Heat Patina Ornaments: December 19 from 10-12 or 1-3pm

Join us for a creative and hands-on workshop where you’ll discover the magic of flame painting copper (aka creating a heat patina) to create a one-of-a-kind ornament to enjoy for years to come.

In this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn how heat and flame transform copper, bringing out beautiful, unexpected colors and patterns. Select from a number of different pre-cut holiday shapes, texture and stamp the metal to your liking, and finish with painting the metal with the flame of a torch.

Once your ornament has been finished, you’ll add a festive ribbon so it’s ready to hang on your Christmas tree—or give as a special handmade gift.

No jewelry-making experience is necessary. Jen will guide you through each step, making this a fun and approachable experience for beginners.

You’ll learn:

Basic metal texturing and stamping techniques
How to safely use a torch for heat patina
How heat creates different colors and effects on copper
Finishing techniques to bring out your ornament’s details
How to add a ribbon and prepare your ornament for display

Details:

Select from a morning or afternoon session: 10:00-12:00 or 1:00-3:00 at Silver Peak Jewelry Arts, 100 E. Cleveland St. Lafayette, CO
2 contact hours, ages 14+ (minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who must also take the class).
# students: 3 minimum, 6 maximum
Materials fee: included for 1 ornament. An additional ornament can be made for an additional $10.
Prerequisite: none

The last day to cancel your class registration for a refund or transfer ($25 transfer fee applies) is December 5, 2026.

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

About the Instructor, Jen Lesea-Ames

After retiring from her health education career in 2014, Jen transitioned her side-hustle jewelry business into a full-time success story as a nationally known jewelry designer and most recently, as an instructor in the jewelry arts.

Jen studied metalsmithing at the Denver School of Metal Arts from 2012-2016 and Gemological Institute of America (GIA) from 2014-2017, where she became obtained her diploma as an Applied Jewelry Professional.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, she saw her 32 art shows cancel in a matter of weeks. After the economic shutdown, she opened Silver Peak Studio in July 2020, where she started teaching jewelry fabrication classes in a small group setting. As demand increased, she expanded the class schedule and hired instructors. In April 2024, she expanded and moved Silver Peak Studio to Old Town Lafayette and opened the jewelry store next door to the school, where locals and visitors can shop the instructors' and students' jewelry as well as locally-made art and gifts. In January 2025, she rebranded to Silver Peak Jewelry Arts which more accurately reflects the mission and services that she provides.

As the owner of Silver Peak Jewelry Arts, Jen's "why" is to provide a safe, professional, and fun environment where students can expand their skillset in the jewelry arts and help support independent artists.

A few of Jen's favorite things is recreating outdoors, traveling, and hanging with her fur babies, Addie and Stevie.