Jewelry Making Classes near Nelson, BC
Sunday Skills Lab: Jewelry Basics
Your Hands-On Introduction to Jewelry Making!
Looking for a beginner-friendly space to learn the core skills of metalsmithing? Sunday Skills Lab is a flexible, hands-on workshop designed for those new to jewelry making or those who want to refine their fabrication techniques. Work at your own pace, build confidence with essential skills like sawing, soldering, and finishing, and create jewelry projects that match your interests. Whether you're crafting a pendant, earrings, or your first ring, this class offers personalized guidance and expert instruction in a supportive studio environment.
Workshop Dates & Times
Sunday, March 9, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Sunday, March 23, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Sunday, March 30, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location
Samonte Cruz Studios in the Ymir Studio
7012 1st Ave, Ymir, BC V0G 2K0
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Skill-Building Focus: Learn essential fabrication skills like sawing, soldering, filing, and finishing.
- Flexible Learning: Choose your own projects and progress at your own pace.
- Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for those with zero experience or those looking to reinforce their foundational skills.
- Hands-On Practice: Get real-time feedback and guidance from an experienced goldsmith.
- Work at Your Own Speed: Completing a finished piece depends on your individual pace and learning curve.
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Sunday Skills Lab is designed to give you structured, hands-on experience in jewelry fabrication. You’ll start with an introduction to essential tools and safety, then move into skill-building exercises tailored to your interests. This is not a project-based course with a guaranteed finished piece—instead, it’s about developing the skills you need to bring your creative ideas to life.
Limited Seats Available – Small Class, Big Creative Growth!
OPTIONS & PRICING
How It Works
- Register for individual sessions or multiple dates.
- Your progress will be based on your own abilities and learning speed.
- The class is designed to be repeatable—come back as often as you need to build confidence and skills.
EARLY BIRD PRICING & BUNDLES
Bundle and save! Enroll by March 1st to unlock even bigger savings with our Early Bird pricing and multi-session bundles.
💎 Pay-Per-Class | 1 Session (Choose Any Date)
- Regular Price: $110 per session
- ✨ Early-Bird Price: $95 – Save $15! (Register by March 1, 2025, with code SAVE15)
📚 Metalsmithing Explorer | 3-Session Bundle (Best Value!)
- Regular Price: $315 ($15 off!)
- ✨ Early-Bird Price: $270 – Save an additional $45! (Register by March 1, 2025, with code SAVE60)
🔥 Full Skills Immersion | 4-Session Bundle (Ultimate Learning Experience!)
- Regular Price: $400 ($40 off!)
- ✨ Early-Bird Price: $335 – Save an additional $65! (Register by March 1, 2025, with code SAVE105)
Each session includes personalized instruction, hands-on skill-building, and access to professional studio tools!
Materials & Studio Fee: $15 per session (paid in class)
This fee covers basic materials, consumable supplies, gases, and studio overhead. Additional materials are available for purchase. Silver and gold can be purchased and is priced per gram.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS WORKSHOP?
- Complete Beginners: No prior experience needed—just bring your curiosity!
- Returning Students: Perfect if you've taken an intro class and want more hands-on practice.
- Hobbyists & DIY Creatives: Ideal for those who love working with their hands and want to explore metalsmithing.
What’s included?
Materials Provided
- Soldering supplies including brass solder, flux, pickling solution to clean metal
- Up to 20 grams of brass or copper sheet and/or wire for in class use
Access to Studio Tools & Equipment
- Casting Equipment: Casting station, ventilation, Little Smith torch (oxygen/acetylene), crucibles, sand casting flasks
- Protective Gear: Shade #3 green welding glasses and leather aprons
- Shaping & Carving Tools: Carving tools, burs, hammers, pliers, sandpaper
- Cutting & Filing Tools: Jeweller's saw, saw blades, flexshaft machine, hand files, needle files
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
SESSION BREAKDOWN
Sunday Skills Lab Recommended Learning Progression
Session 1: JEWL 101 | SAWING & PIERCING ESSENTIALS
Suggested Project: Pierced pendant and/or earrings
Description: Master the foundation of jewelry-making by learning to saw, pierce, and finish metal with precision. This session introduces you to the jeweler’s saw, proper tool handling, and essential techniques to create intricate metal designs.
Skills Practiced
- Sawing and piercing metal with precision
- Using a jeweler’s saw and selecting the right blade
- Filing, sanding, and finishing techniques
- Proper hand positioning and tool control
Session 2: JEWL 102 | INTRO TO TORCHWORK & SOLDERING
Suggested Project: Layered mixed-metal pendant or earrings
Description: Get comfortable with the jeweler’s torch and learn the fundamentals of soldering. This session covers safe torch handling, heat control, and key techniques to create seamless metal joins.
Skills Practiced
- Torch safety and handling (oxygen/acetylene torch)
- Soldering fundamentals for clean, strong joins
- Annealing metal for forming and shaping
- Layering and connecting metal pieces
Session 3 : INTRO to RING-MAKING TECHNIQUES & FORMING
Suggested Project: Set of stacking rings in copper, brass, or sterling silver
Description: Explore ring-making fundamentals, from sizing and shaping to soldering and finishing. This session provides hands-on practice in creating your own wearable, handcrafted rings.
Skills Practiced
- Measuring and sizing rings accurately
- Forming metal with ring mandrels
- Soldering closed ring bands
- Filing, sanding, and polishing for a professional finish
Session 3 & 4: JEWL 104 | MASTER 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
Students with previous experience may try more advanced techniques like:
JEWL 105 | 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
JEWL 120 | 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
