Enter the world of making metal jewelry with our Intro to Metalsmithing Intensive. This immersive two-day class gives you the foundational skills of metalsmithing jewelry and is the prerequisite for our more advanced classes. No experience necessary!
This workshop is jam-packed with information to get you introduced to the world of metalsmithing without a huge time commitment! In addition to learning safety procedures, students will learn the fundamentals of metalsmithing and at the end of class will have made a textured bezel-set gemstone 7 mm sterling silver ring with their choice in size and texture and a copper pendant necklace that is hand-sawn and hand-textured.
You will learn:
Day 1:
- Studio safety and ergonomics
- Sawing techniques
- Filing and sanding
- Texturing metal with a rolling mill and hammers
- Doming metal
- How to make adjustable necklaces
- How to use a flex-shaft
- Ring sizing
- Basics of soldering
- Ring forming
- Creating a comfort fit
- Ring polishing
Day 2:
- Proper stone selection
- Bezel sizing and fitting
- Bezel soldering
- Sweat soldering
- Patina options
- Stone setting on a ring
- Polish and finish work
You will also be given our Intro to Metalsmithing packet which includes all the basic principles of metalsmithing plus detailed steps for each project, and, a complete tool and supply list with links to purchase.
Class Duration: 2 days, 6 hours each day from 10:00-4:00. Must be able to attend both days. No makeups will be given, no exceptions.
Last day to cancel for a full refund or credit is April 14, 2023. After this date, no refunds or credits will be given. Please review our FAQ page for directions and dress code. By registering for the class you agree to our policies and dress code.
Tools and Materials
Tools needed: You will need to bring your own KN95 or N95 mask to use while polishing. If you do not have one, we have them for sale for $5 (limit 1 per person).
Materials kit: $25 (silver, copper, solder, flux, saw blades, and use of all tools and equipment) plus stone selected for ring and additional silver at $2/g. Cash, check payable to Silver Peak Studio, or Venmo accepted.
About the instructors
Day 1: Kenzie Nelson
Kenzie has been enveloped by art and art making her entire life and loves nothing more than connecting with others through the act of creating. After taking an introduction to metalsmithing class in her first year of college, she became infatuated with the medium. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Colorado State University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a concentration in metalsmithing and jewelry making. She loves sharing her passion with others and has teaching experience ranging from K-12 art, museum education classes, as well as collegiate level metalsmithing courses.
A former exercise physiologist and triathlete, Jen retired from her fitness career after receiving a diagnosis of hip dysplasia and decided to go full-time with her jewelry business in 2014.
Wanting more of a challenge after stringing beads for three years, she studied metalsmithing at the Denver School of Metal Arts (now called Denver Jewelry Studio) from 2012-2016. She decided to go full-time with her jewelry business in 2014 and opened Silver Peak Studio in July 2020.
She is the owner, designer, and metalsmith of Jen Lesea Designs, (2009-present); her jewelry is sold in over 50 stores, including Fallingwater Museum Store, the Denver Art Museum Gift Shop, and the national catalog Uncommon Goods. Her experience and work has landed her local and national press. Jen is an Applied Jewelry Professional from the Gemological Institute of America GIA.
Her fun and friendly nature is apparent in everything she does, whether its teaching metalsmithing, talking to art show patrons, or motivating people to try something new, like stand up paddleboarding!
As the owner of Silver Peak Studio, it is her intention to provide a safe, clean, professional and fun environment where students can grow in metalsmithing and enjoy the journey.
A few of Jen's favorite things is recreating outdoors, traveling, and hanging with her fur babies (kitties), Addie and Stevie.