Specialization

Specialization in Innovative Artisanal Jewelry Techniques

Explore metal jewelry techniques, from cut to finishes, to create unique and original custom pieces

Specialization · 8 modules

Discover the fascinating world of jewelry through a series of techniques that will allow you to create unique and personalized pieces. Explore everything from design to metal jewelry making, using tools and techniques such as cutting, filing, soldering, and finishing. Plus, learn to shape and intertwine wire to create jewelry with organic and elegant shapes. Master the basic knots of macramé and combine them with beads and natural stones for a bohemian touch. With Maike Siegel, Maria Rosua, Fatto, Maria Constanza Bielsa, Vattea, Roxana Pardo, and Fibra Bohemia, you'll learn to merge creativity and technique.

Delve into the art of stone setting to secure and embellish your creations. Experiment with pigments and patinas on metal, achieving unique finishes through combinations of color and texture. Explore jewelry design with recycled beads and fabrics, applying textile manipulation techniques for innovative results. This tour will allow you to develop a personal style, combining traditional methods with experimental techniques. An opportunity for those who wish to innovate in the world of handcrafted jewelry, guided by experts in each technique.

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What will you learn in this specialization?

A total of 8 modules and 105 lessons
A total of 15h 8m of vídeo lessons
Taught by 7 selected expert teachers
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1
Introduction
To begin, we'll discuss jewelry as a narrative art form with historical roots and a passion for craftsmanship. You'll explore intuitive processes, repurpose textiles, and use symbolism to create expressive pieces that connect personal identity with current issues.
2m
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2
Influences / Vattea
In this lesson, we'll show you what inspires us and some of the inspirations we use to design our pieces.
8m
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3
Inspiration and intuition / Roxana Pardo
In this lesson, I want to share with you the influences that led me to create my brand 24 years ago. Everything can be a source of inspiration; I invite you to identify what drives your creativity.
1m
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4
Influences / Fibra Bohemia
Now I'll tell you a little about my greatest influences. First, Sheila Hicks, an American textile artist who took textile art to another level, successfully uniting contemporary art with craftsmanship. Next, I'll tell you about Emily Katz, a modern macramé pioneer from Portland, Oregon, who founded Modern Macramé in 2014. She influenced my decision to dive into the world of knots. We'll also look at one of my main influences, Peru, the country where I live, famous for its looms and quipus, which, more than 5,000 years ago, were used by many cultures as communication systems.
5m
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5
Influences / Maike Siegel
Now I'll show you some artists who inspire me and what concepts or ideas I draw from them and seek to capture in the jewelry I design and make.
4m
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6
Influences / Maria Rosua
Now I'm going to tell you what inspires my collections, who my go-to artists are, and what resources I use to bring my jewelry to life.
4m
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7
Influences / Fatto
In this lesson, we'll teach you about our influences: the books and people we turn to to spark our creativity, and which can help you when you feel stuck or want to find new ways to breathe.
6m
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8
Influences / Maria Constanza Bielsa
What inspires you? If you look around, there's bound to be more than one thing or person whose work captivates you and inspires new ideas. In this lesson, I'll share some of my influences with you.
6m
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3
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.
8m
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4
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.
13m
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5
Bringing our collection to life
It's time to choose the pieces for the collection and start defining their sizes and shapes.
3m
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6
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.
8m
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7
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.
13m
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8
Draft parts 1
With the jigsaw, jigsaw, and templates ready, it's time to start jigsawing and start letting your pieces take shape.
16m
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9
Draft pieces 2
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.
9m
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10
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.
9m
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11
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
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12
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.
18m
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13
Other materials to complement your pieces
We'll show you how you can complement your pieces using other materials.
11m
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3
Materials and tools
I'll talk to you about choosing materials and tools to develop the techniques you'll learn in this unit and to develop your pieces.
1m
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4
Slip on with lacing and wire twist
In this lesson you will learn the two main wire wrapping techniques: wire sliding with loop and twisting.
2m
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5
Armed with flower and bead antenna
Now you will learn how to use both techniques to assemble a basic piece.
8m
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6
Hoop creation with wire
Twenty-four years ago, we didn't have the ease of finding such a wide variety of items as we do now. That's why I enjoy developing pieces from scratch. In this lesson, you'll learn how to make a wire ring.
5m
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7
Decorative slip
I'm going to teach you the first decorative technique: decorative wire sliding.
3m
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8
Decorative spiral
Now I'm going to teach you how to make the decorative spiral, it's a technique that will enhance the Murano or stone.
3m
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9
Setting, creeper and branch assembly
In this lesson, you'll learn more decorative techniques: crimping and vine-like vines. By combining the two, you can complete a branch arrangement.
13m
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10
Creation of tassels and glitter glue
Details elevate any design. So, I'll show you how to complement your piece with sparkles and tassels.
6m
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11
Elaboration of mood board and concept
I'll show you how to create a mood board that brings together images that convey what you want your collection or brand to communicate. Look for colors and textures that speak to you.
