Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 06/12/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 09/11/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
WIRE II
INSTRUCTOR: DIANE MASON
This is a beginning WIRE II class devoted entirely to the actively wrapping WIRE I student who wishes to advance and to the WIRE II student who has completed a class and feels that his/her performance was not up to the standards set for that class.
This class was created by Diane at the requests of her students over the last 26 years who felt hesitant to advance to a WIRE II level. Many students are apprehensive about this transition, and this class will bridge the gap between WIRE I and WIRE II and give the student the necessary confidence to take that step.
This is a fun class with extreme learning potential. There will be intensive learning with emphasis on detail using smaller stones, more intricate projects, and only dead soft wire in square with half round half hard for the wrap wire.
It is not a difficult WIRE II class but a "scratch your head and think very hard" WIRE I. Prongs will not be included but the student will feel a challenge. Projects will include small, faceted stones, the use of rockers, advanced cabochon wraps, a loose doublet, an introduction to wire sculpture, small earrings, and a special cabochon bracelet. Because of the detail to be obtained, the student can expect to complete no more than 10 projects. Students will be contacted 4-6 weeks prior to the start of class with a supply list to be able to obtain their wire.
Students will work in sterling, 14/20 gold filled, or argentium wire but there will be no use of brass, copper, or craft wire. Students are expected to bring their own tools. Diane's tools are available for use by students if notice is received far enough in advance of class. All stones and cabochons will be provided by the instructor, and a price list will accompany the welcome letter. This simply ensures that each student is working on the same size and same shape stones even though they may vary in gem or mineral content.
It is essential that students meet the prerequisites for this class. Time and consideration of fellow students will not allow any backtracking into the teaching of the basics. Please read the prerequisites and know that you meet these requirements prior to your registration. If you have any questions about your eligibility for this class, please contact the instructor so that your concerns may be answered.
LAB FEE: Includes syllabus, 10-12 handouts, sharpie, note pad, wrap tape, magic eraser, and pen.
MEDIA: WIRE, square dead soft, half round/half hard, sterling silver, 14/20 gold filled, or argentium.
LAB FEE: $85
ESTIMATED MATERIALS COST: $225 - $300
AGE REQUIREMENT: Must be at least 18 years of age
PREREQUISITES: 2(two) structured WIRE I classes with a minimum of 30 hours each and be actively wrapping at least 3-5 pieces per week.
PLEASE NOTE: Online tutorials and the 3 hour G&M Club class do NOT
count for your required prerequisites.
Diane began her wire career in 1998 by attending William Holland School of Lapidary Arts. She continues to upgrade her skills today by attending classes. She is an active member of The Franklin, N.C. Gem and Mineral Society, the Southern Appalachian Artists Guild, and the Blue Ridge Artists Association. After retiring in 2014 after 45 years as a (CCRN) Dr. Mason and her husband moved to Young Harrris, Georgia to be closer to the mountains they both loved, to get serious with their rocks, and to operate their own Rock Shop. They traveled seven states year-round doing juried shows with their artistic designs of jewelry.
After the death of her husband (Jerry) in 2023, Diane has continued her teaching and operation of Jim 'N Dee's Rock Shop. Diane's successful teaching background and competitive sales in various areas allows her to present courses to her students in a very successfully structured manner. She believes each student should know why they are doing all of the necessary steps, so she stresses wire theory as well as a "monkey-see, monkey-do" approach.
She began teaching at William Holland in 2003 and the 2026 season will be her 24th year. She also teaches for Gem and Mineral Clubs in nine states, for specialty groups, as well as in her home studio. In 2014 she began doing specialty wire wrapping for Ruby City gems and for The Franklin Gem and Mineral Society (the old jail) in Franklin, N.C.
Diane enjoys all her classes, whether it is WIRE I, WIRE II, WIRE III, BRACELETS, WIRE SCULPTURE, or WIRE FILIGREE. Her favorite quote is "We do not make flea market garbage in this classroom." She always says that her students keep her grounded and she learns something every time she opens a classroom door.
706-39-1718 (H)
843-621-0003 (C) texts only
Please contact William Holland School of Lapidary Arts if you have any questions.