Mixed Metal Cuff Bracelet with Richard Salley: April 18 from 9:30-5:30. 2 spots left!

With the price of silver at all-time highs, it’s time to bring copper and brass into the spotlight and explore the beauty and versatility of mixed metals. In this immersive one-day workshop, students will design and construct a handcrafted mixed metal cuff bracelet using primarily non-precious metals, with the option to incorporate silver or gold accents for added contrast and refinement. Each participant will set a cabochon stone of their choosing, creating a bold, one-of-a-kind piece that reflects their personal aesthetic.

Guided by Master metalsmith Richard Salley, students will learn how to thoughtfully combine metals for both structural integrity and visual impact. Techniques covered will include sawing, filing, forming and shaping cuff bracelets, layering and riveting metals, soldering, surface finishing, and bezel setting a cabochon stone. Richard will also share insights into design, composition, and creative problem-solving, helping students push beyond single-metal jewelry and embrace a more expressive approach to metalwork.

This class is ideal for intermediate beginners and beyond who have some prior metalsmithing experience and are ready to expand their technical skills and design vocabulary. By the end of the workshop, each student will leave with a completed mixed metal cuff and a deeper understanding of how to work confidently with multiple metals in their jewelry practice.

Skills you’ll learn:

• Designing with mixed metals

• Cutting, forming, and shaping copper and brass

• Layering and riveting techniques

• Soldering and finishing

• Bezel setting a cabochon stone

• Surface texture and patina options

What you’ll take home:
A finished mixed metal cuff bracelet and the skills to continue exploring mixed-metal jewelry in your own work.

Details:

• Saturday, April 18 from 9:30-5:30
• Prerequisite: Metals 1 and 2, Tube Stetting if you want to use a faceted stone in your design. Cold Connections recommended
• Ages 14+ located at 100 E. Cleveland St. Lafayette CO
• # students: 3 minimum, 6 maximum
• Materials kit fee: $30 for non-precious metals and scrap metal to be used as accents.  Fee is due at the beginning of class via cash, check, or Venmo.
• What to bring: Cabochon and/or faceted stone (we will have those for sale if you wish to purchase from us). Also, bring your own copper and silver scrap metal, especially those with interesting edges, holes, and textures. 

The last day to cancel for a refund or credit ($25 transfer fee applies) is March 18, 2026. Because this is a Master Series workshop, there are no exceptions to this rule.

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

About the instructor, Richard Salley

Richard began working in metal in 1969 as an assistant to metal sculptor Malcom Moran in Carmel, CA. He later went on to graduate from the University of California and became a teacher. He recently retired from teaching in public schools to devote more time to his art and teaching workshops.

Although mostly self-taught in jewelry making, Richard has studied with Keith LoBue, Susan Lenart-Kazmer, Robert Dancik and Charles Lewton-Brain, all of whom have been long-term mentors and friends. He considers himself not so much a jeweler but rather a ‘maker of wearable art’. His interests include digital art, mixed media collage/assemblage, sculpture and jewelry.

Richard approaches creating art as one big problem solving activity. There are problems with materials, designs, execution, and of course, marketing! Overcoming these challenges are part of the journey/reward process which makes each piece unique and memorable.

Richard's work has been featured in Belle Armoire Jewelry, Art Jewelry, and Jewelry Artist magazines. Other published work can be seen in Susan Lenart-Kazmer’s book, "Making Connections", "Steel Wire Jewelry" by Brenda Schweder, "Steampunk Style Jewelry" by Jean Campbell and "Metal Style" by Karen Dougherty.

His work can be viewed at https://rsalley.com