UPCOMING IN PERSON WORKSHOPS
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2026
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RECENTLY ADDED!
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2026 March 13,14,15 Etched Bi Metal
March 13,14,15 2026
Join a 3-day adventure with April Bower, as you explore
the art of ETCHED BI METAL.
This immersive workshop is designed for both budding and seasoned artists
who wish to explore unique possibilities with fusing your own copper/silver bi metal billets
and creating patterns with the contrasting colors of metals.
Over the course of three enriching days, students will:
1. get comfortable with torch fusing & rolling the silver/copper bi metal billets.
2. learn several different applications of resists from hand drawn to photo transfer resist.
3. become confident with the chemical etching process and low tech set ups for home studios
4. roll the etched layers into usable sheets
5. explore methods & tricks for setting and fabricating finished pieces with your bimetal.
6. practice the patination process that brings out the true beauty and contrast of this bi metal.
By the conclusion of the workshop, each participant should have fully crafted a minimum of 4 etched billets and learned how to create more in their home studio. Along with several finished jewelry items, you will have gained a newfound artistic technique to use in your own personal style.
1. get comfortable with torch fusing & rolling the silver/copper bi metal billets.
2. learn several different applications of resists from hand drawn to photo transfer resist.
3. become confident with the chemical etching process and low tech set ups for home studios
4. roll the etched layers into usable sheets
5. explore methods & tricks for setting and fabricating finished pieces with your bimetal.
6. practice the patination process that brings out the true beauty and contrast of this bi metal.
By the conclusion of the workshop, each participant should have fully crafted a minimum of 4 etched billets and learned how to create more in their home studio. Along with several finished jewelry items, you will have gained a newfound artistic technique to use in your own personal style.
Art Retreat in the Desert February 1-6, 2026
Live classes during the GEM SHOWS in Tucson AZ
Now being held at the Doubletree Reid Park, Tucson, AZ
Register @ VIVIMAGOO.COM
register early! classes often fill quickly
click on titles for links to register and info
These are my offerings for 2026
HEART OF GOLD
Fractured Argentium Silver Pendant with 24k Keumboo accent
This workshop is all about texture in a Fractured and reassembled shape. I will demo a heart shape but you can make what you prefer within the limitation of our 1.75"x1.75" yardage. I had lots of edges left over to create additional pieces that I think were even better than the original!!
Then you choose an area to accent with 24K Keumboo foil. If you haven't tried Keumboo yet I think you will love it as a wonderful economical way to get rich gold accents.
Feb 1, 2026 9am-4:30 pm
Next up is RUNE CUFF
You'll practice your fusing of Argentium with dust, Rune Shapes or freeform triangles,
sculpt the edges of a freeform cuff
then accent with gold....this time you'll learn to use a PEN PLATER to fill a cell or 2 with gold.
More tricks to add to your skill box.
Monday Feb 2, 2026 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
sculpt the edges of a freeform cuff
then accent with gold....this time you'll learn to use a PEN PLATER to fill a cell or 2 with gold.
More tricks to add to your skill box.
Monday Feb 2, 2026 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
On Tuesday Feb 3, 2025 I offer a Mondrian inspired project:
Composition in Texture
Fusing small bits to create overall textures, divided into sections, creating light & dark.
There will be lessons in scoring and bending to give dimension and another skill tool in that toolbox.
Feb 3rd, 9-4:30.
Fusing small bits to create overall textures, divided into sections, creating light & dark.
There will be lessons in scoring and bending to give dimension and another skill tool in that toolbox.
Feb 3rd, 9-4:30.
and that evening there is: ROLLING RINGS a fun 3 hour adventure making 3 rings as one that rolls gently over your knuckle
and you'll create interest with hammers & stamping.
Feb 3, 2026 6-9 pm
CROSSING PATHS Rolling Rings
That's a Wrap!!
On Wednesday Feb 4th 9 am - 4:30pm is a workshop working in Sterling.
You'll learn a valuable technique of making a long tapered wire,
then wrapping it around a textured open band to create a ring.
The addition of gold is optional
( if you bring it...scrap or a broken piece of jewelry)
Create some accent shapes to embellish with.
Silver embellishments look great too if no gold.
