Jewelry and Metals
The jewelry-making classes taught in our Metals Department include the traditional focus on technique and materials, as well as contemporary considerations of concept, design, and experimentation.
Materials List
Classes not listed here will either have required materials in the class description, discuss needed materials during the first class, or the materials will be supplied.
Class details (meeting times, tuition, etc.) are listed below.
View Materials List Class Guidelines
Metals Supplies Notes
Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment. Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted. Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for specific supply list.
Metals Open Studio
Limited open studio time for students to practice will be determined at the beginning of each term; dates and times will be discussed in class and posted. Students should be respectful to monitors and observe all studio policies and practices. Open studio is intended for students to practice techniques and projects covered in class; production purposes or outside work is not allowed.
Registration Information
Classes are open-enrollment to the community. Class registration is a simple process. Read 'How to Register' below to get started. Click here to view all registration policies and guidelines, including information on payments, class withdraws and cancellations, refunds, and more.
- Click the 'Register Now' button below to begin the registration process. If registration is open and you do not see a 'Register Now' button, please refresh your browser.
- Click onto 'Sign In' at the top right side of the page.
- To sign in, enter your user name and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one quickly by specifying a user name, password, and email address.
- Navigate to your desired course. Click the 'Add to Cart' button associated with the course.
- After completing the registration process and remitting payment, you will receive an email containing your registration confirmation.
Jewelry & Metals Classes - Summer 2025
Course Description
What does it take to make a ring? Construction of handmade rings will be the focus of this two-day course in metal. Students will be introduced to the basic techniques of working with non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, and silver), basic hand tools, forging, forming, silver-soldering using a torch, surface embellishment, and finishing techniques. In two days, students should expect to walk away with at least two finished projects.
Course Description
Learn the fundamental techniques and tools used to create unique jewelry and small metal sculptures as you work through a series of projects focused not only on technique, but also on encouraging individual expression. Techniques covered will include sawing, basic forming, surface textures, silver-soldering, riveting, ring-making, and surface finishes.
Course Description
In this two-day workshop students will learn to form and hammer metal to create one-of-a-kind earrings. Day one will focus on forming and forging copper wire that can be hammered and shaped in a variety of ways. Students will also learn how to make findings such as ear wires and jump rings. Day two will focus on cutting and forming sheet metal using hammers, stakes, and the hydraulic press. Surface patinas and finishing will also be covered in this course.
Course Description
Explore various ways to connect beads—from stringing, knotting, and using wire connections to make necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Different ways to finish the ends and use of different types of clasps and closures will also be covered. Along the way learn about the materials, and the tools and their purpose. Create your own unique designs from purchased or repurposed beads, have fun, and end up with several new pieces of jewelry.
Course Description
This intermediate level class allows students to build on their basic enameling skills to create more complex techniques. A variety of methods—including cloisonné and champlevé—will be covered for fusing colorful enamel powder (glass) to copper using both a torch and kiln. Students will be encouraged to experiment and can expect to complete two or more pendant projects.
Course Description
Sand casting is a low-tech casting method using a reusable, ultra-fine clay sand mix that allows for small-scale single-use mold casting. This process allows you to quickly cast small objects or jewelry in bronze or silver and unlike investment casting does not require a kiln or large equipment, therefore perfect for home studios. Learn how to choose the right objects to cast, set up a successful mold, melt and pour metal, as well as go through any troubleshooting. You should expect to finish several components or pieces. Basic metal skills and finishing processes will be covered in this course.
Course Description
For the advanced student wishing to pursue a new or continued topic of metalworking and/or jewelry-making or to create a small body of work. Although projects are self-directed, the instructor will work with each student to assist with design, aesthetic, and/or technical decisions.
Course Description
Confidence when soldering is invaluable to metalsmiths and jewelers, and this class will hone that skill through jewelry-scale soldering exercises and practice of fundamental techniques. Students will work through a series of projects focused on applying techniques covered, while also creating unique small metal jewelry forms. Students should expect to complete two to three projects.
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