills

Class format: in studio at Danaca Design

Is finishing the worst part? For a variety of reasons YES! pretty much always... However, if finishing is a problem because your polish is not shiny, your patina is not black and your satin is wrinkly, then this workshop if for you. Join professional jeweler Maru Almeida for the tips and tricks you missed the first time around or maybe never even learned! Over the course of two evenings, you will be introduced to proper positioning and processes for polishing with both a flexible shaft and buffing machine; explore multiple options for mass finishing; learn how to achieve a deep black patina; gain insight for other intriguing surfaces including a satin and sandblasted finish. Students are encouraged to bring pieces in process that they are struggling to finish the way they want. This workshop is for beginning to intermediate students.

Students MUST Bring:

• Jewelry to finish including a ring

• Flexshaft polishing/ finishing bits they aren't sure how to use

• Dust Mask - N95 preferable

 Instructor Bio:

Maru Almeida was born and raised in Mexico growing up surrounded by a rich silversmithing tradition and the work of local artisans. Her curiously of the artistic transformation of metal guided her to pursue both a BFA and an MFA in jewelry and metalsmithing from the University of Texas at El Paso and the University of Oregon, respectively. Through her education she learned the necessary skills for working with precious materials as well as exploring non-traditional materials to incorporate on her one-of-a-kind work. In her work she develops ideas exploring movement, tactility and discovery through the senses; always looking for a true connection to the work through the body. Maru has been working as an artist and professional jeweler for more that 15 years and has taught at several institutions including the University of Oregon and the Seattle University. She also teaches private lessons at her Seattle studio. Maru’s work has been featured in Metalsmith Magazine and is part of the jewelry collection of the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland, Oregon. Her wedding rings have been published in the book "500 Wedding Rings" by Lark Books.

Click HERE to view Maru's work.

Tools are available to purchase through Danaca Design Studio with 15% student discount code. Shop tools HERE. If you don’t see what you need please email us, dana@danacadesign.com.

Review our class cancellation policy HERE.

All students must fill out and electronically submit the Danaca Design COVID-19 Studio Safety Protocol and Waiver form before attending class.