Thursday–Sunday | April 8th-11th, 2027
Flagstaff, Arizona
Class size: 4–6 people
No experience required
Four days of jewelry making, creativity, and exploring Northern Arizona.
Have you always wanted to learn metalsmithing but haven't known where to start? Come spend four days in the mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona, learning how to transform sterling silver and gemstones into jewelry made entirely by you.
Metalsmithing in the Mountains is an immersive, beginner-friendly jewelry retreat designed for anyone who wants more than a quick introduction to metalsmithing. Over four days, we'll slow down and dive into the foundational techniques used by professional metalsmiths—from sawing and soldering to creating a bezel from scratch.
You'll learn sawing and piercing, stamping, forming, texturing, soldering, bezel making, cabochon stone setting, sand casting, and finishing and polishing while creating several pieces of jewelry along the way.
But we won't spend the entire retreat at the jewelry bench.
Part of what makes this experience special is getting to make jewelry in Flagstaff. We'll step outside the studio for a couple of short adventures to explore the landscape around us, gather creative inspiration, and enjoy some time in the mountains. Depending on weather and conditions, that might mean a short hike, nature walk, or another local outing.
No metalsmithing experience is necessary. You'll arrive with everything you need to begin, spend four days learning and creating alongside a small group of fellow makers, and leave with finished jewelry, new skills, and a foundation you can continue building on long after the retreat ends.
What You'll Learn
Over the four days, we'll cover:
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Sawing and piercing sterling silver
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Soldering with a torch
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Stamping, hammering, and adding texture
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Forming and shaping metal
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Making bezels for cabochon gemstones
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Setting cabochon stones
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Ring sizing and forming
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Filing, sanding, polishing, and finishing
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How to plan a piece of jewelry from start to finish
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Tips for troubleshooting and fixing the little things that inevitably happen at the bench
- Sand Casting
This isn't about everyone making identical projects. We'll use guided projects to learn the techniques, but you'll also have opportunities to make choices about your gemstones, textures, shapes, and designs from start to finish so your jewelry feels really feels like you.
What You'll Make
Throughout the four days, you'll work through a series of projects designed to build on one another. We'll start with foundational skills and gradually move into more involved gemstone jewelry as you become comfortable using the tools and techniques.
You'll leave with multiple pieces of handmade sterling silver jewelry—and, more importantly, a much better understanding of how jewelry is actually made and the confidence to keep building your metalsmithing skills after the workshop.
Gemstones!
Of course, one of the best parts is choosing your stones.
I'll have a selection of cabochons available for you to work with, but you're also encouraged to bring gemstones of your own. If you already have stones you'd love to use, send me photos before the workshop so I can make sure they're a good fit for the techniques we'll be learning.
What's Included
Your workshop fee includes:
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Four full days (20-24 hours) of hands-on metalsmithing instruction
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Use of all studio tools and equipment
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Sterling silver for the planned class projects
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Gemstones for the planned class projects
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Solder and other studio consumables
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My Soldering Tip Guide
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My Metal Buying Guide
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My Studio Tool Guide
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6 months of pro pricing with Rio Grande for jewelry-making supplies
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Plenty of hands-on help and individualized instruction throughout the workshop
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A couple of short Flagstaff outings and creative adventures
If you decide you want to make additional pieces, use more metal, or purchase additional gemstones, those materials will be available for an additional cost. Extra metal will be priced based on current market value.
What You'll Need to Bring
You don't need to arrive with a toolbox! The studio will have the tools and equipment you'll need.
Please bring:
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Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a little dirty
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A notebook or sketchbook if you'd like to take notes
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Any cabochons you might want to work with
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Your reading glasses, optivisors, or any magnification you normally use for detailed, close-up work
Who Is This Workshop For?
This retreat is designed for beginners and newer metalsmiths who want more than a short introductory class.
You don't need any previous metalsmithing experience. We'll start with the fundamentals and build from there throughout the four days.
If you've already taken an introductory jewelry class, this is also a great opportunity to strengthen your soldering, stone setting, fabrication, and finishing skills while getting several consecutive days of bench time.
Small Class, Lots of Individual Attention
This will be a small-group workshop so I can spend time working individually with each student.
Four days gives us something that a two- or three-hour class simply can't: time to practice. You'll be able to try a technique, ask questions, troubleshoot, try it again, and actually start feeling comfortable with it.
My goal is for you to leave not only with jewelry you're proud of, but with a much stronger understanding of the process and the confidence to continue making.
Come Spend Four Days Making Jewelry in Flagstaff
Part of the fun of this workshop is getting away for a few days and immersing yourself in something creative.
Flagstaff is a mountain town surrounded by ponderosa pine forest, trails, and beautiful places to explore. Make a trip out of it! Spend your days metalsmithing and your evenings exploring downtown Flagstaff, grabbing dinner, or enjoying some time in the mountains.
Accommodation Recommendations
Flagstaff has a wide variety of hotels, vacation rentals, and other accommodations within a short drive of the studio.
A list of recommended places to stay at several price points will be provided to registered participants, including options convenient to both the studio and downtown Flagstaff.
Accommodation is not included in the retreat registration and must be booked separately.
Because Flagstaff is a popular mountain destination, I recommend booking your accommodations early once your retreat registration is confirmed.
Nearby Airports & Travel
Flagstaff is located in Northern Arizona, approximately two hours north of Phoenix, about 45 minutes from Sedona, and about an hour and a half from the Grand Canyon.
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is the closest airport and is located just a short drive from town. Flight options are more limited, but it is by far the most convenient option if you can find a flight that works for you.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is approximately 2–2.5 hours from Flagstaff and offers significantly more flight options. From Phoenix, you can rent a car or use a shuttle service to travel to Flagstaff.
Cancellation Policy
Because this is a small, multi-day retreat with limited spots, your registration reserves a space that may be difficult to fill at the last minute.
Cancellations made 60 or more days before the retreat: Receive a 75% refund.
Cancellations made 30–59 days before the retreat: Receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made fewer than 30 days before the retreat: Registration is non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another person with advance notice.
If the retreat must be canceled by SkyJune Designs, participants will receive a full refund of their retreat registration fees. SkyJune Designs is not responsible for reimbursement of airfare, lodging, transportation, or other travel expenses.
Outdoor activities are weather-dependent and may be changed, relocated, or replaced with another activity due to snow, rain, trail conditions, wildfire restrictions, or other circumstances. Changes to an outdoor activity do not constitute cancellation of the retreat.
Ready to Spend Four Days at the Bench?
Come to Flagstaff, play with gemstones, learn new skills, make a bunch of jewelry, and spend four days surrounded by other people who are just as excited about making things as you are.
You'll head home with handmade jewelry, new metalsmithing skills, helpful resources, and hopefully a whole lot of ideas about what you want to make next.
