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.
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.
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.
“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!”