Make sure you schedule days in Tucson for shopping, either before or after the Retreat. Just know....one day isn't enough as it is a bit overwhelming and there are many shows/ venues all over the city so it takes a bit of time. You can't do it all, but pick a couple to visit. Pueblo and Hollidome/ Gem Mall have been favorites although 22nd Street show was successful for me last year. Oh, and Kino show has so many strange and affordable "things" sculptures, baskets, clothes, carvings etc. Book accommodations as early as possible; you are competing with thousands of gem show goers
Past Workshops that can be requested: These workshops below may be available on demand.
Any upcoming scheduled dates will be listed above or you can create your own group.
Contact me for details.
also check Virtual workshops available on this website.
Any upcoming scheduled dates will be listed above or you can create your own group.
Contact me for details.
also check Virtual workshops available on this website.
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Using the amazing fusing ability of Argentium .940 Silver to create a heavily textured cuff, then synclastic form it to give it dimension and strength. Fused bronze/ brass accents are optional.
Techniques learned:
Fusing dust texture; Create a unique fused textured surface that can be added to your texture making skill collection.
Learn to give your projects rigidity and volume with synclastic forming using a hammer & swage block.
All samples are fused Argentium. Learn to fuse with Argentium silver for a clean look that does not alter the textures.
Techniques learned:
Fusing dust texture; Create a unique fused textured surface that can be added to your texture making skill collection.
Learn to give your projects rigidity and volume with synclastic forming using a hammer & swage block.
All samples are fused Argentium. Learn to fuse with Argentium silver for a clean look that does not alter the textures.
Sticks & Stones
Fused Argentium “stick” pendant or earrings
A simple technique that you can create so much with. Fusing Argentium 940
into stick shapes , adding dust texture and granules.
The pendant bail is created by tapering a wire end in the rolling mill;
a skill that is most useful.
Adding a tube set stone is an option. Bring your sterling or Argentium dust so you don’t have to make any!
into stick shapes , adding dust texture and granules.
The pendant bail is created by tapering a wire end in the rolling mill;
a skill that is most useful.
Adding a tube set stone is an option. Bring your sterling or Argentium dust so you don’t have to make any!
"OPEN SESAME"
“Open” your mind to a ring that is not a complete band, but has a gap at the top
and discover the magic behind fusing Argentium.
Using a combination of textures, shapes and contrasting metals, you are challenged to create several open top band rings using the negative space of the gap as one of the design considerations.. The bonus is that these rings are slightly adjustable in size as well! Use your magic
All samples are fused Argentium. Learn to fuse with Argentium silver for a clean look that does
not alter the textures.
Flutter Hoops
How to turn a square sheet into a beautiful 3 dimensional rounded hoop?
Learn to form beautiful light weight ruffled hoop earrings with hammering and soldering on a comfortable hinged latching ear clasp.
Minimal equipment required, so you’ll make these over again on your own.
These can be made in any metal but we will be working in fine silver, with a bit of practice on copper.
Twisted Sisters
A taste of Argentium 940! If you have you hadn’t had a chance to try it out yet or are Argentium curious, here is a great chance.
Starting with the “Twisted Sister” ring, we’ll be fusing Argentium wires and making a uniquely fun wearable ring.
We had so much fun in past, everybody wanted more, so here it is along with “Big Sister Cuff”, which will challenge you more!!
2 to 3 day LIVE workshop
Fascinated with Fusing Argentium
Into the Curve: Synclastic Cuffs
Spend an day learning how to create easy Synclastic shape bracelets with simple handtools. Experiment with textures and simple patinas
Learn about the “April” hammer designed by me and created by NC Black Co., used with the swedge block.
You'll learn how to create synclastic formed cuff bracelets and earrings with these simple tools and complete several cuff bracelets, one in Argentium Silver and wide hoop earrings in Argentium too.. I’ll share with you a bunch of tricks and tips to be successful making these. I will have some April hammers for you to use if you don’t have one and some to purchase if you decide you’d like one of your own. Wood swedge blocks too.
Learn about the “April” hammer designed by me and created by NC Black Co., used with the swedge block.
You'll learn how to create synclastic formed cuff bracelets and earrings with these simple tools and complete several cuff bracelets, one in Argentium Silver and wide hoop earrings in Argentium too.. I’ll share with you a bunch of tricks and tips to be successful making these. I will have some April hammers for you to use if you don’t have one and some to purchase if you decide you’d like one of your own. Wood swedge blocks too.
