Beginning Jewelry and Metalsmithing

Beginning Jewelry: Introduction
Instructor: Dana Cassara
November 16 and 17, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 – 5:00
Class Fee: $425 | Basic materials included

Class format: in studio at Danaca Design

Prerequisites: No experience necessary.

Class Description

 This Beginning Jewelry workshop is an ideal introduction to the fundamental aspects of metalsmithing and making silver jewelry making.  Explore jewelry design while learning all the valuable basics: to saw, file, texture, form, and solder nonferrous metals like copper, brass, and silver. Students will develop a good understanding of soldering and setting stones into bezels and will complete two pieces of jewelry. Get a taste for working in metal while gaining the foundation necessary to pursue the art of silversmithing. No experience necessary.

Materials INCLUDED:

• Copper to make samples and brooch
• Sterling silver to make pendant
• Cabochon stone
• If you choose to work larger than the samples shown in class there may be an additional materials fee

Students MAY Bring:

• Additional sheet metal (available in studio store)

• A cabochon (available in studio store)

Instructor Bio:

Dana Cassara began practicing the art of silversmithing at North Seattle Community College in 1992. She discovered her love for the craft after returning to school to pursue a teaching degree with a focus in social studies. She graduated from the University of Washington in 1998 with a B.A. in Comparative History of Ideas as well as Interdisciplinary Arts, because she just couldn’t stay out of the art department. She has been teaching jewelry design since 1999 and loves what she does.

 Her aim as an instructor is to guide individuals through the learning process offering solid technical information, personalized attention, and lots of fun. With the intention of setting students on the path towards transforming their ideas into solid form, she hopes students will take the experience they gain in this studio beyond the classroom into their everyday life where problem solving skills and a profound sense of achievement always come in handy!

Click HERE to see Dana's work

What students are saying:

"Loved the class and learned exactly what I was wanting to get out of the class. Setting the cabs on a ring is the reason I have been wanting to learn jewelry making. Barbara is an awesome teacher and her excitement is contagious. ", Libby, 3/2023

 “I attended the February beginner's workshop. It was such a fun experience and so well run. Dana is an excellent and patient instructor. I'm currently attending the mentored workshops during the week to get more experience. I highly recommend dipping your feet into this little community if you are interested in making jewelry, want to try something new, or just want to work with your hands and be crafty for a weekend.” (Mary Beth 2/2022)

“So fun! Thank you for making something as intimidating as jewelry making fun & approachable!” (2/22 anonymous)

Tools are available to purchase through Danaca Design Studio with 15% student discount code. Shop tools HERE. If you don’t see what you need please email us, dana@danacadesign.com.

Review our class cancellation policy HERE.

All students must fill out and electronically submit the Danaca Design COVID-19 Studio Safety Protocol and Waiver form before attending class.