Pricing for Profit: A Practical Guide for Makers
Tired of guessing what to charge for your work—or worse, undercharging and feeling resentful? In this practical, eye-opening class, we’ll break down the essentials of pricing your jewelry or other handmade artwork to support a profitable and sustainable business. You’ll learn how to calculate your cost of materials, overhead, and an honest hourly rate, then use that data to develop both retail and wholesale pricing strategies. We’ll also talk about market considerations and value perception, helping you price with confidence. The ultimate goal: to ensure you’re not just covering costs, but thriving.
Students will leave with a comprehensive understanding of all the elements that go into pricing your work, along with some helpful interactive pricing templates to keep and use.
Melting With Purpose: Torch Fusing Techniques
Unlock the magic of controlled chaos in Melting With Purpose, a hands-on virtual class devoted to the art of torch fusing! This exciting technique allows you to join and texture metal without solder. Using the heat of your torch to selectively melt and fuse surfaces, you can create rich, organic textures perfect for one-of-a-kind jewelry and small metalwork.
Working with Argentium silver (940), a highly fuse-friendly alloy known for its clean joins and ease of use, you’ll learn how to coax metal to the edge of melting—without going too far. We’ll cover a range of texturing methods and explore how heat control, timing, and torch placement are key to mastering this delicate balance.
You’ll leave the class with a variety of samples, a toolkit of surface techniques, and the confidence to keep fusing on your own. If you love texture, spontaneity, and a little fire, this course is for you!
Foolproof Flush Setting
Add sparkle to your designs with flush-set gemstones! This fast and easy setting style adds stones without prongs, maintaining the design's focus. Create custom tools for flush-setting hard, round faceted stones like natural or synthetic diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Go home with finished silver pieces plus a take-home tool kit to continue on your own.
Fire & Bone: Richly Textured Rings from Cuttlefish Castings
Unearth bold textures in this exciting two-day virtual class dedicated to the art of cuttlefish bone casting! This centuries-old technique uses the soft, ridged interior of these marine mollusks as a mold for molten silver, resulting in castings with rich, organic texture that no other method can replicate. No expensive equipment is required, and no two castings are ever alike!
On Day 1, we'll learn how to select and cut cuttlefish bones, prepare and carve molds, glaze and season a new crucible, safely melt and pour silver, and clean up raw castings for later use. We’ll discuss best practices for working with silver scrap—making this a perfect opportunity to recycle precious metal and minimize waste.
On Day 2, we’ll transform those raw castings into one-of-a-kind, wearable rings. Demos will cover sizing, soldering, and finishing techniques. Creative design approaches to help you make the most of your unique forms, including incomplete castings - will also be discussed.
Flex Appeal: Your Definitive Guide to Flex Shafts, Bits & Accessories
The flexible shaft machine is the metalsmith’s most versatile—and often most underutilized—tool. Whether you’re investing in your very first flex shaft, looking to properly maintain the motor and handpieces you already own, or simply overwhelmed by the dizzying variety of burs, bits, and mandrels available, this OG deep-dive workshop is for you.
Led by professional metalsmith and tool expert Kristin Mitsu Shiga, this class will cover everything you need to know to get the most out of your flex shaft. You’ll learn about motor types, handpiece options, and speed controls recommended for jewelry-making and other small-scale metalwork. Kristin will also share tips on setting up your workstation, choosing the right hanger system, and organizing your burs and bits so they’re always within reach.
The highlight of this definitive workshop is Kristin’s comprehensive demonstration of nearly every type of bur, bit, and mandrel available today for drilling, cutting, grinding, sanding, and polishing—organized from coarsest to finest. You’ll see how each tool performs, when to use it, and how to extend its life with proper lubrication and running speed. Tips for drilling and shaping glass, stones and wood will also be discussed.
Through live demonstrations, a visual slideshow and take-home handouts, you’ll walk away with:
A clear understanding of the flex shaft’s components and how they work together
Confidence in maintaining and troubleshooting your machine
Knowledge of which tools are best suited to your specific processes
Practical strategies for storage, organization, and efficiency at the bench
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned maker ready to level up your production, this workshop will leave you empowered to use your flex shaft to its fullest potential—the true workhorse of the jeweler’s bench.
Gold Reclaimed: A Hands-On Workshop in Recycling Precious Metal
With gold prices soaring and sustainability more important than ever, there’s never been a better time to learn how to reclaim and reuse precious metal. In this immersive 2-day workshop, students will learn how to turn old, forgotten jewelry into usable gold for future projects—saving money, reducing waste, and gaining invaluable metalsmithing skills along the way.
