Jewelry Making Classes near Nelson, BC
Open Studio Exploration | Thursdays, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Personalized Metalsmithing Instruction for Skill Development and Creative Growth
Take your skills further in this intermediate class focused on creative problem-solving and technique expansion. Whether you're looking to refine your skills, start a new project, or gain confidence before setting up your own studio, Open Studio offers the perfect space to grow. Choose the session that fits your schedule—or bundle and save with Early-Bird Pricing! Secure your spot now and invest in your craft. ✨🔥
Workshop Dates (register for one or multiple sessions to save using the drop down menu)
Thursday, March 6, 2025 | 5:30-8:30pm
Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 5:30-8:30pm
Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 5:30-8:30pm
Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 5:30-8:30pm
Location: Samonte Cruz Studios in the Ymir Studio, 7012 1st Ave, Ymir, BC V0G 2K0
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
✨ Create with Confidence – Work on any jewelry project that excites you, with expert guidance every step of the way.
✨ Skill Enhancement – Master essential techniques like sawing, soldering, stone setting, and finishing, tailored to your goals.
✨ Structured Studio Time – Focused, hands-on sessions designed to help you make real progress in your craft.
✨ Personalized Feedback – Receive one-on-one mentorship to refine your designs and perfect your craftsmanship.
✨ Inspiring Community – Learn and create alongside like-minded makers in a collaborative and supportive studio setting.
✨ Build Your Independence – Gain hands-on experience before setting up your own workspace or studio.
✨ Repeatable Course – Keep coming back to build skills, explore new techniques, and develop your unique style.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Unleash Your Creativity with Full Studio Access & Expert Guidance!
Do you have a project idea but aren’t sure where to start? Want more hands-on experience before setting up your own jewelry studio? Looking for structured studio time with expert support to elevate your skills? Open Studio is designed for you! With access to a fully equipped jewelry studio and the guidance of a working goldsmith, this open studio series offers a unique opportunity to create at your own pace, build new skills, and receive professional mentorship along the way.
EARLY BIRD PRICING & BUNDLES
Bundle and save! Enroll by March 1st to unlock even bigger savings on our Early Bird pricing and multi-session bundles!
💎 Pay-Per-Class | 1 Session (Choose Any Date)
- Regular Price: $120 per session
- ✨ Early-Bird Price: $99 – Save $21! (Register by March 1, 2025 with code SAVE21)
📚 Open Studio Explorer | 3-Session Bundle (Best Value!)
- Regular Price: $330 ($30 off!)
- ✨ Early-Bird Price: $265 – Save an additional $65! (Register by March 1, 2025 with code SAVE95)
🔥 Full Studio Experience | 4-Session Bundle (Ultimate Skill Builder!)
- Regular Price: $425 ($55 off!)
- ✨ Early-Bird Price: $335 – Save an additional $90! (Register by March 1, 2025 with code SAVE145)
Materials & Studio Fee: $15 per session
This covers consumable supplies, gases, studio overhead and up to 20g of brass or copper for in class use. Sterling silver and gold are available for purchase upon request.
Access to Studio Tools & Equipment
- Equipment: Workbench, ventilation, Little Smith torch (oxygen/acetylene)
- Shaping & Carving Tools: Carving tools, burs, hammers, pliers, sandpaper
- Cutting & Filing Tools: Jeweller's saw, saw blades, flexshaft machine, hand files
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE?
This course is a dynamic playground for skill seekers and goal-driven creatives! Set your own goals, tackle unique projects, and refine your techniques in an inspiring studio environment that fosters creativity and self-directed learning. Setting up your own jewelry studio is expensive—this class lets you build your skills without the financial burden. Perfect for those ready to advance their jewelry-making in a supportive, professional setting with the freedom to work on personalized projects.
Skills & Techniques You Can Explore
🔥 Beginner Fabrication – Master the fundamentals!
- Sawing & Piercing
- Soldering & Annealing
- Filing, Sanding & Finishing
- Precision Measuring & Layout
💎 Intermediate & Advanced Fabrication – Take your skills to the next level!
- Hollow Forms & Box Construction
- Fold-Forming for Sculptural Designs
- Stone Setting Techniques:
- Bezel Setting
- Tube Setting
- Flush Setting
No matter your experience level, you'll gain hands-on practice and expert guidance to refine your craftsmanship!
CREATIVE TRAILBLAZERS
This course is a vibrant playground for skill seekers and goal-driven creatives alike! Set your own goals and tackle unique projects, all while honing your techniques in an inspiring studio environment that fosters creativity and self-directed learning.
What to Bring
- N95 mask
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- Closed-toed shoes
- Apron or clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty (optional)
Class Cancellation and Refund Policy
No Refunds: Refunds are not issued for failed castings or missed classes.
Sick Policy: If you're sick, please notify the instructor at least 24 hours in advance to receive a credit for a future class.
Class Cancellation or Weather Closures: If a class is canceled due to instructor illness or inclement weather, a make-up class will be scheduled, or a credit will be issued for a future session.
Metal Use & Safety Guidelines
For everyone's safety, only metal purchased from Samonte Cruz Studios or another reputable supplier can be cast or soldered in the studio. If you'd like to use your own metal, please contact the instructor to book a private session at their discretion.
Available for purchase
- Ear plugs
- N95 masks
- Silicone polishing wheels
- Misc burs & cutting wheels
- Gold and silver upon request
- Additional cuttlefish bones for casting
To register via email or pay with e-Transfer contact info@samontecruzstudios.com. Private instruction, studio bench rental & casting rates available upon request.
Project Ideas
RING-MAKING TECHNIQUES
Suggested Project: Pierced ring band (recommend 2-4 sessions)
Description: Take your ring-making skills to the next level by incorporating cut-out designs, texture, and more advanced finishing techniques.
Skills Practiced
- Sawing and piercing ring bands for unique designs
- Soldering and forming complex shapes
- Finishing techniques for refined, polished results
INTRO TO CHAIN MAKING
Suggested Project: Handmade chain bracelet or necklace (recommend 2-4 sessions)
Description: Build your soldering confidence while learning to craft your own chain links. This session focuses on precision in heat control and mastering repetitive soldering techniques.
Skills Practiced
- Shaping and forming jump rings
- Soldering multiple links with consistency
- Understanding chain styles and link variations
INTRO TO BEZEL STONE SETTING
Suggested Project: Pendant, earrings, or ring with a bezel-set stone (recommend 2-4 sessions)
Description: Learn to incorporate gemstones into your designs by mastering the art of bezel setting. This session covers setting cabochon stones into metal bezels for a clean, professional look.
Skills Practiced
- Creating and fitting a bezel to a stone
- Soldering a bezel onto a metal base
- Filing, shaping, and preparing the setting
- Burnishing and securing the stone
