Workshops

Copper Tooling

Metal tooling, also called “repousse” and “metal embossing,” is a type of low-relief sculpture in which tools are used to create a design on metal. After choosing a design from many possibilities or your own design, you will be taught the art of metal tooling using a pure solid copper sheet. You will use a wooden tool to work the metal from both sides to create a raised design. After applying a patina of your choice, we will back each piece of artwork and put it into a frame ready for hanging. Open to anyone over 12 years old. Children aged six to eleven are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Not included in any package. $65.00 per person.

Bismuth Crystal Jewelry

You will not believe it! You are going to “grow” your own pretty metal Bismuth crystals. You will learn what Bismuth metal is, how to melt it at home, how to make Bismuth crystal clusters, and how to make a pendant out of one of the crystal clusters. We will melt Bismuth, a silver-colored metal that melts at 520 degrees. We heat it up to 600 degrees, and as it cools, it forms crystals inside the molten metal. At just the right moment, you will “pull” out the beautiful multicolored crystal clusters that shimmer in the light. You will make a pendant-sized specimen and one sized to display and enjoy every day.

Pine Needle Casting

We will melt a full half ounce of pure silver on a firewood log. You will pour it into a “haystack” bundle of pine needles. Then, you will look through the needles to find your pendant. We will solder on a bail for the chain and polish the pendant before placing it on a 20” Sterling Silver chain. No two are ever alike! We will make sure you are happy with your new pendant. You will not be able to see this or make this memory of a lifetime anywhere else in the World! All our classes are taught so that you can do it at home. Open to anyone over 12 years old and up. Children aged six to eleven are welcome if accompanied by an adult student. Not included in any package. $65.00 per person plus tax.

Pewter Sculpture Activity

Make a memory of a lifetime for you and your children while you learn something exciting and educational. Most people never get to see or do metal casting. You will cast three sculptures: one Columbine Flower and two Hummingbirds. We will discuss metals, how they are mined, what alloys are, and the lead-free pewter we use. We will also talk about sculpting and molding our sculptures. The beak of one of the hummingbirds can be placed into the flower for a beautiful sculpture, and each bird has a ring between its wings for hanging as an ornament. Participants will “pour” the pewter directly into solid rubber molds. You may substitute a butterfly for one or both of the hummingbirds. All our classes are taught so that you can do it at home.

Silversmithing

Come and make your own Sterling Silver pendant and have some fun! A unique experience taught by Don Norris, who has over 40 years of teaching Silversmithing, you will learn about metals, how they are mined, what alloys are, and more about pewter, sterling, and gold. Class includes all tools, supplies & silver for the class. You will design your own Sterling Silver pendant and choose a stone from many different colors. We will then solder your pendant together. You will set the stone. After polishing the pendant, you will wear it home on a twenty (20”) Sterling Silver chain. All our classes are taught so that you can do it at home.

Silver Rings

Learn to solder, make your own sterling silver rings, and have some fun! Class includes all tools, supplies, stones, and silver for the class to make two rings with small castings or stones of your choice. You will learn to make a ring band the correct size and how to solder a casting onto the ring. This is more of a “project class.” To learn more about Silversmithing, metals, tools, and supplies, consider the Simple Silversmithing class. Open to anyone over 12 years old and up. Children aged eight to eleven are welcome if accompanied by an adult student and with the instructor performing all the soldering.

Leather Belt Making

Unleash your inner designer and craft a belt that you can wear for years to come! Create your very own, one-of-a-kind design or choose from a variety of others. This class is available every Friday at 2 p.m. $75/person, not included on any package.