2m
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12
Design from material
In this lesson, I'll discuss the different possibilities, considering the material's characteristics. I'll teach you how to design intuitively using the benefits that wire offers by integrating concepts and mood boards.
4m
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13
Small earring and back finishes
Here you'll learn the steps you need to follow to finally turn the wire into basic earrings. You'll also see the finishing touches afterward.
9m
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14
Bracelet
To complement your collection, in this lesson, you'll learn how to make a basic bracelet.
10m
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15
Large earring and final structures 1
Now I'll show you the structures to turn basic earrings into large pieces.
18m
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16
Large earring and final structures 2
Now I'll finish assembling the base of the hoop and add pendants.
18m
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17
The art of attending
I'm excited to share with you some of the ways I've learned to counsel my clients. I'll show you how to use your creativity and intuition to serve them.
3m
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4
Materials and tools
In this lesson, I'll show you all the materials we'll be using for these three projects. I'll explain each one step by step and tell you where you can find them. For this project, we'll use 1.5 mm waxed cotton cord in the color of your choice (you can choose from a variety of colors), two 6 cm diameter rings (gold or silver), gold beads, , a measuring tape, masking tape, glue ( ), and paper and a pen to draw our sketches. Finally, I'll show you different cords that can be used and some variations that can be given to the accessories.
4m
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5
Lark knot and flat knot
In this lesson, I'll teach you basic macramé knots, such as the lark's head knot and the flat knot, each with its own variations. I'll explain the knots using thicker cord to make it easier for you to visualize, as the cord we'll be using for the jewelry pieces is very thin and can be difficult to understand.
12m
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6
Scallop knot 1
In this section, I'll teach you the scallop knot and each of its variations. You'll learn the horizontal scallop knot, the diagonal scallop knot, and how to create shapes with this type of knot, whether they're diamonds, crosses, or other shapes.
10m
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7
Scallop knot 2
We continue learning how to use the festoon knot, this time in a diamond shape.
11m
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8
Closing knots
In this section, I'll teach you how to tie knots for some pieces. One will use the flat knot we saw in the previous lesson; we'll use it to create the necklace closure. Another will be the magic knot to join the strands into the earrings when we finish tying.
2m
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9
Designing our pieces
In this lesson, I'll show you how I draw sketches before starting to create a piece; this will serve as a guide when tying. I'll also explain how I calculate how much rope to cut. We'll draw sketches of the three pieces we'll create. The idea is that you can use these to create your own designs for future projects.
5m
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10
Creating earrings 1
After designing our pieces, we'll begin creating the earrings. To do this we'll need scissors masking tape, a tape measure, jump rings, and waxed cotton cord in the color of your choice. If you'd like, you can also mix colors in a single piece. We'll start by cutting our and placing them on the ring to begin tying. You can tape the ring to the table with masking to prevent it from moving too much and to make tying it easier. First, we'll cut the strips of waxed cotton cord and then assemble them. Then, we'll begin tying them.
13m
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11
Creating earrings 2
We continue working on the final details of the earrings we are creating.
8m
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12
Bracelet creation 1
Once you've finished creating the earrings, we'll move on to making the bracelet. To do this we'll need the gold beads, scissors, masking tape, measuring tape, glue, and waxed cotton cord in the color of your choice. If you'd like, you can also mix colors in one piece. We'll start by cutting our strips and placing them on a 50cm strip with the lark's head knot on a 50cm long strip to begin tying. You can stick the strip to the table with masking to prevent it from moving too much and to make it easier tie. First, we'll cut the strips of waxed cotton cord and then assemble them. Then, we'll begin tying them.
12m
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13
Bracelet creation 2
We continue learning the steps necessary to make our bracelet.
7m
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14
Necklace creation
Once you've finished creating the bracelet, we'll move on to the larger piece: the necklace. To do this we'll need the gold beads, scissors masking tape, a measuring tape, glue, and waxed cotton cord in the color of your choice. If you'd like, you can also mix colors in a single piece. We'll start by cutting our strips and placing each of them with the lark's head knot on an 80 cm long strip to begin tying. You can tape the 80 cm strip to the table with masking to prevent it from moving too much and to make it easier tie. First, we'll cut the strips of waxed cotton cord and then assemble them. Then we'll begin tying them.
13m
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15
Parts maintenance and cord dyeing
In this lesson, I'll explain how to care for your pieces so they don't deteriorate. I'll also briefly teach you some natural dyeing techniques that will help you if you end up using another type of cord for your pieces.
2m
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16
Other Macrame Applications
In this lesson, I'll explain all the applications of macramé (for decorative pieces, accessories, clothing, and more) so you can see how this technique has no limits.
6m
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3
The Metals
Let's start with the basics! In this lesson, I'll talk about the metals used in jewelry—especially silver—the most commonly used alloys in jewelry, and their applications.
8m
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4
The Stones
Now I'll talk to you about stones in jewelry, different types and classifications, as well as their characteristics, shapes, and main differences.
5m
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5
Working with Solder
In this lesson, I will review the basics of welding, how it works, what types of welding exist, and considerations when using it.
4m
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6
Introduction to Stone Setting
Here I'll talk to you about jewelry setting, what it is, and what type of setting you'll be using in your course project.
4m
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7
Inspiration for a Collection
