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THE DESERT 2027: registration for everyone opens Oct 17 at 11:59 am (Phoenix time)

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EARRINGS: GROW YOUR OWN: a two-day class with Taylor!

with Taylor Saleem

Advanced beginner
Grow Your Own: Exploring Molds + Metal Clay: a finished piece from the class

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Sessions

  1. Friday, Feb 5, 2027

    8:00 am to 5:00 pm

  2. Saturday, Feb 6, 2027

    8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Times are MST, the event's local time.

At a glance

Skill level
Advanced beginner. Advanced-beginner, including basic soldering, wire-working, and beading
Class type
Project. Project-based to learn new techniques
Prerequisites
None listed
Total time
18 hours
Room
Announced closer to the event
Class size
15 students

Fees

Class fee
$580
Kit fee
$150, paid to the instructor on class day, not charged online

Two-day class.

About this class

Wanna “grow” your own botanical earrings?

This class is perfect for makers and metalworkers looking to try their hand at metal clay as a means of replicating natural botanicals in metal jewelry.

In this two-day workshop, we’ll focus first on creating our own flexible silicone molds to capture textures and objects, including both fresh and dried flowers. We’ll then use those molds with precious metal clay (PMC), which we’ll craft into components for earrings.

To add pizzazz, Taylor will spill her special sauce for weaving beads into her signature Loopy and On the Fringe earrings.

Basic soldering skills are a plus for this workshop, though advanced beginners are welcome.

I can’t wait to grow botanical jewelry with you.

Contact Taylor Saleem

Included in the kit

Covered by the kit fee.

  • Metal clay
  • Silicone
  • Rolling pin
  • Solder
  • Beading thread
  • Beading needles
  • Drill bits
  • Polishing buff and mandrel

Tools the instructor brings

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

  • Paper towels
  • Torches and soldering stations
  • Flux
  • Soldering picks
  • Pickle and oxidizing agents
  • Brass brushes
  • Kiln
  • Flex shafts

What to bring

Your own tools and materials for the class.

  • Rawhide or nylon mallet
  • 20 g sterling silver wire – 1 foot
  • Burnisher
  • needle nose pliers
  • Round nose pliers
  • Flush cutters
  • Small, sharp scissors
  • Optivisor or other magnification if required

Optional supplies

  • Acrylic block
  • Dried flowers, shells, or small charms (about ½” or so)
  • Small beads (11/0 or 2mm)

Safety and preparation

Before class
I thrive off class interaction and welcome questions. They let me know you’re engaged and help me understand if I’m on the right track.

Your instructor

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