April 18 & April 25, 2025
3:00pm-5:00pm
End Caps for Cloisonné Beads
A piece of enamel doesn’t stand alone. In this class, we will cover the fabrication of end caps for cloisonne beads. We will cover two techniques for end caps. The main design is a press-fit cold connection, and even though this is considered an intermediate difficulty, precision and craftsmanship will be paramount. The second design is a more advanced design in which the end caps will be screwed together. This second design is offered purely as a demonstration.
The primary project of the class will be the simpler design, so students should have basic fabrication skills of soldering and sawing for this project.
This individual class takes place over two dates.
June 11 & June 18, 2025
11:00am-1:00pm
Many years ago, a fellow artist suggested that I add diamonds to my jewelry to give it a bit more sparkle. Apprehensive, as I did not want diamonds to be the centerpiece of my work, he explained this simple technique to me.
I went home and taught myself the process, then brought my pieces to the next show. My sales doubled. I now add small diamonds to most of my work, even silver. The cost of these small diamonds is incomparable to the increase in cost they add to the piece.
A Facebook group will be created for this workshop.
All of our online workshops are recorded, and with the purchase of a seat in the class, you have access to the recording(s) between workshop sessions and for 45 days after the workshop ends.
August 1 & August 18, 2025
10:00am-12noon
The Piano or Knuckle Hinge
This class will cover the creation of two distinct hinge styles. First, as illustrated in a photo you will have, we will construct a three-knuckle hinge on textured metal.
The second project will be a more challenging five-knuckle hinge on a panel frame, requiring precisely fitting three knuckles into a two-knuckle material. Incorporating hinges into my work has been transformative. Not only do they enhance a piece’s visual appeal, but they also offer an alternative to traditional jump-ring connections.
All of our online workshops are recorded, and with the purchase of a seat in the class, you have access to the recording(s) between workshop sessions and for 45 days after the workshop ends.
We now offer Zoom classes through Pocosin Art School (Pocosin Arts.)
Classes range from beginning to advanced skill levels. There will be two to four sessions, each lasting two hours. The length of the class will depend on the project. As always, the goal is to finish the project by the end of class.
We are making the classes as close to an in-house studio experience as possible. If you have taken one of my classes over the last twenty years, you will know how attentive I am to details, tricks, and shortcuts.
Here is what you will get from one of my Zoom classes:
- Multi-camera setup: side view, top view, over-the-shoulder, and frontal. This will give you the best view of the work and allow you to see what is happening.
- Monitored and produced sessions. Although I (James Carter) will teach the class, my assistant will be present to monitor student communication so that student questions can be answered in a timely manner. With my assistant producing, I do not have to worry about fiddling with the equipment and can keep my entire focus on the lesson.
- A precise list of materials and sources used in each project.
- Detailed instructions are provided for all steps of the project.
- Classes will be available for viewing for 90 days after the conclusion of class.
- A members-only Facebook page that allows students to ask questions, show work, and share ideas with the community. You will not lose access to this community after the class ends.
The classes aim to have a good time and increase your metalsmithing skills. I’ve been teaching for forty-some years and can assure you that you will come away with much more than what you came in with. A student once called it “the Jimmy Carter Experience.”
I hope to see you on the screen – James
Subscribe to Our Video Courses
Learn Jewelry Making wherever you may be located. We offer Beginner to Advanced Level video courses. Maybe you would like to concentrate on Metalsmithing or Cloisonné? We have you covered.
We even offer courses for specific projects.
