• You want to learn about a technique/skill we don’t currently have a class for

• Group classes aren’t your thing

• You are a total beginner and want to dive in before investing in the tools

• You want a refresher before starting your Bench Membership

• Your availability is limited and none of our group classes ever work with your schedule

• You simply need/want a bit more 1 on 1 attention

• Need help solving a project specific problem.

• You have a specific project you want to create

• You have questions about how to grow your business or yourself as an artist

AMA stands for ask me anything! AMAs are great for folks with questions that don’t require demonstration or studio tools. Lob your questions our way and we’ll hit you back with our best answers.

Below are some examples of needs that can be met during an AMA call.

-Make a lesson plan and decide what materials and tools to acquire before booking your first lesson.
-You’ve got the skills, but you could use some advice on business (i.e. how to sell at shows, pricing, consignment vs wholesale etc.) Please note that we do not claim to be experts on this, but we have a ton of real life experience and have also learned a lot from others and are happy to pass along what we know now.
-You’d like an honest critique of your website, social media presence, or jury images, etc. Kelly and Louise are never lacking an opinion on most topics, and if you ask us for it, we’ll be happy to give you our thoughts on your work, website, etc.
-You’ve been thinking about teaching a workshop or starting a metalsmithing community and want some advice.
-You’re getting ready for a show and need some help preparing.

We recommend starting with the basics. Our favorite way to do that is by taking the Beginning Metalsmithing for Jewelry class. This curriculum is designed specifically for those who want to learn metalsmithing as it applies to jewelry.

Perfect for beginners—or anyone who wants a refresher—you’ll cover the fundamentals: sawing and piercing, texturing and forming, soldering, finishing, and bezel setting.

If taken as private lessons, we suggest booking a total of 6–9 hours to get the complete education.

This class is also available to take in a group setting here » https://www.alloymetalsmithing.com/skill-based-workshops

Mmm… skills are the best kind of treat. Who doesn’t love to level up?
Below you’ll find a list of skills we’ve developed into easy-to-digest nuggets (majority of these even come with a handout!). When you confirm and book your lesson, you’ll have an opportunity to select the skill you are interested in.

• Beginning Sawing + Piercing (1 hour)

• Beginning Forging - Stamping - Texturing (1 hour)

• Beginning Soldering (2 hours)

• Beginning Bezel Creation + Setting for Cabochons (2 hours)

• Advanced Bezel Setting for Challenging Cabochons (2 hours)

• Beginning Finishing (1 hour)

• Recycle Scrap into Sheet & Wire (1 hour)

• Using the Hydraulic Press (30 Mins)

• Ring Sizing Comprehensive (2 hours)

• Soldering Tips Tricks + Troubleshooting (1 hour)

• Polishing Comprehensive (1 hour)

• How to Patina: Blackening Silver (30 Mins)

• Cold Connection Basics (1 hour)

• Intro to Wax Carving: Signet Ring (3 hours)

• Basic Phone Photography for Jewelry (1 hour)

• How to Price Your Jewelry (1 hour)

• How to Use the MINI Torch (30 Mins)

• Machine Finishing Basics: Buffing Lathe - Sand Blaster - Belt Sander (30 Mins)

• Using the Rolling Mill (30 Mins)

This list is just a starting point — we teach far more than what’s written here.

Examples include: Hinges, Lockets, Kinetic Jewelry, Hand-Fabricated Findings, Chain Making, Working with Non-traditional materials, Tool modification…etc.

And don’t limit yourself to just bench skills — we also share business and marketing know-how: art fair applications and participation, event hosting, newsletter strategy, studio organization, content planning, and more.

When booking, feel free to select “Other” and tell us exactly what you’d like to learn.

See the next section of the FAQ for details on Casting and FACETED Stone Setting.

Both of these skills require a bit of nuance when setting up your private lessons. Please fill out the form, and we will contact you to get you scheduled.

> > https://www.alloymetalsmithing.com/lesson-form

Looking for information about setting things that aren’t faceted stones? For cabochons, rose cuts, or non-traditional materials see above skills section and book either Beginning Bezel Setting, Advanced Bezel Setting or Other.

You Bet! We love seeing what you want to make. Here is a list of the projects we already have designed. But don’t let that limit your imagination.

• Wide Band Silver Spinner Ring (3 hours)

• Stamped + Textured Silver Ring (2 hours)

• Three Silver Stacking Rings (2 hours)

• Forged Silver Hoop Earrings (2 hours)

• Silver Ring with a Cabochon Stone (4 hours)

• Ring Created Using Hollow Forming (4 hours)

• Silver Ring with Multiple Cabochon Stones (4 hours)

• You can find examples of these projects on our Private Workshop Page » https://www.alloymetalsmithing.com/private-workshops. Fun Fact: Private workshops can be booked for 1-6 humans.

If you want to make one of these projects during a private lesson, please select “the project” when booking.

If you have a different project in mind, select “other” when booking and give us a quick general description of what you’d like to make.

She sure can! We offer a 2 on 1 private lesson option that allows you to bring whomever you would like. The only catch, they must want to learn what you want to learn.

“Actually, I want to throw a small party.”
In that case you are going to want to check out our private workshop options. We can accommodate groups of 1-6 humans. We’ve got some really fun projects to pick from. Check those out here » https://www.alloymetalsmithing.com/private-workshops

The cost of a in-person private lesson includes use of the studio and tools. If you need a tool to learn the skill, we will provide it. This includes all hand tools as well as give you access to our shared studio tools.

However, it does not include materials. Materials may be purchased during the lesson, but will be limited to what is on hand or in the store.

Well that’s a pretty long list….But when you are referring to metalsmithing speciffically we currently do not have the tools or ability to teach metal clay, hollowware, engraving, lapidary work, blacksmithing (steel work), or enameling.

FYI we are working on getting our kiln and enameling tools up and running. They aren’t ready for you yet, but we have high hopes that they will be soon.

Check out our blog post on the topic!