Our Core Classes

Your education in the fundamental skills of metalsmithing is important for everything you want to make in the future. At CCA we take pride in teaching the fine art and craft of jewelry through a series of core classes that build your skill set and help you refine your technique. 

Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Classes and Workshops
in Denver, Colorado

Each of our core classes is offered two to three times per year starting in January, April, June and September. 

View our course registration page to view our currently scheduled courses.

Intro & Beginner

Introduction to Silversmithing

Be introduced to the fundamental skills of jewelry making: proper use of hand tools, torches, flex shafts, polishers and more. Learn to layout, drill, pierce, file, form, solder and polish sterling silver with individual instruction, close-up demonstrations, and hands-on experience.

Our Introduction to Silversmithing classes can fill up quickly once registration opens. If you’re interested in attending this class, join our waitlist to be the first to know when registration will go live.

 

Intermediate & Advanced

Intermediate Silversmithing: Level I

Continue to build your skill set as additional techniques are introduced, including tube setting, roll printing, soldering findings, stamping, and making a step bezel. Projects may include a ring with a step bezel-set stone, earrings with tube-set faceted stones, or a cuff-style bracelet. 

Prerequisite: Introduction to Silversmithing (or equivalent experience and instructor approval)

Forging & Forming: Levels 1, 2 & 3

In this workshop, be introduced to what happens when metal is stretched and compressed by successive hammer blows. Prerequisite: Introduction to Silversmithing (or instructor’s approval)

  • Level 1 introduces the basics of forging and annealing.
  • Level 2 covers creating a hollow tube (spiculum) and raising anticlastic forms.
  • Level 3 expands on previously learned techniques for more advanced jewelry projects. Students may also elect to be introduced to chasing and repoussé.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Silversmithing (or equivalent experience and instructor approval)

Lost Wax Casting : Levels 1, 2 & 3

Experience the ancient art form of lost wax casting in a contemporary setting. Learn techniques to carve and sprue wax models and cast your projects using a variety of casting methods.

  • Level 1 introduces the variety of waxes and carving techniques and tools. Learn the entire process from carving to polishing your finished pieces. Prerequisite: Introduction to Silversmithing
  • Level 2 focuses on carving waxes suitable for stone setting and stone inlay.
  • Level 3 covers advanced carving techniques and casting organic materials.
Fundamentals of Stone Setting: Levels 1 & 2

Go beyond the basics as you build the fundamental skills for setting gemstones through a measured process that includes plenty of practice to help you gain confidence as you build this important (and sometimes challenging) skill.

  • Level 1 Focuses on hammer setting round and oval gemstones in heavy bezels and cast mountings. Includes a review of thin bezel wire and tube setting techniques, then moves on to prepare and practice use of of gravers, punches, pushers and burs.
  • Level 2 Focuses on hammer setting square gemstones and flush setting gemstones, including rounds and (time permitting) fancy-shapes.
Introduction to Goldsmithing

Learn the basics of working with and soldering gold wire as you create a 14K yellow gold pendant of your own design. Practice soldering with an oxyacetylene torch as you discover the wonderful working qualities of gold and expand your options for including gold elements in your silver work.

  • Level 1 Focuses on hammer setting round and oval gemstones in heavy bezels and cast mountings. Includes a review of thin bezel wire and tube setting techniques, then moves on to prepare and practice use of of gravers, punches, pushers and burs.
  • Level 2 Focuses on hammer setting square gemstones and flush setting gemstones, including rounds and (time permitting) fancy-shapes.

Made by Students

From Our Students

I love the dedication and hands-on approach Kathy and her instructors bring to each class. I really wanted to incorporate metal into my beaded jewelry. I had no idea how much I could learn in just a few weeks. With each class I improve and want to learn more. 

~ Pilar Morales

I started taking classes at the Clear Creek Academy almost 3 years ago. In each of my classes, the instruction has been top notch, with great attention given to the development of each student’s technical silversmithing skills. The classes are not overly crowded and I was given ample personal attention. 

~ Louisa Berky

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Address

4340 E. Kentucky Ave, Suite 220
Glendale, CO 80246

Due to the nature of our secure building, visits are by appointment only.