Metals 1: Intro to Metalsmithing: September 18 from 9:30-5:30

Enter the world of making metal jewelry with Metals 1: Intro to Metalsmithing. This introductory one-day class gives you the foundational skills of metalsmithing jewelry and is the prerequisite for our more advanced classes. 

This workshop is jam-packed with information to get you introduced to the world of metalsmithing without a huge time commitment! In addition to learning safety procedures, you will learn the fundamentals of metalsmithing and at the end of class, you will have made a textured sterling silver ring band with your choice of width (3 mm to 10 mm), size, texture, and finish as well as a hand-sawn and textured copper pendant necklace that is designed by you!

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
• Polishing

Details:

• Friday, September 18 from 9:30-5:30
• 8 contact hours, ages 14+ located at Silver Peak Jewelry Arts, 100 E. Cleveland St Lafayette 80026
• # students: 3 minimum, 6 maximum
• Materials kit fee is $30 which includes workbook, KN95 mask, and studio materials. This fee is collected at the beginning of class via cash, check, or Venmo.
• Each student will work at their own dedicated jeweler's bench. 
• Prerequisite: none

The last day to cancel your registration for a refund or transfer ($25 admin fee applies) is September 4, 2026.

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

Instructor: Jen Lesea-Ames

fter 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.