You now have the basic knowledge of metals, stones, and welding. In this lesson, I'll tell you how I get inspired to create a collection, show you part of my personal stone collection, and share my tips for planning a collection. I'll also tell you about the collection I'll create as a course project and everything you can do with your own.
4m
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8
Materials and Tools
In this lesson, I'll show you the materials and tools you'll use in your project, as well as some possible alternatives.
14m
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9
The Working Area
In this lesson, I'll set up my workspace and show you how to arrange everything according to each work phase. There are several tools for different processes, so having them organized will help you work more smoothly and comfortably.
11m
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10
Working with Metal
Now you'll see how metal behaves when worked and folded. You'll also learn what metal annealing is, what it's used for, and how to do it.
12m
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11
Soldering Practice
Are you ready to weld? Here you'll learn the welding technique in detail and the points to keep in mind for proper execution. I'll also provide practical welding exercises.
14m
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12
Bezels and Soldering Pieces 1
Using the technique you already know, you can form and solder all the bases for the jewelry pieces you'll make. Now I'll go over bezel shaping and how to determine their correct height, as well as the different soldering techniques for each piece.
20m
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13
Bezels and Soldering Pieces 2
I've already calculated the ideal bezel height, shaped them, and soldered all the bezels I constructed with medium solder. After cooling them in water and letting them dry, it's time to reshape them with the pearls. Then, I'll continue assembling the jump rings and earring hooks and perform the final soldering of each piece. Finally, I will soak all my pieces in the bleaching bath for a few minutes until they are completely white and stain-free.
16m
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14
Settings 1
In this lesson, I will set the stones for each structure I built in the previous unit. First, I'll show you how to adjust the height of the bevels and trim them with scissors if there's any excess. Then, on a piece of wood, I'll fix the piece with the pearl inside into the putty.
9m
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15
Settings 2
Once the pieces are firmly attached to the cooled putty, it's time to set them. First, I'll clamp the piece of wood with the putty in the vice so it's tight and won't move. Then, using a chisel and hammer, I will proceed to push the edges, gently tapping them so that they go down onto the stone.
13m
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16
Finishes and Polishing
Here, I'll show you how to finish the pieces, how to make the final touches, and what tools and materials you'll use in the final stage. There are many finishing and polishing options, but I'll show you the one I use to achieve a brilliantly polished finish and introduce you to other options for you to experiment with.
17m
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3
Work tools
In this lesson, I'll show you the tools we'll be working with throughout the course. I'll also talk about the course project and the necessary maintenance throughout the entire creation process.
4m
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4
Preparing Metal for Painting: Cutting Simple Shapes
Let's start preparing the color swatch. I'll explain how to cut the metal with scissors, how to flatten and sand it, and how to get it ready for coloring. I used square shapes, but you can adapt it to your taste and creativity.
4m
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5
Openwork
In this lesson, you'll learn how to work with a jigsaw. I'll show you how to set up and use the tool. We'll use the micromotor to drill holes in the sheet metal. The possibilities are endless; as you gain experience, you'll be able to draw anything you want on the metal.
6m
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6
Filing of the edges
Once you have the openwork piece, it's time to smooth it out and take care of the details. In this lesson, I'll teach you how to file down imperfections, sand with sandpaper, and get the piece ready for coloring and finishing.
3m
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7
Homemade patina: green and blue
In this lesson, you'll learn how to create three types of homemade patinas using different chemical compounds to achieve green and blue tones. We'll apply the patinas to the previously prepared metal samples and learn how to combine the patinas with pure pigments. Remember something very important: we should never mix ammonia with bleach.
8m
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8
Homemade patina: blacks and browns
Now I'm going to explain how to create homemade black and brown patinas using items we have in our kitchen. We'll use garlic, tomato, lemon, and acrylic paint.
8m
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9
Homemade patina: red
In this lesson, we'll work with fire on copper plates. We'll heat the metal to create shades ranging from red to violet. You'll also learn how to polish the piece to enhance the tones.
2m
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10
How to work with industrial patina
Let's move on to a different topic. In this lesson, I'll show you some of the industrial patinas I use in my workshop and how to apply them to metal. I'll also show you how you can combine them.
6m
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11
Varnishes and waxes
Finally, I'll explain how to apply patina to metal. We'll use waxes and varnishes to achieve a beautiful finish.
3m
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12
Search for inspiration and choose a design
In this lesson, you'll explore some illustrated books and natural elements that I use as inspiration for developing my designs. I invite you to find your own references to develop your own style. First, you must choose a shape and trace it onto blank paper, exploring different options. Then, you'll transfer the chosen shape to cardboard and try out different variations until you arrive at the final design.
3m
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13
Drawing on metal
Now we'll use the molds for the final design and walk through the metalwork process. During this process, we'll need to prepare the metal with files and sandpaper.
4m
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14
Textures
In this lesson, I'll teach you how to give your designs more character and strength using different texture techniques. We'll use punches, hammers, nails, and wire. You'll also learn how an electric engraver works so you can draw on sheet metal.
8m
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15
Color application with acrylics, watercolors
It's time for color. In this lesson, we'll choose one of the techniques we learned in the previous unit and apply it to our final piece.
4m
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16
Final assembly of the piece
Once you've painted your jewelry, it's time to get started on the final step of the process: the final assembly.
4m
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17
