Metalsmithing in the Mountains: A 4 Day Flagstaff Jewelry Retreat

Tuesday–Friday | February 2–5, 2027
Flagstaff, Arizona
Class size: 4–6 people
No experience required

Four days of jewelry making, gemstones, and learning the foundations of metalsmithing in Flagstaff, 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 bezels 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.

And this February retreat is happening at a particularly fun time to be a jewelry maker in Arizona.

Make It a Gem-Filled Arizona Trip

This retreat is intentionally scheduled during Tucson's annual gem-show season, when dozens of gem, mineral, jewelry, and lapidary shows take place throughout Tucson.

If you're traveling to Arizona for the retreat, consider making a trip out of it! Spend the weekend before class exploring the gem shows in Tucson, hunt for cabochons that inspire you, and then make your way north to Flagstaff to learn how to turn some of your finds into finished jewelry.

Before the retreat, I'll send registered students a Gemstone Buying Guide with tips on what to look for when choosing cabochons for the techniques we'll be learning in class. It will also include some tips for shopping the Tucson gem show. That way, even if you've never purchased loose gemstones before or been to the gem show before, you'll have some guidance while you're shopping.

Visiting the Tucson gem shows is completely optional and is not an organized part of the retreat. Students are responsible for making their own Tucson plans, including show registration or admission, transportation, accommodations, and purchases. You absolutely do not need to attend the shows to participate in the retreat, and I'll have gemstones available for our planned class projects.

No metalsmithing experience is necessary. You'll spend four days learning and creating alongside a small group of fellow makers and leave with finished jewelry, new skills, and a foundation so you can continue metalsmithing long after the retreat ends.

What You'll Learn

Over the four days, we'll cover:

• Planning a piece of jewelry from start to finish

• Sawing and piercing

• Soldering with a torch

• Stamping, hammering, and adding texture

• Forming and shaping metal

• Sand casting

• Making bezels for cabochon gemstones

• Setting cabochon stones

• Ring sizing and forming

• Filing, sanding, polishing, and finishing

• Troubleshooting and fixing the little things that inevitably happen at the bench

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 really feels like you.

What You'll Make

Throughout the four days, you'll work through a series of skill based 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—and this February retreat gives you the perfect excuse to go gemstone shopping beforehand!

If you're visiting the Tucson gem shows before the retreat, you're encouraged to bring cabochons you've purchased and would love to turn into jewelry. Before class, review my Gemstone Buying Guide so you can make sure the gems you buy are a good fit for the techniques we'll be learning.

I'll also have a selection of cabochons available, so don't worry if you aren't going to Tucson or don't find the perfect stones while you're there.

What's Included

Your workshop fee includes:

• Four full days (20–24 hours) of hands-on metalsmithing instruction

• Use of all studio tools and equipment

• Sterling silver for the planned class projects

• Gemstones for the planned class projects

• Solder and other studio consumables

• My Soldering Tip Guide

• My Metal Buying Guide

• My Studio Tool Guide

• My Gemstone Buying Guide with tips for shopping the Tucson Gem Show to help you shop for cabochons before the retreat

• 6 months of pro pricing with Rio Grande for jewelry-making supplies

• Plenty of hands-on help and individualized instruction throughout the workshop

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:

• Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a little dirty

• A notebook or sketchbook if you'd like to take notes

• Any cabochons you might want to work with

• 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.

And if you've always loved buying gemstones but aren't quite sure what to do with them once you get them home, this retreat is a great opportunity to start learning how to turn those stones into jewelry yourself.

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.

Explore Flagstaff While You're Here

Even though our days will be focused on metalsmithing, your evenings will be free to explore Flagstaff and enjoy everything that comes with spending a few winter days in the mountains. I'll send registered students a list of some of my favorite local restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and places to check out while you're here, so you can make the trip feel like a little vacation as well as a jewelry retreat.

If you'd like to extend your trip, February is typically right in the middle of ski season at Arizona Snowbowl, just 30 minutes from downtown Flagstaff. Or trade the snow for red rocks and spend an extra day in Sedona, about a 45-minute drive from Flagstaff, where winter can be a great time for hiking and mountain biking. The Grand Canyon is also only about an hour and a half from Flagstaff, making it an easy addition if you'd like to turn the retreat into a longer Northern Arizona adventure. 

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.

If you're planning to visit the Tucson gem shows before the retreat, you'll need to arrange your own transportation from Tucson to Flagstaff. February is winter in Northern Arizona, so please keep weather and road conditions in mind when making your travel plans.

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, gem-show expenses, or other travel expenses.

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.

And if you decide to spend the weekend before class treasure hunting at the Tucson gem shows? Even better.

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.