Borters Jewelry: Creativity on display - Brattleboro Reformer
"It's exciting," said Bob Borter, who helps run the classes at his studio at 22 High St. "A lot of people are interested."
A workshop on Tuesday focused on silver soldering. Five different techniques were being taught. At the end of the class, students left with a pendant of their own.
Borter, who has made jewelry his entire life, began teaching within the last decade. He is usually joined by another instructor, Susanna Haas or Chris Lann. They were inspired by the way Brattleboro Clayworks and River Valley School have walk-in classes for pottery and art available to the community.
"It's a fun process," said Borter. "A lot of people don't get to exercise their creativity."
Last month, Borter and company hosted a silversmith class for beginners focused on basic silver ring bands and forged silver earrings. A workshop on stacking rings is scheduled for Feb. 20 and 22. The $175 cost includes materials.
Next month, classes will cover stone setting and an introduction to sand casting. The sand casting workshop and a class on tab setting will be offered in April. More information is available at bortersjewelry.com
Students have spanned many generations, from age 19 to 75. Most of them come "out of intrigue," Borter said.
"Most are creative folks," he said. "Some folks are actual jewelers. They're working in the field."
Some of the students do not have a studio to work in. Lann envisions workshop space being offered to interested parties in the future if the interest level is high. He hopes expertise and equipment could be shared so artisans can see whether they want to continue.
Lann has been making jewelry for about four years now. "But passing it on is all new," he said. "It's nice to do something different, be going in a different direction. We're hoping people get the bug."
Bonny Kenyon, of Brattleboro, started taking classes because she "just wanted to make jewelry."
"I love doing this kind of stuff," she said. "It's fun, I like it."
Jewelry making is a hobby for her. But she wants to make items as gifts and for herself.
"I hope to take as many of these classes I can fit in," she said.
Reach staff writer Chris Mays at cmays@reformer.com, at @CMaysBR on Twitter and 802-254-2311, ext. 273.
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