Specialization in Contemporary Jewelry Techniques

Influences | Julieta Alvarez

In this video, I'll share the main influences in my career, both within and outside the world of ceramics. I'll tell you about the artists and creators, both national and international, who introduce me to new worlds, ideas, and inspiring ways of life. I'll show you, through my favorite books, what draws me to them and what inspiration they provide me every day when I create.

Influences | Mariana Romero Laspiur

Aside from natural elements, my main influences are art and fashion. Matisse and Schiaparelli are examples of artists who inspire me. In this lesson, I'll tell you about them.

Module 2

Discover the magic of transforming metal into jewelry with sisters Laura and Ana María Maya Silva, creators of the VATTEA brand. You'll learn to design and create detailed pieces using techniques such as chemical etching and hand-cutting, without the need for welding or blowtorches.

11 lessons (2h 6m)

Tools and materials

In this lesson, we'll show you the metals and tools you'll need and how to organize your workspace to start creating.

Mood board and sketch

It's time to create! Here we'll select the images that inspire us to create the mood board. We'll show you how we begin conceptualizing a collection by making the initial sketches.

Bringing our collection to life

It's time to choose the pieces for the collection and start defining their sizes and shapes.

Preparation of materials and equipment

We'll teach you how to prepare the metal sheets for gluing the templates, what blades you might need, and how to install the blade line and lubricate it for a better cut.

Learning to use the hacksaw

Before you cut your final pieces, it's best to practice with basic pieces to gain confidence and familiarize yourself with the tools. Here's how to do it.

With the jigsaw, jigsaw, and templates ready, it's time to start jigsawing and start letting your pieces take shape.

Draft parts 1

Now we'll shape the piece, then polish and clean it. We recommend reviewing the attached documents; there you'll find a template that will help you make your ball and shape your bracelet.

Draft pieces 2

Preparation of parts for engraving

Once the pieces are openwork, you can further customize them. We'll teach you basic engraving techniques with extensive applications. In this lesson, we'll get everything ready to engrave the pieces.

Preparation of the circuit and engraving of the parts

Here you'll learn how to create the circuit and engrave it. We'll explain why engraving is a great way to personalize your pieces.

11m

Hooks, rings and assemblies

Here you'll learn how to make earring hooks and jump rings to assemble different pieces. With these accessories, you can create more elaborate designs.

Other materials to complement your pieces

We'll show you how you can complement your pieces using other materials.

11m

Module 3

Dare to unite two worlds: metal and embroidery. With Malena Aceto, founder of Pimienta Joyería, you'll learn to create unique jewelry that combines textures, shapes, and emotions, using thread, fabric, and metal to create pieces full of beauty and personal meaning.

13 lessons (1h 52m)

Tools and Materials

I'll start by showing you the tools and materials you'll need to put this technique into practice.

The Workspace

Here I'll show you how to get your workbench in shape to make tasks easier, protect your posture and eyesight, and prevent damage to your project. I'll also teach you how to properly prepare your tools for use.

The Basics of Metalworking

Now that you have the space and tools ready, it's time to start working with metal! Below, I'll explain how to make different types of sheet metal cuts so you can work with confidence.

The Basic Stitches for Embroidering

In this lesson, I'll explain some basic embroidery stitches so you can apply, combine, and add your own touch to your project.

When it comes to finding inspiration for new designs, we all have different sources. In this lesson, I'll show you the main sources of inspirational images I consult for this process.

Generating Ideas

Creating the Design

It's time to put together the design! Next, I'll show you how you can turn the trigger images you found into your own design.

The Color Palette

We've got the design, now we need to add color! So, in this lesson, I'm going to show you some tools to make choosing a color palette easier.

The Outer Fretwork

First, I'll perform the exterior framing of both the frame and the structural member. Then, I'll show you how to match them up and drill the holes for the rivets.

The Inner Fretwork

Ready, I now have two identical pieces of metal. Now it's time to make the necessary interior holes to assemble the frame.

Sanding and Finishing

Now that I have both pieces cut out, I'll show you how to finish them properly by flattening and sanding them. I'll finish by gluing the fabric.

The Embroidery

With the metal pieces finished, sanded, and super neat, it's time to start working with thread and color on the project.

The Riveting and the Final Details

Now that the metalwork and embroidery are finished, it's time to put them together. To do this, I'll show you how to make and attach the rivets, giving you some tips to ensure a neat and professional result.

Care Tips and Other Applications

Finally, I wanted to share some tips you can take with your project to make it last longer. I'll also give you some examples of other ways to apply this technique.

Module 4

Let your imagination soar in the world of jewelry with Mercedes Salazar. You'll learn to create a collection from scratch using natural fibers and traditional Colombian techniques, transforming materials into pieces full of color, texture, and contemporary style.

10 lessons (1h 59m)

Introduction to Artisan Jewelry

In this lesson, I'll talk about the world of jewelry. For me, it's a world that's part of human expression. There's no distinction between imagination and the possibility of materializing an idea using expensive or recycled materials. Jewelry is alive, in the midst of transformation, and responds to a clear human need to protect or beautify.

Materials and Tools in Modern Jewelry

Now I want to tell you about the materials and tools we'll be using in this course. Having them is very important for you to complete the project.

Conceptualization: The Idea of the Collection

In this lesson, I'll explain the different steps you can take to transform an idea, a thought, or even a feeling into a collection. I'll give you some tips that will make this process easy and fun.

Collection Silhouettes and Designs

In this lesson, you'll learn how to transform the ideas and images on your mood board into shapes and silhouettes that can be turned into handmade treasures.

