Metal Working Classes in San Francisco, CA

Make beautiful fine silver and bronze jewelry by hand with precious metal clay using basic tools. Learn to fire in both a kiln and by torch. Projects will include ring making, stone setting, casting from handmade molds, designing textures, and more. Finish your pieces and learn polishing techniques and patinas. $30 materials fee due to instructor on...

Learn the basics of MIG Welding. This class is required before you use the Moto Guild welder. Please wear cotton long sleeve shirt, pants, closed-toe leather shoes. Welding masks and gloves are provided but you may bring your own.

Looking to make something out of metal that's not jewelry? Perhaps you've made lots of rings and pendants but are ready to try something new.  This 2-day workshop will teach students how to make their own mobiles out of brass, copper or aluminum. Mobiles aren't just for the crib- they can serve as wall art, sun-catchers, or outdoor decoration....

In this class we explore different surface designs to create rich textures in our work. We will go over how to use the rolling mill to produce natural and artificial textures, reticulation on brass and silver, copper blistering, dust fusing and more! Ages 18+ welcome.

Take your plain boring sheet metal and give it dimension! Learn how to use coppers soft and malleable qualities to create reliefs in metal. With chasing and repousse you can create realistic motifs, designs, and textures to use in your creations. Students should have basic jewelry and metals knowledge and need to be comfortable using a torch. There...

Winter 2019 metals students receive 3 free hours per week of open studio time, and may also register for an additional 6 hours per week of studio time.

A bridge between metalwork and textile arts, chains have grace and flexibility and lend a masterful touch to your designs. There are many patterns to try once you learn the basics. This course is mostly fire free-torch use will be demonstrated, but is optional, with guidance on hand if you wish to try it out. Begin your exploration of the fascinating...

Do you ever look at the every day objects you use and think "I could make that!"  This class explores all of the possibilities that you can build with base metals: spoons, trays, boxes, pins, belt buckles, or even just cool objects. From mini-sculptures to tools you can use every day, students will create unique pieces from scratch using the...

During this class with a Richmond artist, you’ll learn metal shop safety, arc and mig welding basics, and how to cut through steel with a plasma cutter and acetylene torch. Then you’ll use your new welding skills to make a small metal sculpture to take home. The only thing mightier than creative fire is the hand that tends it! Additional fee:...

Need a cool present for the holidays? This box making workshop is perfect for beginning jewelers and up and requires no soldering! Students will complete a festive and sturdy copper box while learning or practicing some basic metalworking skills during this 8 hour class. Materials fee of $25 due to instructor day of.

In this two day intensive workshop, students will learn the basics of hammering and forging, transforming sheet and wire into any shape using a wide array of jewelry hammers.  From stamping to forming and shaping, this class will teach students all the basics to create a finished piece from brass or copper. Teens 16 and over welcome.  Required...

This course will help art lovers master various methods of oil and acrylic painting, and develop a personal unique style! We will work on painting nature: landscape composition, clouds, waves, waterfalls, trees, sun spots; learn to represent texture of various objects; we will practice expressing character and emotions in portraits, set up the mood...

Learn the history of jewelry mold making, and current low tech methods. Learn how rubber molds are made with the “Vulcanizer”and how they are cut. Instead of the same old printed jewelry, there are several other low tech ways to repeat the waxes. The wax finished products can be sent off site to be cast for a fee dependent on the metal's current...

Learn the secrets of working with wax. Hard wax and soft wax, carving, filing, welding,wax burrs, wax carving tools, tricks of the trade, and more, are all part of this class for your jewelry designs or small sculpture designs. The wax finished products can be sent off site to be cast for a fee dependent on the metal's current market value used. Base...

Learn to create unique metal surfaces with texture and color. This class is appropriate for metalsmiths that have already completed (or are currently taking) beginning sculpture or jewelry classes. Students can choose individual techniques to work with and apply the techniques to already produced pieces, or create sample pieces on which they can learn...