Dust to Dust:
Folded, Fused, Dusted and Pinned –Argentium and Gold Ring
Fold, texture, fuse & form this Argentium silver ring using silver and 18k gold dust and 14k fused pins and bezel to your semi-customized design, adding tube setting of a faceted stone. Argentuim is known for its wonder fusing properties, and gold for timeless beauty and contrast.
It's a Wrap!
Learn to use the rolling mill to do the work for you when tapering a rod or heavy wire that looks completely hand forged. You can create large tapers to delicate tendrils with this technique, which can be very useful when creating your own designs.
In this session you will roller taper a 6G Argentium rod into a long taper, fabricate a wide partial band of Argentium sheet then encircle it with your forged taper to create a unique band ring. Your choices of textures, width as well as a small amount of 18k yellow gold embellishments, will make your ring uniquely one of a kind. Argentium Sterling silver will be our main metal and 18k gold makes wonderful contrasting accents.
In this session you will roller taper a 6G Argentium rod into a long taper, fabricate a wide partial band of Argentium sheet then encircle it with your forged taper to create a unique band ring. Your choices of textures, width as well as a small amount of 18k yellow gold embellishments, will make your ring uniquely one of a kind. Argentium Sterling silver will be our main metal and 18k gold makes wonderful contrasting accents.
Dusty Leaves; Argentium & Gold
Learn to use a combo of folding, 3-d forming, fusing a texture, and adding gold to create a pair of earrings and pendant (or suggestions for combo pieces) with rich form and texture. Working with Argentium silver and 18k gold, these skills can be expanded and incorporated into your library of techniques and your own style. We will oxidize our leaves with Goshiba, so you will get to try a new patina/oxidizer.
Assistant Renee Garver will be on board to help guide you
Assistant Renee Garver will be on board to help guide you
This class is available Online. AprilBower.Podia.com
Starry Starry Night: Fused Dust and Pebbles –
Pendant & Earrings in Argentium Silver and 18K Gold ,
Create coordinating earrings and pendant in Argentium Silver, known for its wonderful fusing properties, with 18k yellow gold accents. Learn how to create and successfully fuse the metal dust to create texture and dimension, contrasting with other texture and fused “pebbles” in both silver and gold.
Yin Yang: Reticulated, Fused, and Granulated Ring
This ring has it all, Yin & Yang, opposite yet complimentary: Texture/ smooth, Angles / curves, High / low, light/ dark, gold/silver, soft /hard.
Using sterling for its best attributes, and Argentium for its best. Learn reticulation and depletion gilding, fusing and granulation. We will add 18k gold for luscious color and Patinate to bring out all those contrasting elements.
Using sterling for its best attributes, and Argentium for its best. Learn reticulation and depletion gilding, fusing and granulation. We will add 18k gold for luscious color and Patinate to bring out all those contrasting elements.
On the Edge ,
Learn the technique of upsetting an edge with a texturing hammer, and create the hammer as well.
In this 3 hour class you will alter a supplied cross peen hammer into a texturing hammer, then practice upsetting edges of silver strips to create a pair of Sterling earrings to wear home. If you have the soldering skills you can learn how to customize a commercial latch back, finding for your earrings or use a post/ nut.
In this 3 hour class you will alter a supplied cross peen hammer into a texturing hammer, then practice upsetting edges of silver strips to create a pair of Sterling earrings to wear home. If you have the soldering skills you can learn how to customize a commercial latch back, finding for your earrings or use a post/ nut.
KISS: Keep It Super Simple
A 3 hour challenge to take a 1″ x 6″ strip of 26G Argentium sterling and make 4 (or more if you like small) pair of earrings out of it with no waste of material. Shapes & Texture will be the focal with some forming. Sometimes you just need to create fast and simple, but these can be the beginnings of layered or embellished pieces as well.
Whimsical Shaman
Create your personal Whimsical Shaman to help guide you thru your life’s journey. In this workshop you can create a Fun Whimsical Shaman pendant in red brass and copper, bring a special small bead for him to carry or choose from some supplied.
Forged Taper and Fused Frame Reticulation
multi- day workshop.