Polishing and final touches
In this lesson, we'll finish the jewelry so it's ready to wear. It's important to pay attention to the details so the piece stands out and looks flawless.
3m
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18
Accessories and packaging
Now I'm going to show you the packaging I use for my jewelry. I recommend starting with items you have on hand, such as fabrics and recyclable boxes, and drawing or printing your own thank you cards. Every detail in the packaging will add warmth to your jewelry.
1m
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19
Advice on care
In this short lesson, I'll talk about brass and its care, as well as how to restore its shine over time. Keep in mind that patinas and pigments are superficial and should be cared for, not soaked. Understand that they change over time.
2m
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20
How to share your projects
Finally, I'm going to tell you about the different communication channels I use to showcase and share my work.
3m
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4
Materials
Before we get started, in this lesson I'm going to tell you about the materials you'll need to complete the final project for this course.
6m
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5
Tools
In this lesson, we're going to show you the tools we're going to use to make the bracelet.
3m
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6
Loom
In case you find it difficult to find a loom, in this lesson we will teach you how to make one using very easy-to-find materials.
2m
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7
Color and shine
In this lesson, as a preliminary step to creating our designs, we're going to show you how we use color.
8m
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8
Design from an image
In this lesson, we'll start with design, and we'll teach you how to do it using a specific image.
12m
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9
Symmetrical design from template
In this lesson, we'll teach you another way to design your pattern, and it involves using diagonals and straight lines on a template.
7m
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10
Assembling the skeleton loom
In this lesson, we'll show you step-by-step how to create a loom that you can use in your final project.
13m
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11
Tissue
We're at the longest but most fun part! In this lesson, we'll show you how to weave your bracelet.
17m
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12
Weaving completion
Now that we've finished weaving the main structure of the bracelet, in this lesson we'll show you how to weave the funnels, which are the final parts of the bracelet.
8m
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13
Bracelet terminations
The final details are crucial to ensuring the quality of our project. In this lesson, we'll teach you how to finish the bracelet.
3m
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14
Slipknot
This is the final stage of making the bracelet, and a very important one at that. We're almost done with the project!
11m
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15
Learn to take care of your bracelet
In this lesson, we'll give you our best tips for caring for your bracelet in the future. We hope you find them helpful!
2m
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16
Packaging
We're almost done with the course! In this lesson, we'll show you how to make a simple yet beautiful packaging for our bracelet.
5m
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3
Introduction to contemporary and signature jewelry
I invite you to unleash your creativity and explore the possibilities of giving unused textiles a new lease on life, transforming them into "new luxuries" or "luxuries of the future." But first, it's important to take a historical look at jewelry throughout time.
14m
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4
Crisis in the textile industry
The textile industry is the second most polluting industry after oil. It's a huge environmental problem, and from a social and political perspective, it has an enormous cost. In this lesson, I'll talk about this issue. I'll also explain what local design is all about through examples.
6m
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5
Materials and Tools
Now you'll see the tools you'll use to create your signature jewelry pieces. You'll also learn about some suggested fabrics for the project, their composition, and characteristics.
8m
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6
Search and organization of referents 1
I'll start by showing you how to organize and collect references that are of personal interest to you. This process will be of great help to you as you work with shapes, colors, and concepts that you'll apply to the creation of your pieces.
13m
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7
Search and organization of referents 2
During this second part of the lesson, I'll show you how you can organize your ideas with all the references you saved earlier. I'll also discuss the importance of combining your own images and drawings to create unique and personal pieces.
16m
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8
Drawings, sketches and molds 1
In this lesson, you'll learn how to work with drawings and create sketches that will serve as the foundation for developing your molds.
10m
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9
Drawings, sketches and molds 2
Once the sketches are ready, I'll show you step by step how to create the mold for your pieces. I'll share the best tips so you can make them quickly and easily.
12m
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10
Preparation of textile surfaces and creation of the color palette
You'll learn how to work with discarded ties, as they can be used to create a variety of textures and colors to create a color palette.
11m
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11
Folds
To begin, you'll learn how to create folds in fabric on a paper template to begin creating your pieces.
19m
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12
Module creation
Now I will explain how to apply the techniques learned in the previous unit to compose volumes from the proposed geometric patterns.
19m
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13
Volumetric composition
In this lesson, I will teach you how to compose through samples and experiments carried out in previous lessons.
18m
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14
Terminations and closures
In this lesson, you'll learn how to work on finishing touches. I'll explain how to complete the closure to ensure your creations are functional and consistent with the design.
15m
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15
Make a photographic record of your creations
You'll learn how to create a visual record through photographs taken with a neutral background. I'll also show you how to create images you can use for social media or to share your course project results.
4m
  • 181 students
  • 105 lessons (15h 8m)
  • 96 additional resources (37 files)
  • Online and at your own pace
  • Audio: Spanish, English
  • Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch
  • Level: Beginner
  • Unlimited access forever

