{"product_id":"metalsmithing-in-the-mountains-february-2-5-2027-a-4-day-flagstaff-jewelry-retreat","title":"Metalsmithing in the Mountains February 2–5, 2027: A Post-Tucson Gem Show Jewelry Retreat","description":"\u003ch1\u003eMetalsmithing in the Mountains: A 4 Day Flagstaff Jewelry Retreat\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTuesday–Friday | February 2–5, 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlagstaff, Arizona\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass size: 4–6 people\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo experience required\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFour days of jewelry making, gemstones, and learning the foundations of metalsmithing in Flagstaff, Arizona.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMetalsmithing in the Mountains\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou'll learn \u003cstrong\u003esawing and piercing, stamping, forming, texturing, soldering, bezel making, cabochon stone setting, sand casting, and finishing and polishing\u003c\/strong\u003e while creating several pieces of jewelry along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd this February retreat is happening at a particularly fun time to be a jewelry maker in Arizona.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMake It a Gem-Filled Arizona Trip\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis retreat is intentionally scheduled during Tucson's annual gem-show season, when dozens of gem, mineral, jewelry, and lapidary shows take place throughout Tucson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore the retreat, I'll send registered students a \u003cstrong\u003eGemstone Buying Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVisiting the Tucson gem shows is completely optional and is not an organized part of the retreat.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You'll Learn\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the four days, we'll cover:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanning a piece of jewelry from start to finish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSawing and piercing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoldering with a torch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStamping, hammering, and adding texture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForming and shaping metal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSand casting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaking bezels for cabochon gemstones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSetting cabochon stones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRing sizing and forming\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiling, sanding, polishing, and finishing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTroubleshooting and fixing the little things that inevitably happen at the bench\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You'll Make\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGemstones!\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf course, one of the best parts is choosing your stones—and this February retreat gives you the perfect excuse to go gemstone shopping beforehand!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour workshop fee includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour full days (20–24 hours) of hands-on metalsmithing instruction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse of all studio tools and equipment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSterling silver for the planned class projects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGemstones for the planned class projects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSolder and other studio consumables\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy Soldering Tip Guide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy Metal Buying Guide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy Studio Tool Guide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy Gemstone Buying Guide with tips for shopping the Tucson Gem Show to help you shop for cabochons before the retreat\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6 months of pro pricing with Rio Grande for jewelry-making supplies\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlenty of hands-on help and individualized instruction throughout the workshop\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You'll Need to Bring\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou don't need to arrive with a toolbox! The studio will have the tools and equipment you'll need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease bring:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComfortable clothes you don't mind getting a little dirty\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA notebook or sketchbook if you'd like to take notes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny cabochons you might want to work with\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour reading glasses, optivisors, or any magnification you normally use for detailed, close-up work\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Is This Workshop For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis retreat is designed for beginners and newer metalsmiths who want more than a short introductory class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou don't need any previous metalsmithing experience. We'll start with the fundamentals and build from there throughout the four days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSmall Class, Lots of Individual Attention\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis will be a small-group workshop so I can spend time working individually with each student.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExplore Flagstaff While You're Here\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEven 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAccommodation Recommendations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlagstaff has a wide variety of hotels, vacation rentals, and other accommodations within a short drive of the studio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccommodation is not included in the retreat registration and must be booked separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause Flagstaff is a popular mountain destination, I recommend booking your accommodations early once your retreat registration is confirmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNearby Airports \u0026amp; Travel\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlagstaff 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG)\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCancellation Policy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCancellations made 60 or more days before the retreat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Receive a 75% refund.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCancellations made 30–59 days before the retreat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Receive a 50% refund.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCancellations made fewer than 30 days before the retreat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Registration is non-refundable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another person with advance notice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Spend Four Days at the Bench?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCome 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd if you decide to spend the weekend before class treasure hunting at the Tucson gem shows? Even better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou'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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SkyJune Designs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48613503795385,"sku":null,"price":1295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0563\/0695\/8521\/files\/IMG_0040.jpg?v=1787079160","url":"https:\/\/skyjune.com\/products\/metalsmithing-in-the-mountains-february-2-5-2027-a-4-day-flagstaff-jewelry-retreat","provider":"SkyJune Designs","version":"1.0","type":"link"}