Beginning Metalsmithing (Metals 1 & 2): September 3, 10, 17, 24, and October 1

Enter the world of metalsmithing jewelry with our Beginning Metalsmithing evening class, which is essentially our Metals 1 and 2 classes combined. This 5-week session gives you the foundational skills of metalsmithing jewelry which includes sawing, texturing metal, soldering, creating custom bezels, stone setting, patina options, and polishing. 

A the end of class, you will have completed a sterling silver ring in your own custom size, texture, and finish with a custom bezel-set gemstone (we have a selection of stones for you to choose from or you can bring your own!).

We Will Cover:

• Studio safety and ergonomics
• Sawing techniques
• Hammer texturing and stamping
• Filing and sanding
• Ring sizing
• Basics of soldering
• Texturing metal with a rolling mill and hammers
• How to use a flex-shaft
• How to create a comfort-fit ring
  
• Bezel sizing and fitting
  
• Bezel soldering
• Sweat soldering
• Stone setting in a custom bezel
• Patina options
• Polishing

Details:

• 5 Wednesdays: September 3, 10, 17, 24 and October 1. You must be able to attend all sessions as no makeups will be given.
• Choose from the daytime session (11:00-2:00 each day) or evening session (6:00-9:00)
• 15 contact hours (6 hours each day), ages 14+ located at the Silver Peak Studio Classroom 100.5 E. Cleveland, Lafayette 80026
• # students: 3 minimum, 6 maximum
• Tools are provided
• There is a base fee of $10 which covers studio materials. Additional cost is the silver, and will depend on the amount of silver used and will be weighed at $2/gram. You may also bring your own cabochon and we will have ones for sale starting at $10. Materials fee will be due by the end of class via cash, check, Zelle, or Venmo.  
• Prerequisite: none

The last day to cancel your reservation for a refund or transfer ($25 transfer fee applies) is August 20, 2025.

By registering for a class at Silver Peak Studio, you agree to our cancellation policy, dress code for class, and studio rules.

About the instructor, John Sullivan

John Sullivan is an artist, metalsmith, jeweler, and educator, whose work focuses on psychology, neuropsychology, and interpersonal relationships. Working as a contemporary artist and metalsmith, John explores the themes and issues surrounding dysfunctional relationships, psychological disorders, and the transformative process of healing. John was most recently an Affiliate Instructor of Metalsmithing and Jewelry and a Studio Technician at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado.
 
He attended graduate school at the State University of New York, New Paltz; the number one Metalsmithing program at a public university in the country. Prior to graduate school, John was the Sponsor Coordinator and a board member of the Colorado Metalsmithing Association.

John earned his Bachelor of Fine Art at the Colorado State University, Fort Collins and was an apprentice to artist Ira Sherman and an assistant to artist Nilda Getty. John has been a guest speaker and given demonstrations at events hosted by the Colorado Metalsmithing Association. As an educator, John has taught as a substitute art teacher at the private institute Kent, Denver, and as a Teaching Assistant at SUNY New Paltz, teaching Basic Metal in both a traditional setting, online, and hybrid classroom. After receiving his Masters, John taught Metalsmithing and Jewelry for the Highschool Summer Sessions at Snowfarm, The New England Craft Program.

John has exhibited work at several national and international venues, as well as having been published in numerous domestic and foreign publications.