12m

Wire Structures

In this lesson, you'll learn how to make the wire structures you need to weave your treasures from iraca palm.

Learn to Weave with Fibers

Here you'll learn different ways to weave with palm leaves to create beautiful patterns that will inspire you in the world of handcrafted jewelry.

Knit the Collection Pieces

Now I'm going to teach you how to weave the straw earrings for your project.

12m

Assembling the Woven Pieces

In this lesson we will assemble the necklace, then the brooch, and finally the earrings.

19m

Turn These Treasures into Jewelry, Packaging

In this lesson, you'll learn some ways to embellish your designs. I'll show you how to use your creativity to invent ways to package your accessories. This is a very exciting part of the course.

Here I'll give you some tips to make your introduction to the jewelry world as magical as it has been for me.

Final Advice

Module 5

Immerse yourself in Julieta Álvarez's ceramic universe and discover how this technique can be transformed into unique jewelry. You'll learn to design, shape, and glaze your own pieces, creating a small collection that combines creativity, calm, and the charm of the handmade.

11 lessons (1h 8m)

Mood board Inspiration.

Look for ideas, references and inspiration. Search books, social media, documentaries, or any space around you for the collection's . The essential idea from which the collection will be based. From that starting point, I'll explain how to create a mood board with images, words, scraps of materials, or any other material that will guide us in the graphic definition of our collection ideas or concepts.

materials

In this first phase, I will explain the materials and all the necessary tools, as well as the characteristics of each one.

Clay modeled sketches. Creativity.

We've now clarified and organized our inspirations and ideas. And we have the table with all the materials and tools ready for us to begin. Everything invites us to get our hands dirty, and that's exactly what we're going to do. In this video, we're going to create the first sketches of our pieces, and to do so, we need to give our hands as much freedom as we can. It's important to be flexible and know that we can take the concept and transform it with complete freedom when it comes to sketching and imagining the jewelry pieces for your collection. You'll sketch various sizes, formats, profiles, and views of the pieces.

Structure ideas and shape the collection

In this video, with all the pieces outlined, you're left to choose and fine-tune your favorites. The next step is to structure the collection and determine the pieces: a bracelet, a pendant, and a pair of earrings.

Modeling. Basic techniques

Pinching, swatching, and squeezing—I'm going to teach you the basic modeling techniques. I'll do this after you've let your imagination run wild with the pieces so you don't censor your creativity one bit. Now we'll do a brief exercise with each of these techniques, and with that first experience, you'll be able to create jewelry from a new perspective. In this lesson, I'll also talk about types of clay and the entire ceramic process.

Sponged and dried

Once the piece is modeled, you'll sponge and finish the pieces. Meanwhile, I'll explain drying times, tricks, and final textures that can be applied with a punch or other tools.

Cooking in the ceramic kiln

It's time for you to learn about the ceramic kiln. In this video, I'll explain everything about them, how they work, and how you can rent firings. We'll talk about the temperature curve, and finally, you'll learn how to maximize the kiln space and the many "magical" events that take place inside.

Enamel. Techniques and ideas.

For many, this is the most fun phase: the coloring begins! Once the pieces are bisque-fired, I'll explain the types of glazes: powder, suspension, and luster, as well as the firing times, temperatures, and more. I'll also share how to apply them and many techniques for creating original finishes.

10m

Application of fittings

It's time to design the application of the fittings. I'll show you many, and we'll research and brainstorm possible applications. I'll explain how to apply them, how to glue them, and all the tricks involved.

How to take care of the pieces

At this point, you'll already know a lot about ceramic jewelry and will have a thousand new sensations and impressions about this world. But I'm sure there was something you already knew before starting this course: ceramics are delicate and must be protected when moving them. That's right, in this video I'll tell you how to care for your jewelry so it lasts forever.

Packaging and shipping security advice

We often need to ship or transport parts, as well as present them in the best possible way. In this lesson, I'll show you how to prepare a package, taking into account edges and curves, maximizing space, and, above all, protecting it with materials to prevent breakage.

Module 6

Break the boundaries of your creativity with 3D printing applied to jewelry alongside María Romero Laspiur. You'll learn to transform your designs into unique pieces that fuse fashion, art, and technology, creating a collection of original jewelry without the need for extensive resources.

13 lessons (2h 13m)

3D printing applied in jewelry

In this lesson, I'll give you an introduction to 3D printing applied to jewelry and fashion. I'll also show you examples of different designers working with the technique.

Materials and tools

Next, I'll give you an introduction to 3D printing, showing you the different materials used and the finishes we can achieve.

Mood board

It's time to brainstorm ideas and concepts to create our inspiration board for the collection. In this lesson, I'll teach you how to create a mood board to organize them.

Collection Design 1

In this lesson, I'm going to teach you how to create the shapes and structures of the models that will be part of the collection I'm going to create.

After finishing the designs, I'll show you the mockups I created for the pieces that will complete my collection.

Collection Design 2

Scales and textures

Finally, I want to show you how to scale the pieces and define textures and constructions with the production sheet.

Digitization of designs

In this lesson, I'll teach you how to digitize designs you've previously created manually using Illustrator.

Next, I'll explain how to vectorize your designs by creating a 2D plane.

Vectorized

Now it's time to model the planes we previously created in Illustrator. We'll give them the desired volume using the Tinkercad tool.

3D modeling

Slicer 3D

In this lesson, I'll show you how to configure your designs for 3D printing, adapting them to the printer you're going to use.