In this comprehensive workshop, we will explore the art of reticulation in silver while fusing with Argentium silver to create a jewelry piece of your choice; pendant, ring, or earrings along with your personal embellishments (i.e.: Bezel set stones, pegged pearls or dangling briolettes suggested, although Bezel setting stone setting will not be taught). Not a cookie cutter workshop...each finished piece will be uniquely yours. Learn to Roller Forge a tapered element, possibly used for bail, shank or strong design element. Emphasis on design and bails and shanks as cohesive design, rather than afterthought. Learn to melt and pour your own ingots for heavy wire tapering, or start with a length of silver wire/rod.
Argentuim silver has some wonderful properties and a few limitations. It fuses easily. Come learn some of the tricks of this metal so you can enjoy it in your studio.
Argentuim silver has some wonderful properties and a few limitations. It fuses easily. Come learn some of the tricks of this metal so you can enjoy it in your studio.
Tribal Pendant or Bracelet,
Create a unique tribal inspired pendant or bracelet with this deceptively simple, yet versatile technique. Explore shape, size, metal embellishments, and bale options, bracelet forming and shaping, as well as mastering heat balled pins and other embellishments & patina. Some soldering involved. Open to all skill levels. Beginners, as well as the more skilled, can learn techniques that can be adapted to their own style/ look . Working in copper with sterling accents. Copper will patina black beautifully for this high contrast effect. You can do both projects if pendant is simple and the combination is limited to 10 silver pins total, or there is torch time after all have finished their first piece.
Foldover Bracelets -An Anticlastic Event
Using a fusion of techniques to create a pair of 3 Dimensional , anticlastic cuff bracelets, first in copper, making use of the wonderful coloring options copper offers, and a second one in sterling.
Learn about texturing, burned edges, anticlastic forming and folding, soldering and patina, This workshop has it all!
Learn about texturing, burned edges, anticlastic forming and folding, soldering and patina, This workshop has it all!
HIP TO BE SQUARE
Squared, Folded, Reticulated and Fused Ring
with Argentuim Silver and an Adjustable Shank
Control some of the chaos in the reticulation by placing folds and using Argentium silver to create a beautiful squared frame for your ring top. Add on a creative adjustable size wide squared band underneath, then an accent cab or beautiful grey pearl to finish your beauty.
with Argentuim Silver and an Adjustable Shank
Control some of the chaos in the reticulation by placing folds and using Argentium silver to create a beautiful squared frame for your ring top. Add on a creative adjustable size wide squared band underneath, then an accent cab or beautiful grey pearl to finish your beauty.
- Formed and Fabulous, Anticlastic Forming, Earrings
Burned Bi-Metal Bracelet
Burned Bi-Metal bracelets: First practicing in copper, students will heat texture the edges, learn to fold the bracelet borders, texture or form the exposed center and learn to shape the cuff bracelet. Then with confidence and gained skill, you will choose to create a second bracelet out of a silver /brass bi-metal.
Silver bi-metal is a sterling layer bonded to a brass layer. Using this product, with the silver layer exposed and touching the skin on the cuff interior, it makes a unique wearable silver clad bracelet at a much reduced cost over solid sterling silver.
Until they start making Silver Filled again These can only be made in Gold filled, sterling or copper
Silver bi-metal is a sterling layer bonded to a brass layer. Using this product, with the silver layer exposed and touching the skin on the cuff interior, it makes a unique wearable silver clad bracelet at a much reduced cost over solid sterling silver.
Until they start making Silver Filled again These can only be made in Gold filled, sterling or copper
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Cuttlebone Casting
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Synclastic and Anticlastic Forming
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Spiculums
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Mokume Gane'
Learn about how to use Mokume Gane' ( layered wood grain patterned metal) and experiment with patterning
" Mokume" is an art form in itself requiring serious equipment and years of study, but you can take advantage of the pre-manufactured meta l available thru suppliers Rio Grande and Reactive Metals to create luscious pieces of jewelry. Learn some tricks and tips to be successful with this metal. Make a pair of earrings and experiment on patterning your own billet of Mokume Gane' to make your own unique patterned sheet that can be used to create some things at your home studio .
" Mokume" is an art form in itself requiring serious equipment and years of study, but you can take advantage of the pre-manufactured meta l available thru suppliers Rio Grande and Reactive Metals to create luscious pieces of jewelry. Learn some tricks and tips to be successful with this metal. Make a pair of earrings and experiment on patterning your own billet of Mokume Gane' to make your own unique patterned sheet that can be used to create some things at your home studio .
