2026 Pre-Conference Class – Two Lily Necklace
Instructor: Ellen Durkan
Class Manager: Rick Wessling
2 Lilies
Class Description: Students will forge a necklace with two lilies as shown in the illustration accompanying this class advertisement. Inspired by Ellen’s body of forged fashion work, the students will create a necklace from 3/8” round, ¾” x 1” bar, and 1”x ¼” bar with lilies riveted to flared stock. There will be a fair amount of drawing out of the parent stock to create flairs, lilies, and curls on the end of several parts. The individual components will be riveted together to create the whole. The class is limited to 10 students and will have two days to complete the piece.
Note: Once the final list of registered students is completed, the class manager will send will send specific instructions for the class.
Tools: Bring your own forge (coal or propane), anvil, tongs, hammers, chisels, punches, etc. TGoM will provide coke as fuel. If you bring a coal forge, we highly recommend that the blower be electric as a hand-crank blower generally cannot keep the coke burning without a lot of frustration and time. If you bring a propane forge, you will need to supply your own propane/tanks.
Lunch Arrangements: Lunch will be on your own or the class assistant will organize an order to be sent to the Chinese restaurant next to the fairgrounds.
To Register for this class online: Go to The Guild of Metalsmiths website, https://www.metalsmith.org/education.
To Register for this class by check: If you register by mail, please contact Rick by phone to reserve your place and intent to mail a check. Send a check written to The Guild of Metalsmiths with your contact information to: Rick Wessling, 3442 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55412. Please include your email address so we can contact you regarding acceptance to the class. Your reservation will be held for 7 calendar days from your phone call to allow your check to arrive, and if it does not arrive within 7 days, your reservation will be canceled and the opening will be passed to the next individual.
Questions: Email rgwessling@gmail.com
Acceptance will be in the order submitted, based on the online transaction date or the date of phone contact. Each person will be notified individually.