We’ll start by testing mystery metal to determine whether it’s plated or solid, and what karat gold you’re working with using simple acid tests. Then, you'll learn how to safely remove stones, melt the metal, and pour your own ingot. From there, we’ll walk through the process of milling that ingot into usable sheet and wire using a rolling mill and drawplate. We’ll also cover how to raise or lower the karat of gold to suit your design needs. Diamond testing will also be discussed.
This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to stretch their material budget and reduce their environmental footprint. With an estimated 85% of the world’s gold already in circulation—often sitting in drawers and forgotten boxes—recycling gold is both a smart and sustainable solution for modern jewelers. Come ready to transform the old into something new and truly valuable.
Jingle All the Way: Handmade Sleigh Bells
Jingle all the way onto the musical side of metalsmithing with this festive micro-forming workshop! Starting with flat copper, brass, and/or silver sheet, we’ll explore surface design, fittings and form to craft one-of-a-kind bells that ring with personality. Standard patterns in a variety of sizes will be provided to get you started, along with ideas for customizing the positive and negative shapes to reflect your own creative vision. Whether you're decking the halls, gifting with flair, or adding a jingle to your keyring, these sculptural bells are sure to charm - no sleigh required!
Fearless Gold Filled
Gold-filled wire and sheet offer the beauty of gold at a fraction of the cost—but they come with quirks that can trip up even experienced jewelers. In this focused workshop, learn how to confidently work with gold-filled material without melting it or accidentally sanding through the precious layer. We'll demystify its structure, address common mistakes, and share proven techniques for successful soldering and refined finishing. Whether you’re new to gold-filled or ready to conquer your fear of it, this class will leave you equipped and empowered to make the most of this brilliant, budget-friendly material.
Miniature Mechanics: Nuts, Bolts & Threaded Connections
Unlock the potential of precision in this online workshop focused on creating tiny threaded connections—perfect for jewelry and small-scale sculpture. Instructor Kristin Mitsu Shiga demystifies the world of taps and dies, the essential tools used to cut matching male and female threads, allowing you to create miniature nuts, bolts, and other functional cold connections entirely by hand.
You’ll learn how to choose the right sizes, understand the often-confusing thread standards, explore the best materials for durable cold connections, and even discover how to fabricate custom tubing in any size or metal. Alongside the technical skills, we’ll explore both practical and creative applications of threading—whether you're building moveable joints, mechanical clasps, or incorporating changeable elements into your designs. Solutions for both removable and permanent threaded connections will be discussed.
This class is ideal for metalsmiths ready to add precision engineering to their creative toolbox. No soldering required—just smart techniques, good design, and a few tiny threads that hold it all together.
Handmade Bells
Jingle all the way onto the musical side of metalsmithing with this festive micro-forming workshop! Starting with flat copper, brass, and/or silver sheet, explore surface design, fittings and form to craft one-of-a-kind bells that ring with personality. Standard patterns in a variety of sizes will be provided to get you started, along with ideas for customizing the positive and negative shapes to reflect your own creative vision.
Year-End Tasks for Entrepreneurs
Being your own boss means you wear a lot of hats, and when it comes to bookkeeping, it’s easy to let things slide until tax season. But with just a little preparation before the year closes, you can save yourself major headaches in April.
In this focused 2-hour online workshop, professional metalsmith and longtime bookkeeper Kristin Mitsu Shiga will walk you through an easy-to-follow checklist of the essential year-end tasks every self-employed maker should do. From assessing the value of your inventory and organizing mileage logs to reviewing your expenses and income, you’ll learn how to tidy up your records, minimize your liability, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Kristin will share practical, maker-friendly strategies to streamline your financial picture and keep your business on solid ground.
This workshop is designed for artists, jewelers, and other independent makers who want to spend more time creating and less time worrying about numbers. Think of it as two hours of financial self-care to set yourself up for success in the year ahead.
Please note: This presentation and workshop is designed for self-employed makers categorized as Sole Proprietors, who are required to file a US Form 1040 with Schedule C for their business. While many of the principles apply to businesses of any kind, the focus will be on US Federal tax prep. City, State and County laws vary widely, so check with your CPA for guidance in your area.
Tiny Stones, Big Sparkle: Easy Flush & Tube-Setting Workshop
Add a flash of brilliance to your jewelry with the power of precision stone setting! In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of both flush setting and tube setting—two essential techniques for securely setting small, round, faceted stones with a sleek, professional finish.
