Enter the world of making metal jewelry with Metals 1: Intro to Metalsmithing. This introductory one-day class gives you the foundational skills of metalsmithing jewelry and is the prerequisite for our more advanced classes.
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 7 mm sterling silver ring band with their choice in size and texture and a copper pendant necklace that is hand-sawn and hand-textured.
We will cover:
- Studio safety and ergonomics
- Sawing techniques
- Hammer texturing and stamping
- Filing and sanding
- Basics of soldering
- Texturing metal with a rolling mill and hammers
- How to remove fire-scale
- Patina options
- How to use a flex-shaft
Class Duration: 8 hours with a 30 minute break for lunch
Prerequisite: None
Last day to cancel for a full refund is June 3, 2023. 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). Payment of material fee is due at the beginning of class. Cash, check, or Venmo accepted.
About the instructor, Alec Schweiger
Alec has an MFA with an emphasis in Metals and Jewelry from Colorado State University-Fort Collins, and has been teaching metalsmithing at the collegiate level (CSU) since 2019. He received a work study scholarship to the Penland School of Craft to study under Kim Cridler, as well as learning from Navajo Silversmithing masters Allison and Trent Lee.