Five-Day Intensive Intro to Metalsmithing Workshop
Have you been feeling called to metalsmithing and not quite sure how or where to begin?
Please join me for a five day intensive introductory workshop to metalsmithing. It is perfect for beginners eager to learn and craft their own metal masterpieces.
This hands-on workshop will guide you through key metalsmithing techniques — from design to finishing. Each day we’ll discuss and demonstrate techniques necessary to complete your own hand-forged piece of jewelry.
After each demonstration you will then practice on your own (don’t worry, I’ll be there to help!). We’ll kick-off on day one with learning how to saw with brass sheet, and before you know it, moving on to working with silver. Together we’ll make a statement ring, reversible earrings and a necklace from sterling silver. If time allows, we can then learn intermediate skills working with brass on the fifth day.
By the end of this five-day intensive, you’ll have the skills to create a unique hand-forged piece of jewelry plus a whole lot of fun hammered in (hee hee)!
What you will learn from this workshop:
- Bezel setting cabochon stones
- sawing and piercing
- forming, texture and forging
- soldering
- finishing
What you will need to bring to class:
- A way to take notes
- Good attitude
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Reading glasses if you need them (I find that even if you haven’t used readers before, they are helpful when making jewelry.)
What’s Included in the price of this class:
- All the sterling silver/metal needed to complete your ring, necklace and earrings.
- Cabochons (flat backed stones) for the three projects
- 30 hours of instruction
* Extra costs will apply if you want to purchase additional metal (market value) and if you need extra stones.
What to expect:
The pictures show examples of the pieces we will be working on. You have choices on some things like earrings. We will be working with simple bands for rings and concentrating more on bezels and stones settings. Necklaces are the third piece we work on so you have choices on how you want to design it. Remember this is a beginners class, so we will be concentrating on simpler techniques and designs.
Sterling silver is pricey, as well as stones - the cost of this class reflects this
You will have your own workstation with all the necessary tools within the workshop.
I have room to accommodate six to seven students. There is a flex shaft station. We use acetylene torches, which is what I learned on and still use today.
Please bring your own mouth/nose protection. I have a good ventilation system when soldering, but having a face mask or respirator is necessary when working with the flex shafts.
My workshop is upstairs. If you need to work downstairs, please reach out.
The cost of the class includes:
- 30 hours of instruction
- Enough sterling silver sheet to complete your piece*
- Bezel wire (fine silver)
- silver solder
- A beautiful selection of stones for you to choose from. Included are turquoise, jasper and faceted gems.
- If you have your own stone(s), please send me pictures of it so I can be sure that it will work for the class.
I will go over everything you need to know about basic metalsmithing:
- bezel setting
- sawing
- soldering
- forming
- oxidizing
- polishing
* Extra costs will apply if you want to purchase additional metal (market value) and if you need more than one stone.
Schedule:
-
9 am — 3:30 pm
Expect to take a 30 minute lunch break around noon. Bring your lunch with you as the workshop isn’t close enough to restaurants for a 30 min lunch.
Workshop Location:
Shop Address: 11 Old Fruit Stand Lane, Tiger, Georgia 30576. The workshop is located right off of old 441. Park in the back and come up the ramp inside. It’s a two story business that looks like a house. It’s white and is to the right of three smaller white houses that are also businesses.
This workshop is located in Tiger, Georgia which is a five minute drive outside of Clayton, GA. Tiger is a small and cute little town with mountain views all around. Clayton, GA has really good restaurants and places to stay.
Nearby airports:
- Greenville/Spartanburg International GSP - 1.45 hour drive
- Asheville Regional AVL - 2 hour drive (scenic drive!)
- Hartsfield - Jackson Atlanta International ATL - 1.45 hour drive (depending on traffic)
Accommodations:
Reach out to me if I can help you with a single occupancy. My friend and business partner has an Airbnb right down the road from the shop that is super cute. Reach out to ameliagraceherb@gmail.com for that spot. If you want to camp or have an RV, look up River Falls At The Gorge.
I find this link very useful for lodging, food and things to do in the area: visitclaytonga.net
Cancellation Policy:
If you choose to cancel your spot 30 days or more prior to the class, you will be refunded 75% of the cost of the class. The class is non-refundable within 30 days of the scheduled class, unless I can find someone to fill your spot. You will still only receive 75% of the course fee, even if I can find someone to fill your place. I will refund you 100% if I need to cancel the class or reschedule to a date you can’t make.