Women of Silver and Stone with Sandy Binion – G25100102
Develop and enhance your silversmithing skills by adding the intricate beauty of polished stone while sharing knowledge and learning from artists who are already experienced in the craft and the business of silversmithing and jewelry-making. In this one-week, women-focused course for silversmiths, you will learn lapidary techniques—cutting, shaping, and polishing stones—and silversmithing, crafting beautiful, handcrafted jewelry, as well as gain insight into marketing and selling your creations. As a women-focused class, we will also have the opportunity for in-depth discussions on how to succeed as a jewelry-maker and face the challenges of marketing your creations.
This class is for silversmiths who already have some basic skills and experience in the craft. Students who have no prior experience are advised to enroll in an introductory silversmith class before attending this class. The Ghost Ranch class “Introduction to Southwest Silversmithing”, being offered the week just prior to this class (September 28 – October 4), is a highly recommended lead-in to “Women in Silver and Stone”.
The Ghost Ranch silversmith studio is fully equipped with all the necessary tools and supplies for class projects. Supply fees are included in the course tuition. Silver metals used in class projects are NOT INCLUDED in the tuition and may be purchased from Ghost Ranch at current market prices. Students should anticipate spending $100 – $300 for the week on silver purchases, depending on the projects being made. Ghost Ranch requests that payment for silver is made by cash or check at the end of class. Class participants are welcome to bring their own personal tools, materials and silver metal if desired.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation in lapidary and silversmithing, and will leave with finished pieces of art and the confidence to continue your craft. You will also have gained insight into how to market and sell your work, if that is your desire.
Instructor
-
Sandy BinionSandy Binion, passionate silversmith and dedicated instructor, honed her craft under the guidance of the creators of the Ghost Ranch Silversmith Program. Hailing from the East Coast, Sandy seamlessly blended the timeless traditions of Southwestern artistry with the sleek, modern flair of New York City. Her innovative approach led to a thriving jewelry business in NYC, where her creations captured the essence of this unique fusion.
Sandy’s journey is proof of what’s possible when you follow your curiosity. Raised in rural Ohio with little more than imagination, she found her way to Broadway, working alongside the best in New York City. Each step was sparked by a simple “yes” to new experiences.
One summer, while performing in the Berkshires, a Yellow Pages search led her to a lampworker’s studio, where she discovered the art of shaping glass into beads. That moment lit a creative fire that carried her to Ghost Ranch in 2012, where she took Dale Smith’s Stone and Silver class.
She brought her new skills back to NYC, building a thriving jewelry business alongside her stage career. Her custom pieces became known for their craftsmanship and soul.
Now retired from Broadway, Sandy returns to the Ranch with a grounded belief in daily creativity. Her goal: help others take the leap, pick up some tools, and make something. Because when you create, you connect.