Foundations in Metalsmithing: September 18-22. All Materials Included!

We are pleased to offer a five-day course in the Foundations of Metalsmithing, where you will be immersed into this time-honored craft of silversmithing jewelry. 

In this 5 day course, you will learn these different core skills to make jewelry:

1. Day 1: Metals 1: Basics of metal fabrication: soldering, forming, texturing, and polishing. Instructor: Jen Lesea-Ames
2. Day 2: Metals 2: Creating custom bezel settings for cabochons (polished stones with a flat bottom). Instructor: Alec Schweiger
3. Day 3: Cold-connections: learn to connect metal without heat via 3 different types of rivets and tab-settings. Instructor: Alec Schweiger
4. Day 4 (AM): Wax carving for lost wax casting: Instructor will cast your wax carved ring outside of class and will ship them to you. Instructor: Denali Moore
5. Day 4 (PM): Torch-fired enameling (fusing powdered glass to copper). Instructor: Jen Lesea-Ames
6. Day 5 (AM): Butane-torch safety and how to make your own ear-wire, head pins, clasps, and jump rings. Instructor: Kathy Pinover
7. Day 5 (PM): How to set up your home studio. Learn the ins and outs about ventilation for torch use, how to safely use and store chemicals, and tools and equipment needed for all different kinds of budgets. Instructor: Jen Lesea-Ames

At the end of the day, you will have completed: 

• A sterling silver bezel-set gemstone ring
• A mixed-metal brass and copper riveted cuff bracelet and pair of tab-set earrings with sterling silver earwire
• A wax carved ring that you can get cast in bronze, sterling silver, or 14K gold (there is an upcharge for sterling silver and gold)
• A pair of enameled earrings and pendant (or 3 enameled pendants)
• A variety of findings in argentium silver: earwire, headpins, s-hook clasp, and jump rings

Details:

• Class will be held:
  • Friday, September 18 from 9:30-5:30
  • Satursday, September 19 from 9:30-5:30
  • Sunday, September 20 from 9:30-5:30
  • Monday, September 21 from 10:00-2:00 and 3:00-5:00
  • Tuesday, September 22 from 10:00-2:00 and 3:00-5:00
• Ages 14+ located at Silver Peak Jewelry Arts, 100 E. Cleveland St Lafayette 80026
• # students: 3 minimum, 6 maximum
• All materials and tools are included, tough if you wish to get your wax carving cast in sterling silver or gold, there is an upcharge
• Each student will work at their own dedicated jeweler's bench. 
• Prerequisite: none

Because this is a multi-day workshop, the last day to cancel for a credit or refund is August 18, 2026. 

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