Weekly Classes

Lost wax casting techniques have been used by jewelers for thousands of years to create volumetric metal forms through wax working. In this class students will learn how to carve and shape wax, cast the wax, and then clean up and finish the metal castings. Students can expect to walk away with several pieces of cast jewelry or small-scale metal objects. Click on course image or title to read more.

The primary goal of this class is to provide students with a grounded understanding in jewelry and metalsmtihing studio practices and the foundational hand skills necessary for working successfully with non-ferrous metals. Click on course image or title to read more.

Continue to strengthen the skills you learned in Jewelry one in this weekly course. We will focus on building foundational metalsmithing skills like fabrication and soldering, and hand tools, as well as the flex shaft and other specialized tools in the studio. After creating a series of technique samples, we will begin to design a unique project(s) that incorporates the skills we develop through the course.

In this course, students will have the opportunity to learn how to cut/shape/polish stone to create one of a kind gems. Demos will happen in the first part of class, and the rest will be work time. Those who have completed a previous lapidary class at Metalwerx are welcome to enroll and work more independently. Click on class image or title for more information.

This introductory course focuses on developing fundamental hand skills, good studio habits, and an appreciation for quality craftsmanship. Click on course image to read more.

In this class, students will learn some of the essential chain maille weaves that are the basis for so many others. This class will focus on Byzantine, Spiral 4-in-1, and European 4-in-1, and explore several variations of the focus weaves. Students will also learn basic chain maille skills and concepts such as, using tools, handling jump rings, opening/closing techniques, common weaving problems and fixes, aspect ratio, chain maille terminology, etc. Click on the class image or title for more information.

This class will expand on the fundamentals of jewelry-making, covered in Jewelry 1. Students will learn how to make more complex pieces through the implementation of thoughtful design and layout; consideration of the most effective "order of operations" for soldering; and how to put the "finishing" touches on their next-level jewelry to make it really shine!

Jewelry 3 is specifically catered to those who want to further their expertise in jewelry-making. Having successfully completed both Jewelry 1 and Jewelry 2, this course covers advanced techniques while refining previously acquired skills. Among the techniques covered in this course are advanced soldering methods, precise scoring for impeccable angles, bends, and corners, the fabrication of three-dimensional forms, elevated stone settings, and flush setting.

This weekly class is an opportunity for students to work on new projects, finish projects hiding in your bench, ask questions and get professional guidance. Get one-on-one advice from Cristina and delve into those designs swirling around in your head. She will demonstrate great bench tips to guide students through projects with success. Technical demonstrations will respond to participants' interests and needs; soldering, stone setting, texture development, hinge making, jewelry line development, and other advanced jewelry techniques are among the many possibilities.

If you have ever wanted to know more about how to set stones then this weekly class is for you! Work on independent stonesetting projects as you learn and practice a variety of setting from open-back bezels, tube bezels, prong settings, channel setting, and more.