Led by metalsmith and educator Kristin Mitsu Shiga, the class kicks off with the creation of custom tools tailored to these specific setting styles. We’ll practice with sterling silver and cubic zirconia, but the skills you gain are perfect for setting a range of hard, round faceted stones, including diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, in gold and silver. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned makers, this workshop also covers practical studio tips, including production stone-setting tips, clever work-holding solutions and proper use of rubberized abrasives. Expect a fun, fast-paced, info-packed weekend that will elevate your jewelry with clean, modern sparkle.
Beginning Metals Fabrication skills (sawing, filing, soldering) are helpful, but not required.
Colorful Hammered Leaves & Pods Workshop
Pound out the rhythm of the changing seasons in full color in this fun virtual class all about metal forming! Through the creation of real - or fanciful - flora from flat copper sheet, we will explore a variety of both traditional and unconventional forming techniques.
We'll begin with an introduction to the simple tools used to make spicula and other small shell forms, including instructions for making your own spiculum block from a 2x4. Then we'll learn to develop patterns and transform flat copper shapes into dimensional organic forms using a variety of hammers, stakes, and forming blocks. Finally, we'll prep our pieces and add vibrant color using colored pencils (optional).
Students will leave the class with the skills to make their own spiculum block, and to transform flat copper sheet into colorful volumetric botanical forms that stand on their own or can be incorporated into jewelry or small sculpture.
Flex Shaft Fundamentals: Rotary Tools, Tricks & Essential Techniques
Confused by the dizzying array of rotary burs, tips and bits on the market? This information-packed workshop is for you! Through a series of fast-paced demos and accompanying reference material, students learn everything they need to know about purchasing, maintaining and using this multi-purpose workhorse of the metals studio, the flexible shaft machine (aka “flex shaft”). Students learn to navigate the many options available – from choosing the right motor & hand piece (and how to maintain them) to choosing the right bit for the job at hand.
Come prepared to take lots of notes and bring problem pieces for personalized consultation. Students may also bring their own flex shaft if they have questions about
their setup, use or repair.
Fearless Gold-Filled Workshop
Gold-filled wire offers the beauty of gold at a fraction of the cost—but it comes with quirks that can trip up even experienced jewelers. In this focused virtual class, you'll learn how to confidently work with gold-filled material without melting it or accidentally sanding through the precious layer. We'll demystify its structure, address common mistakes, and share proven techniques for successful soldering and refined finishing. Whether you’re new to gold-filled or ready to conquer your fear of it, this class will leave you equipped and empowered to make the most of this brilliant, budget-friendly material.
For more info or to register, visit https://metalwerx.org/class-detail/fearless-gold-filled
Hollow Rings Workshop
Explore hollow-formed ring design using copper, brass, and sterling silver. Create two dimensional rings while learning pattern-making, forming, piercing, soldering, fitting, and finishing. Customize with various design options to complete your unique rings from start to finish.
Prerequisite: Jewelry/Metalsmithing I or equivalent. Price includes materials fee of $90 which is non-refundable after class begins.
Pearl Stringing 101
String pearls like a pro with this one-day skill-building workshop!
Pearls are a beautiful addition to your jewelry designs, and knowing how to string them properly can even lead to a nice side income. In this one-day virtual class, students will learn the traditional art of pearl stringing on genuine silk cord, including the affixing of a clasp, neat knots between each pearl, and finishing off securely. Alternative materials, pearl drilling/reaming, and silk stretching will also be discussed. Students will leave the class with the know-how to create heirloom-quality pearl strands in their choice of color, size, and shape. The design possibilities are endless!
Viking Knit Chain Workshop
Learn the ancient woven chain technique commonly referred to as “Viking Knit.” Transform fine gauge copper wire into an airy yet strong and flexible cable. Apply an antiqued patina and finish chains with an elegant, hand-forged copper s-hook clasp and copper-toned bead cones. Leave with a finished Viking Knit bracelet or necklace and kit to make more at home. No prerequisite. Price includes a materials fee of $40 that is non-refundable once class begins.
Tool Repair & Maintenance Workshop
Tools are an extension of a metalsmith's hand. Learn to maintain and repair them, including flex shaft care, cleaning files, restoring tweezers, refinishing and re-securing hammer heads, cleaning a torch, and more. A special segment on rust prevention and removal will also be included. Bring damaged and rusted tools for repair under professional supervision. No prerequisite. Class fee includes a materials fee of $45 that is non-refundable once class begins.
Foolproof Flush-Setting Workshop
Add sparkle to your designs with flush-set gemstones! This fast and easy setting style adds stones without prongs, maintaining the design’s focus. Create custom tools for flush-setting hard, round faceted stones like natural or synthetic diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. No prerequisite. Class price includes fee of $50, which includes a take-home holding solutions kit. After class begins, this fee is non-refundable.
