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Fabulous Fused Textures in Argentium!

with Kristin Mitsu Shiga

All levels
Captured druzy rose necklace with a petrified walrus tooth
Student and instructor work from past Vivi Magoo retreats

When and where

  1. Wednesday, Feb 3, 2027

    9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Times are MST, the event's local time.

At a glance

Skill level
All levels. All Levels (no prerequisite)
Class type
Technique
Prerequisites
None listed
Total time
7 hours
Room
Announced closer to the event
Class size
12 students

Fees

Class fee
$220
Kit fee
$160, paid to the instructor on class day, not charged online

About this class

Unlock the magic of controlled chaos in 'Melting With Purpose,' a hands-on workshop devoted to the art of torch fusing! This exciting technique allows you to join and texture metal without solder, using the heat of your torch to selectively melt and fuse surfaces - creating rich, organic textures perfect for one-of-a-kind jewelry and small metalwork. Working with Argentium Silver (940), a highly fuse-friendly alloy known for its clean joins and ease of use, you'll learn how to coax metal to the edge of melting - without going too far. We'll cover a range of texturing methods and explore how heat control, timing, and torch placement are key to mastering this delicate balance.

Contact Kristin Mitsu Shiga

Included in the kit

Covered by the kit fee.

  • Argentium 940 - Square Wire -16ga - 1 ft
  • Argentium 940 - Square Wire - 12ga - 6in
  • Argentium 940 - Round Wire - 16ga - 1 ft
  • Argentium 940 - Round Wire - 20ga - 3 ft
  • Argentium 940 - Sheet - 24ga - 3in x 1in
  • Argentium 940 - Strip - 3/16in x 24ga - 1 ft
  • Solderite Pad - Hard - 6in x 6in
  • Stainless Steel Straight Tweezers with Fiber-Grip Handles
  • Ronda Coryell Purple Flux (Pint)
  • 30cc Needle Tip Glue Squeeze Bottle, Precision Tips Applicator Bottles, 5 Pack

Tools the instructor brings

Shared in class. You do not need to pack these.

  • Flex Shafts
  • Complete soldering stations
  • Disc Cutter
  • Metal Hole Punches
  • Mandrels
  • Charcoal Blocks

What to bring

Your own tools and materials for the class.

  • Jewelers' Saw Frame
  • 4/0 Sawblades
  • Wire/Flush Cutters
  • #2 Cut 6in Hand File
  • Optivisor or other magnification if required
  • Battery-operated or rechargeable work station lighting
  • eye protection
  • dust mask

Optional supplies

  • Any additional Argentium 940 sheet or wire you wish to use
  • Lierreworks/Lion Punch Forge Titanium Soldering Templates (any shapes)

Your instructor

More classes at THE DESERT 2027