New Workshops Enrolling
Workshops not in chronological order-Scroll Down to See All Workshops and Dates
Melissa Muir One-Day Workshops
July 9-13, 2015
Sign Up for Each Workshop Individually
Hollow Forms in Metalsmithing: Beads, Pendants & Box Rings With Melissa Muir
July 9, 2025
9:00 AM-4:00 PM
$150.00
Discover the art of hollow form fabrication in this hands-on metalsmithing class! Students will explore techniques to create lightweight yet structurally strong metal forms, including beads, a pendant, and—if time allows—a box ring. Through sawing, soldering, texturing, and finishing methods, participants will learn how to shape and construct dimensional pieces from sheet metal. Topics covered will include: • Designing and planning hollow forms • Soldering and assembly techniques for seamless construction • Adding texture and decorative elements • Creating a bead with a hollow core • Fabricating a sculptural pendant • (Optional) Constructing a box ring with a fitted lid This class is perfect for those with basic metalsmithing experience who want to refine their soldering skills and explore more advanced fabrication techniques. By the end of the course, students will have completed unique, wearable hollow-form jewelry pieces.
Skill Level: Intermediate (basic metalsmithing experience required)
We supply tools, you supply the metal
Filigree Jewelry Techniques: Crafting & Soldering Intricate Designs With Melissa Muir
July 10, 2025
9:00 AM-4:00 PM
$150.00
Discover the timeless beauty of filigree jewelry in this one-day intermediate-level workshop! Designed for students with basic soldering experience, this class will focus on creating intricate wirework designs using soldering templates for precision and consistency. In addition, students will learn how to craft their own fine filigree wire, an essential skill for customizing filigree patterns. Students will learn: • How to create fine filigree wire for delicate designs • Techniques for shaping and arranging wire into intricate patterns • How to use soldering templates for precise and consistent results • Best practices for soldering fine wire without melting details • Methods for cleaning, finishing, and enhancing filigree work By the end of the class, participants will complete a small filigree jewelry piece, such as a pendant or decorative component, while gaining confidence in fine wire manipulation, soldering, and filigree fabrication.
Skill Level: Intermediate (basic soldering skills required)
Metal Kits will be provided for purchase on-site, price $50.00
Exploring Texture: Surface Techniques for Metal
With Melissa Muir
July 11, 2025
9:00 AM-4:00 PM
$150.00
Unlock the endless possibilities of texture in metalwork in this one-day intermediate-level technique-based workshop! Students will explore a variety of methods to create rich and dynamic surface textures using an array of tools and techniques. Through hands-on experimentation, participants will learn how to manipulate metal surfaces to add depth, contrast, and character to their jewelry and metalwork designs. Techniques covered will include: • Using ball burs, flex shaft accessories, and files to carve and etch texture • Creating subtle and bold patterns with sandpaper and sanding sticks • Experimenting with hammers and chasing tools for dynamic surface effects • Applying rolling mill textures with paper, fabric, and organic materials • Combining multiple methods for unique, layered textures Students will create a series of sample plates showcasing different texturing techniques, serving as a valuable reference for future projects. This workshop is perfect for those looking to expand their texturing skills and add new design elements to their metalwork. Students are encouraged to bring metals to texture that can be used in their own designs after class
Skill Level: Intermediate (basic soldering skills required)
Kits Available for Purchase $40.00
Carved Elegance: File-Carved Patterns & Wire Rings
With Melissa Muir
July 12, 2025
9:00 AM-4:00 PM
$150.00
Discover the art of precision metal carving in this one-day intermediate-level workshop! Students will explore how to use files to carve intricate patterns into metal surfaces, with a special focus on edge detailing to create unique jewelry designs. Through guided instruction, participants will learn controlled filing techniques to achieve clean, decorative textures that enhance their work. Techniques covered will include: • Proper handling and selection of files for different carving effects • Creating decorative edge patterns on sheet and wire • Adding dimension and texture through controlled filing strokes • Finishing and refining carved surfaces for a polished look Students will put their new skills into practice by designing and creating a carved wire ring, learning how to shape, file, and refine their piece into a wearable work of art.