Flex Shaft Intensive Virtual Workshop
Confused by the dizzying array of rotary burs, tips and bits on the market? Not sure which motor, handpiece, or speed control to invest in? This information-packed virtual class is for you! Through a series of fast-paced demos and information-rich accompanying reference materials, students will learn everything they need to know about selecting, maintaining, and using the multi-purpose workhorse of the metals studio: the flexible shaft machine (aka “flex shaft”).
Students will learn how to comfortably navigate the many flex shaft options available - from choosing the right motor and how to maintain it, to choosing the right bit for the job. Cutters, burs, grinding stones, sanding bits, rubberized abrasives, polishing products and aftermarket accessories will all be covered and organized in an easy-to-understand format. Safety will be addressed throughout and students may also bring their own flex shaft if they have questions about their setup, use or repair. Come prepared to take lots of notes and bring problem pieces for personalized consultation!
Upcycle It! Handbound Books from Everyday Materials
Transform common recycleables into functional blank books that can be used for notes, sketches or gifting in this fun workshop! Students will learn to use a simple long-stitch binding through slots cut in chipboard boxes that will be used for their covers (see photo).
Price includes materials fee of $30 that covers all materials for binding EXCEPT the boxes used for covers. Materials fee is not refundable after class begins. NOTE: Please bring 2-3 lightweight (non-corrugated) empty boxes from food or other packaging for your covers to first class. Smaller boxes work best – eg boxes from movie-theater-size candy, pens/pencils, seasoning mixes, etc. – though cereal, pasta and tissue boxes can also usually be modified to work.
Hold Everything! Workshop
At least half the challenge of metalsmithing is being able to hold onto your project while you manipulate it with your tools. In this demo-format workshop, observe a collection of tools and techniques from the simple to the complex that this challenge. These tips are helpful for those with tendonitis or other physical challenges.
Bring problem pieces to the workshop for troubleshooting. No prerequisite. Class price includes fee of $50, which includes a take-home holding solutions kit. After class begins, this fee is non-refundable.
Solder Savvy: A Deep Dive Into the Art & Science of Soldering - Module II
Soldering is a fundamental metalsmithing skill, but arguably one of the hardest to master. Nothing is more frustrating than having a joint fail or worse – melting a piece you have spent hours on. Don’t let your designs be limited by intimidation! Through this intensive course, students will learn what is needed to achieve consistently strong, seamless joints and gain confidence to tackle their toughest projects!
This 4-week course is split into two modules, at two sessions (weeks) per module. Each module will focus on a specific aspect of soldering, from choosing the right equipment and supplies to cleaning up once the solder job is done (see below for a list of topics covered in each session). Be sure to register for both modules for an all-inclusive soldering overview. Safe practices and safety equipment will be addressed throughout.
Each module comprises a combination of lecture, demo, and Q&A, with opportunities for those already using torches to share their trials and triumphs. Color handouts will be provided, but notetaking is highly encouraged throughout this information-packed course.
Whether you are thinking about buying your first torch or want to take your soldering to the next level, this comprehensive curriculum has something to offer makers at all levels.
Part 2 (module two) Topics:
Session 1 - Solder + Joints
Solder Alloys (silver, karat gold, gold repair, platinum, palladium, brass/bronze/copper)
Solder Forms (wire, sheet, paste, powder)
Solder Grades & Order of Operations
Melting -vs- Flow Point
Solder Delivery Methods (pellet/pallion, pick, stick or sweat)
Preparing a Joint for Soldering
Basic Joint Types (Butt, Lap and “T”)
Demos:
Side-by-side Solder Melt & Flow Tests
Soldering a Butt Joint
Soldering a Lap Joint
Soldering a “T” Joint
Session 2 - Soldering Special Cases
What situations require special consideration when soldering?
Diagnosing (and/or recovering from) Failures
Show & Tell (students bring their soldered joints for evaluation)
Demos:
Soldering Hollow Forms
Soldering Hinge Knuckles
Foolproof Ring Butt Joints
Soldering with Stones in Place
Soldering a piece to be enameled
Soldering Mild & Stainless Steel
Production Soldering Shortcuts
Earring Posts
Jump Rings
Custom Jigs
If time allows, Kristin will take specific requests for additional demos.
“When I took Kristin’s online flush-setting class, I thought it this would be the same fail as the three others I tried to take - but NO - it worked on the first try! My stones stayed put and looked lovely.
Kristin’s explanations, demos and drawings were so simple and understandable to follow! I’m so happy I decided to sign up! Thank you, Kristin - I can now incorporate this new technique into my work!”
