PRivate Lessons
Hone your skills with private metalsmithing lessons tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the basics or an experienced artisan looking to refine specific techniques, one-on-one instruction offers the perfect opportunity to grow at your own pace. These lessons are designed to meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.
AMA call (ask me anything) - $50/45 mins
Our AMA calls are the perfect opportunity for you to pick our brains and get tailored advice without the need for studio time, tools, or materials. For just $50, you’ll get 45 minutes of focused, no-nonsense advice from seasoned metalsmiths who’ve been where you are now. While we don’t claim to be business gurus, we’ve learned plenty from our experiences and are eager to share what we know. Whatever your needs are, we’re here to help you navigate your next steps with confidence.
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.
Private ONe on One lessons - $85/hr
Private 1 on 1 lessons are just that, one student working with one instructor on whatever path you choose. We offer lessons as either skill based or project based. Please note that we do not have the facilities or equipment to teach casting, metal clay, holloware, engraving, kiln enameling, lapidary or blacksmithing (steel work).
At your first lesson, we’re going to spend some time getting to know each other, what your goals are, and what you need to get started. We’ll take some notes and make a plan. Below are some of the questions we’ll answer together.
Do you have any tools? We provide the basic tools in the studio that you can use during your lessons. If you want your own set, we highly recommend our Beginner Tool Kit, all the hand tools required without any fluff. The tool kit + Bench Membership is the perfect combination for learning to fabricate jewelry.
Do you have any supplies? Our store is equipped with the essential materials (sheet, wire, bezel, etc.). We can also facilitate ordering special materials and supplies that are not in our store inventory. Note: Materials are not included in the hourly lesson fee.
Do you want to set up a home studio? Are you looking to find a space to practice in?
Is our beginner curriculum just what you need or do your goals require a different plan?
Are you trying to work through a specific project?
What are your metalsmithing hopes & dreams after taking lessons?
Skill Based lessons
Many of our students choose to take the basics in a private setting, rather than with a group. To learn the basics requires 6-9 hours of education, depending on your pace.
Basic metalsmithing curriculum
Lesson 1 - Sawing & Piercing (1 hour)
Lesson 2 - Forming, Forging, Texturing, Stamping (1 hour)
Lesson 3 - Finishing (1 hour)
Lesson 4 - Soldering (2 hours)
Lesson 5 - Cabochon Bezel Setting (1 hour)
Lesson 6 - Make a Ring (2-3 hours)
Note: The above skills are the minimum requirement for becoming a bench member and utilizing our studio. However, you are able to start your membership while taking lessons to receive discounts and have somewhere to practice in between sessions. We just ask that you do not move beyond your skill set until you’ve completed the series.
Beyond the basics
So, you’ve completed our beginner series or you already have some experience, but you’d like to learn a new skill. We’re happy to help you with that as long your instructor is confidant teaching the skill you’d like to learn. All of our instructors know the basics and have their own unique set of specialized skills. Read below to see who might be the right fit for you.
kelly
founder/instructor
Kelly is our hand fabrication queen. Below is a list of her specialties:
Pouring ingots & milling materials.
Unique cabochon bezel setting
Hollow form construction
Louise
Co-Owner/Instructor
Louise is our resident fine jewelry expert. She worked for 7 years at a local full service custom jewelry store. Her specialties include the following:
Faceted stone setting
Casting *note:can teach the concepts, but studio not set up for practical application.
Jewelry Repair
Julianne
Instructor/Studio Monitor
Julianne is our member’s go to source for studio advice and guidance. She specializes in the following:
Basic Metalsmithing Techniques
Finishing Skills
MINI Workshop LEssons
We’ve been teaching MINI Workshops (FREE to our members) for a couple years now and have a nice compilation of lessons available to choose from. All MINI Workshops come with an extensive handout to take home. Below is a list of past MINIs, please note the workshop you’re interested in when booking your lesson. MOST of these can be completed in a 1 hour lesson.
Ring Sizing With a Torch
Ring Sizing Without Heat
How to Successfully Attend the Gem & Mineral Show
Pricing Your Work
Next Level Bezel Setting (2 hours)
Next Level Soldering
How to sell at Art Fairs
Finishing Deep Dive
Project Based Lessons
Sometimes our students come to us just to make a special object they’ve dreamed up OR, with a specific skill in mind, but want to learn the skill through a specific project. We LOVE helping students bring a design to life. Below are some past projects made in the studio during private lessons.
Madi, one of our members, had some skills under her belt, but wanted to kick them up a notch. Her goal was to complete her first bolo tie, Once she started, she couldn’t be stopped. The results were truly AWESOME! Madi has this capsule collection available at a gallery called Date Night Gallery, in Austin, TX.
Madi's bolo tie collection featured in a boutique in Austin, TX.
Another student came to us with a very specific & practical project in mind. She wanted to make rings that would prevent her from biting her nails. We set her up with some copper to create a prototype from, lead her through making her first one in silver, and then sent her home with additional materials and some recommended tools for completing the rest on her own!
Nail guard inspiration photo.
Copper model + completed ring in silver.
Make & Take lessons
Don’t want to wait until our next public group workshop release to Make a Ring or a pair of Forged Hoops OR maybe you just want to do so, but without the group environment. We can totally lead you through any of our Make & Take workshops privately. Please note that you’ll need to pay for the materials required to complete these projects in addition to the hourly rate. Click the images below to see past projects and get inspired for your next lesson. please note the workshop you’re interested in when booking your lesson.
two on one private lessons - $125/hr
All of the above methods of learning, but twice the students! If you’d like to learn a skill with a friend or make a project with your partner you can do so together. Please understand that this is designed for a MAX of 2 students. For private workshops with groups of 2-6 people, visit our private workshops page to get more information and schedule your workshop!
