back to Jewelry Making Classes near Nelson, BC
⚒️ Skills Lab & Open Studio Exploration
Create at your own pace with professional support in a fully equipped studio. Perfect for beginners ready to grow their skills or returning students looking to dive deeper into personal projects.
Location: Samonte Cruz Studios, 7012 1st Ave, Ymir, BC V0G 2K0
🔥 Choose from 3 Sessions
Pick one, or bundle & save!
Select from the dropdown menu:
Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 1:00–4:00 PM
Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 1:00–4:00 PM
Sunday, May 25, 2025 | 1:00–4:00 PM
Tuition & Bundles
Choose the package that fits your pace and goals:
- Single Session (3 hours) — $129
- Weekend Bundle (2 sessions / 6 hours) — $239 (Save $19)
- Creative Growth Bundle (3 sessions / 9 hours) — $349 (Save $38)
🛠️ Materials & Studio Fee
$15 (required) – Payable at the beginning of class
Covers consumables, studio overhead, and brass/copper for in-class use.
+ $20 optional casting add-on (for sand, broom, or wax casting projects)
What You’ll Get
🧠 Learn fabrication, soldering, casting, stone setting & more
🎯 Work on your own jewelry projects with expert support
🛠️ Full access to studio tools and materials
👩🏽🏫 Small class = lots of one-on-one guidance
🌈 A creative, welcoming space for all experience levels
Who It’s For
This class is ideal for:
✨ Curious beginners wanting more bench time
✨ Past students continuing their skills
✨ Hobbyists exploring new techniques
✨ Makers preparing to launch a home studio
What to Bring
- N95 mask
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- Closed-toed shoes
- Apron or clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty (optional)
Ready to explore, experiment, and grow your skills?
👉 Register online or email info@samontecruzstudios.com for e-transfer options or questions.
Course Description
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 flexible, self-directed class offers a unique opportunity to create at your own pace, build new skills, and receive professional mentorship along the way. Whether you're practicing your soldering skills, carving wax, or starting a new design, you’ll work on personalized projects that match your skill level, while receiving expert guidance in a supportive studio environment.
Each session is self-paced, with personalized 1-on-1 support to guide you. While completing a finished piece is a goal, the focus is on developing your technique and building confidence at the bench.
Because everyone works at a different speeds, completing a project may require multiple sessions depending on your individual skill level, and creative process. This flexible, open-ended format supports creative growth and strong foundational skills, allowing you to build strong foundational skills in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Students can attend multiple sessions to continue developing their skills, working on new projects, and bringing their ideas to life!
Limited Seats Available. Small Class, Big Creative Growth.
With only 2–6 students per session, you’ll get hands-on instruction and personalized feedback from a professional goldsmith. This small class size ensures you receive the support you need to refine your skills and gain confidence in metal casting. Spaces are extremely limited and fill quickly—don’t wait! Reserve your spot now and take the first step in your casting journey.
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!
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 vibrant playground for skill seekers and goal-driven creatives alike! Whether you're building confidence with foundational techniques or working on advanced personal projects, you'll thrive in this supportive, professional studio setting. Set your own goals, tackle unique designs, and refine your skills without the financial burden of setting up your own workspace. Perfect for anyone ready to deepen their jewelry practice through self-directed learning and expert guidance in an inspiring, well-equipped environment.
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.
Class Cancellation and Refund Policy
No Refunds: Refunds are not issued for any reason including unfinished projects 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.
Project Ideas
RING-MAKING TECHNIQUES
Suggested Project: Pierced ring band
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
CASTING FUNDAMENTALS
Suggested Project: Pendant or ring using water, broom, or sand casting
Description: Explore the magic of molten metal with low-tech casting techniques that create unique organic textures and forms. In your first session focus on melting and pouring metal into water, broom to produce one-of-a-kind components for jewelry. Advance to sand casting—a versatile method ideal for capturing more refined shapes and intricate details.
Skills Practiced
- Melting and pouring metal safely with a torch
- Creating abstract shapes using water and broom casting
- Basic principles of sand casting for more controlled results
- Cleaning, refining, and incorporating cast elements into finished pieces
INTRO TO CHAIN MAKING
Suggested Project: Handmade chain bracelet or necklace
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
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
