Discover the Best Jewelry Soldering Classes Online
Jewelry soldering is a process where two pieces of metal are joined together with a metal alloy called solder. A soldering iron or torch is used to melt the solder, and that melted solder is used to bond the two pieces together. A substance called flux is also used to help the solder stick to the jewelry. This skill requires a steady hand, and the use of specialized equipment. Expert solderers are so good that they can often create a bond that is invisible to the naked eye.
Why You Should Learn Jewelry Soldering Online
Learning jewelry soldering can be both practical and personally rewarding. It will give you the skill to fix your own jewelry, meaning that you won’t have to pay a professional when something breaks, and you’ll also be able to keep wearing your favorite items for longer. In addition, you can use your soldering skills to modify items to fit your own style or needs, or to create completely new items. The process of modifying or creating jewelry is a very creative activity that can come with a lot of personal satisfaction.
Virtual Jewelry Soldering Classes
In recent years, online classes have become popular all around the world. You’re likely to find a number of different options if you want to take an online jewelry soldering class. The great thing about online classes is that you’re not limited to options that you can commute to; instead, you can enroll in a class based on the other side of the country if you want to. Just be aware that if you learn online, you’ll probably need to supply your own soldering equipment and other materials.
Hammered Earring is a virtual class that meets via Zoom. Participants learn about different materials and techniques for making earrings, and watch a live demonstration. They learn how to make a jump ring, how to solder, how to forge, how to make findings for the earrings, and finishing. There is also an open forum for questions and answers. This class runs for two and a half hours and costs $50. EatMetal is a gallery and studio that was founded by artist and jewelry maker Elizabeth Ann. She creates one-of-a-kind jewelry, and also offers a number of different jewelry-making classes. Her gallery is located in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Students who want to learn more about jewelry making might also be interested in Wire Art Jewelry Making, a virtual class that runs through East Los Angeles College. East Los Angeles was founded in 1945, and is a community college that serves over 30,000 students. It offers both in-person and virtual classes. In Wire Art Jewelry Making, students learn a number of different linking techniques for earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. They learn about making jump rings, charms, spacers, and clasps, and attaching beads with solderless wire. Tuition is $35, and each class has an average of 20 students. Students should request a list of required materials at the time of registration.
Students will also find a number of different virtual jewelry-making classes offered through Los Angeles City College. This community college is near downtown Los Angeles, and provides both in-person and virtual classes for more than 18,000 students. It has been operating for more than 90 years, and is one of the oldest community colleges in the Los Angeles area. In Jewelry Making: Wire Wrapping Colorful Jewels students learn a variety of wire wrapping techniques. They use solderless wire to make an outline of an object, then wrap it with wire and beads. Using these techniques, they can make figures for bracelets, necklaces, and pendants. To participate in this class, students need round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, a flush-wire cutter, flat-nose pliers, and a black Sharpie marker. Bail making pliers and nylon-jaw pliers are optional. The class costs $35.
Private Online Group Jewelry Soldering Classes
If you’re trying to plan a unique and entertaining group activity for a party or a work team-building event, take a look at CourseHorse’s private group classes, including private group jewelry soldering classes. CourseHorse tries to make your booking process as simple as possible, with no registration needed, and no booking fees. You’ll get confirmation of your booking within 24 hours, and in most cases, the provider will let you make changes up to 72 hours before the event, as long as you meet the minimum group size.
Polymer Clay Jewelry is a popular virtual class for private groups. It costs $85 per person and can accommodate up to 500 people. Participants in this group class learn basic jewelry-making techniques from a professional artist and instructor, and then design and make their own custom jewelry or keychains out of polymer clay. Participants can make their designs as simple, or as complicated, as they want. Class participants receive all materials ahead of time, including 42 bars of oven-bake clay, five sculpting tools, and accessories for making earrings and keychains.
The Virtual Marbled Resin Cutting Board is another popular private virtual group class. Participants in this class learn to make a marbled cutting board out of resin. They will receive a kit before the event, which contains everything they need to make the cutting board, including a wood board, epoxy resin, paint, tape, and other accessories. 12 colors of paint are included, so each participant can create their favorite color combination. During the class, a professional instructor leads participants through the process of making the board. The class costs $90 per person, runs for an hour, and can be taken by up to 200 people.
If you want your event to take place in person, many providers can bring that event to your home or office, or provide an external venue. If you prefer a virtual format, participants can meet through Zoom, Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, or WebEx. Contact CourseHorse for more details about private group events.
Online vs. In-Person Jewelry Soldering Classes
When you’re choosing a jewelry soldering class, you might have the choice between an online and an in-person format. Both formats have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which one is best will vary from person to person.
When you learn jewelry soldering through an in-person class, you go to a classroom or workshop, and meet face-to-face with an instructor and other students. You can see techniques demonstrated right in front of you, and the instructor can give you immediate feedback, and also see when you need help. Some people say that in-person instruction is more engaging and makes it easier to learn a new skill like jewelry soldering. However, the biggest downside to this format is that you have to commute to the classroom. Another negative is that you’re limited to attending classes in your immediate vicinity.
In contrast, online classes can be taken from anywhere. When you learn online, you simply log on from your computer. Instruction is virtual, and usually includes real-time interaction with the instructor, including the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback. One of the biggest advantages of online learning is its flexibility; you don’t have to commute, and you can choose from classes all over the country. However, this format also has its downsides. For jewelry soldering in particular, a major downside is that with an online class, you usually need to supply your own materials, such as soldering equipment. Depending on your level of technological proficiency, online classes can also come with the frustration of dealing with occasional technology-related issues like internet connection problems, or trouble with the conferencing platform.
Can I Learn Jewelry Soldering for Free Online?
Even a quick online search for “jewelry soldering” will reveal hundreds of different free online learning materials. For example, YouTube has many different jewelry soldering tutorials, and so do a number of jewelry-related websites. These resources can be a great way to start learning about this craft, troubleshoot specific problems, or find information about specific techniques.
If you’re serious about learning jewelry soldering, however, you might want to consider enrolling in a formal class. This can be a much better, and faster, way to learn to solder jewelry. When you take a class, you won’t have to sift through hundreds of online resources, looking for information that is reliable. Instead, you’ll get accurate information from an expert instructor, including insider tips and techniques, and common problems to avoid.