Skill Level: Intermediate (basic metalsmithing skills required)
Kits Available for Purchase $40.00
Riveting Techniques for Jewelry: Cold Connections Made Beautiful With Melissa Muir
July 13, 2025
9:00 AM-4:00 PM
$150.00
Master the art of cold connections in this one-day intermediate-level riveting workshop! Rivets are a versatile and decorative way to join layers of metal without soldering, allowing for unique, multi-dimensional jewelry designs. Students will learn a wide variety of riveting techniques and create an extensive set of sample plates showcasing different styles. Techniques covered will include: • Wire rivets and ball rivets for simple and strong connections • Tube rivets and decorative rivets for refined finishes • Telescoping and raised rivets for layered dimension • Shaped and nail head rivets for custom detailing • Hidden and flush rivets for seamless connections • Hot riveting for a traditional approach • Riveting on domed, curved, and hollow surfaces Students will gain confidence in using wire and tubing to securely and artistically connect metal components. Participants are encouraged to bring extra projects or jewelry components for additional practice and experimentation.
Skill Level: Intermediate (basic metalsmithing skills required)
Kits Available for Purchase $40.00
Silver Clay Workshop
Silver Clay Jewelry for Beginners with Lisa Bronson
June 1, 2025 10AM-4PM
$275.00 Includes SilverMetal Clay
Did you know you can make pure silver jewelry from metal clay? So much fun and perfect for beginners as well as jewelry pros!
Come and Learn about fine and sterling silver metal clay—Lisa will offer you a brief history of metal clay and then show you many of the techniques you will be using in this 6 hour class.
We will TORCH FIRE earrings or pendants (your choice). I will also show you how to kiln fire larger pieces. You will go home with a beautiful silver earrings and a pendant OR Two pendants—again—your choice!
The studio has tools, textures and molds you can use and as part of your tuition, you will receive 20 grams of silver clay
INTRODUCTION TO LAPIDARY ARTS
Observe and Explore the Art of Transforming Stones from Rough into Beautiful Cabochons for Jewelry with Joe Hurst
NEXT DATE April 12, 2025
CLASS LIMITED TO 4 PARTICIPANTS FOR EXTRA ATTENTION
Have you ever wondered how gemstones are cut and processed from a rock in the ground to a beautiful polished nugget or cabochon?
In this workshop demo, Participants will observe how a lapidary artist takes a very rough stone and transforms it into a beautiful cabochon ready to be set into jewelry. Each student will have an opportunity to try out the equipment and make a small cabochon. Students will go home with their own cabochons that they create in the workshop. Questions and interactive discussion is welcome and encouraged. You will go home with 3 high quality stone cabochons, beautiful agates, jaspers and turquoise available—or bring your own rough to cut!
Opportunities to purchase additional cabochons and/or to sign up for semi-private instruction on making your own cabochons will be available following the demo.
Instructor: Joe Hurst from “On the Rocks, Norfolk”
$125
SilverSpiral Creations
Make and Take Workshop
WIRE WRAPPED JEWELRY
NEXT DATE TBA
5:00-8:00 PM
$99.00 + $35.00 Kit Fee
Does anyone love hearts as much as Kara? Or do you have the desire to create a pendant for Valentine’s Day? Either way, let’s create a heart pendant with our wire wrap teacher Kara Centrella. Our class is perfect for beginners, Kara will teach at your pace. Kit includes argentium silver wire and a variety of heart gemstones
100 Whiting Street, Winsted, CT. 06098. Studio 310
Torch Fired Enameling Workshop
2-days With Molly Davis
NEW DATE TBA
$285. plus $40.00 Materials
Add dynamic color to your jewelry or small art pieces using simple techniques and home studio-friendly tools. In this two-day class, we’ll tackle the fundamentals of enameling and make colorful charms that can be easily turned into wearable art. We’ll explore both opaque and transparent colors and their properties over copper as well as fine silver. Students will learn metal preparation, sifting, wet packing, stenciling, sgraffito, and more, to create an array of bright and interesting patterns and designs, firing them all with a basic butane torch.