What is this course's project?

Creation of a piece of metal jewelry using cutting, filing, welding, and finishing techniques.

Who is this specialization for?

Ideal for jewelry design enthusiasts and professionals who want to explore innovative and traditional techniques using metal, wire, macramé, and more. Perfect for those looking to express their creativity and develop unique pieces with a personal and contemporary touch.

Requirements and materials

No extensive prior knowledge is required. Basic jewelry tools such as pliers, pliers, and fine files are recommended. Materials such as wire, beads, stones, and metal are essential for exploring the techniques taught and creating unique, personalized pieces.

Select to get to know your teachers in this specialization course
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What to expect from this specialization course

  • Learn at your own pace

    Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.

  • Learn from the best professionals

    Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.

  • Meet expert teachers

    Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.

  • Certificates
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    If you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate for every specialization course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.

  • Get front-row seats

    Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.

  • Share knowledge and ideas

    Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.

  • Connect with a global creative community

    The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.

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FAQs

Domestika's specialization courses are online classes that provide you with the tools and skills you need to complete a specific project. Every step of the project combines video lessons with complementary instructional material, so you can learn by doing. Domestika's specializations also allow you to share your own projects with other students, creating a dynamic course community.

All specialization courses are 100% online, so once they're published, specialization courses start and finish whenever you want. You set the pace of the class. You can go back to review what interests you most and skip what you already know, ask questions, answer questions, share your projects, and more.

The specialization courses are divided into different modules. Each one includes lessons, informational text, tasks, and practice exercises to help you carry out your project step by step, with additional complementary resources and downloads. You'll also have access to an exclusive forum where you can interact with other students, as well as share your work and your final project, creating a community around the specialization course.

You can redeem the specialization course you received by accessing the redeeming page and entering your gift code.

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Specialization in Innovative Artisanal Jewelry Techniques. Craft, and Fashion course by Domestika

Specialization in Innovative Artisanal Jewelry Techniques

A specialization by multiple teachers
Specialization Course. Berkeley, United States.
Joined April 2002
  • 181 students