Jewelry Adventure School Retreat May 25-26

Learn how to metalsmith jewelry and enjoy the best of the Colorado outdoors all in one weekend!  No prior experience needed! At the end of the two days, you will walk away with a sterling silver ring band, pendant and earrings, memories of hiking in the Rocky Mountains, and making new friends!

Price includes *all* instruction, materials (including sterling silver, copper, and studio materials), tool use, meals as described below (gluten, dairy-free, vegetarian options will be available), and carpooling options. All you need to do is bring your positive, can-do attitude! We do ask that you participate both days so you get the most out of the experience. 

Lodging/transportation is not included for out of town participants. Please contact Jen for recommendations on lodging.

Prerequisite: None

Daily schedule (subject to change weather permitting)

Saturday, May 25

8:00 am: Meet at NCAR parking lot in Boulder for hiking

8:30-10:30: Hike 

11:30-12:30: Lunch at our gallery: 100 E. Cleveland Lafayette. Boxed lunch from Eats and Sweets

1:00-5:00: Fusing Sterling Silver (each student will make a pendant and pair of earrings)

5:15-6:15: Happy Hour social at studio (provided)

Sunday, May 26

9:45: Meet at Boulder Reservoir Boathouse (SUP/kayak rentals)

10:00-11:00: Kayak/SUP at Boulder Reservoir

11:30-12:30: Lunch at our gallery from Ghostbox Pizza

1:00-3:30: Torch-fired Enameling. Each student will make a pair of earrings and pendant.

3:30-4:00: Closing, evaluations

Carpool to Rocky Mountain National Park

Hike to Lake Bierstadt and have a picnic lunch

Check out our photos to see what you will be learning and making as well as a few photos from past adventures. Questions? Please contact Jen today!  

By registering for this workshop, you agree to our cancellation policy, dress code, and studio rules.

About instructor, Jen Lesea-Ames, owner of Silver Peak Studio:

A former personal fitness trainer and triathlete  (B.S. Exercise Science, UC Davis and M.S. Kinesiology, CU-Boulder) with over 18 years of teaching experience, Jen retired from her fitness and coaching career after receiving a diagnosis of hip dysplasia and underwent two major hip surgeries. 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.

Her idea about starting the world's first Jewelry Adventure School Retreat came to her when she was in Hawaii and saw a lot of advertising for surfing and yoga retreats.  She thought "why can't I do this in Colorado where I can combine my love for metalsmithing jewelry and Rocky Mountain adventures?"

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!  

A few of Jen's favorite things: cats, happy hour with friends, and trail running.