An example of a necklace made by Bobbi Shaffer, who will be the instructor for the upcoming jewelry making courses at Penn State DuBois.
DuBOIS, Pa. — Continuing and Community Education at Penn State DuBois is preparing to offer beginner and advanced jewelry-making and metalsmithing courses to give students the experience of exploring the technical challenges, the discovery of design, and creating their own jewelry.
In the beginner course, participants will learn basic metalsmithing techniques such as fabrication, piercework, surface treatments, annealing and cold-joining. No prior metalsmithing or art knowledge is necessary for this class. Experienced students are also welcome.
Participants will create two to three pieces of finished jewelry. Potential projects include pendants, brooches or rings. Basic materials will be provided and are included in the cost of the class. Students will be required to bring a small tool kit. A link to purchase a kit will be provided upon registration for those without tools.
The advanced course allows those who enjoyed the beginner course, or those who have been doing metalsmithing on their own, to learn more advanced skills. In this class, students will learn advanced jewelry fabrication and soldering techniques, stone setting and torch enameling. Knowledge of jewelry saw and basic metalsmithing techniques are a must. Information and a link to purchase a small tool kit will be provided upon registration for those without the required tools. Basic materials will be provided and are included in the cost of the class. At this stage, students may purchase their own materials if they wish.
About the instructor
Bobbi Shaffer Ingram is a silversmith and jewelry maker with studios in DuBois and Amarillo, Texas. She received her undergraduate degree from Penn State and a master of fine arts in jewelry and metals from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. For 17 years, Shaffer has been creating art jewelry as well as clean and classic wearable designs. Her jewelry line can be described as simple, earthy, timeless designs that promise endless wearability. Shaffer is also dedicated to teaching others the art of metalsmithing.
“Our jewelry making and metalsmithing courses have been very popular here at our campus,” John Brennan, director of continuing and community education at Penn State DuBois, said. “Individuals come away from these courses with a great sense of accomplishment and have tangible items that they can display proudly. Bobbi is an amazing and knowledgeable instructor, and we are so lucky to have her. Both courses are such great experiences, we would highly recommend them to anyone.”
Registration is currently open for both courses. There are limited spaces available in both the beginner and advanced level courses and the registration deadline for both courses are Tuesday, March 4.
- The beginner course will take place on Tuesdays between March 11 and April 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost is $210 per student and does not include the small tool kit that is required for the course, which is approximately $70. A link to purchase a tool kit will be provided upon the registration being completed.
- The advanced level course will take place on Thursdays between March 13 and April 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost is $210 per student and does not include the small tool kit that is required for the course, which is approximately $70. A link to purchase a tool kit will be provided upon the registration being completed.
Registration for both courses is available to be completed online through the jewelry making and metalsmithing webpage.
Continuing and Community Education at Penn State DuBois is a bridge between Penn State resources and our partners, including business and industry, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and state and federal agencies. Our programs cover manufacturing and quality, engineering, human and health services, food service, computer and electronics, construction, professional and business services and more.
To learn more about courses offered by continuing and community education at Penn State DuBois, visit the website.
