3-Week Workshop: June 25, July 2, and July 9, 2026, 6-9pm
$200pp + $50 materials fee, Ages 16+
You will make:
• 3 Stacker Rings
• 3 Bangle Bracelets
• Pair of Earrings
These pieces create a coordinated handmade jewelry set while introducing core metalsmithing techniques.
Class Length: 3 hours per class
Skill Level: Beginner – no experience required
Students will learn foundational metalsmithing techniques including sawing, forming, soldering, texturing, and finishing while creating a small collection of handcrafted jewelry.
By the end of the workshop students will be able to:
• Safely use basic metalsmithing tools
• Form rings and bangles from wire
• Perform basic soldering techniques
• Saw shapes from sheet metal
• Texture and finish jewelry surfaces
• Create simple jewelry findings
Taught by Colleen Puglia
Week 1 — Rings: Forming & Basic Soldering
Skills Introduced
• Studio safety and tool overview
• Introduction to jewelry metals (copper, brass, sterling silver)
• Measuring and sizing rings
• Cutting wire
• Forming rings on a mandrel
• Basic soldering techniques
• Filing and sanding
• Work hardening and shaping
Tools Introduced
• Ring mandrel
• Rawhide or nylon mallet
• Jeweler’s saw
• Files and sanding sticks
• Torch and soldering setup
Project: Three Stacker Rings
Students will create three rings using different textures and wire gauges.
Possible embellishments:
• Hammered texture
• Twisted wire
• Small metal ball accent
Techniques Practiced
• Forming wire rings
• Creating clean solder joints
• Ring sizing and shaping
• Surface texturing
Week 2 — Bangles: Forming & Repetition
Skills Introduced
• Measuring wrist size for bangles
• Creating consistent wire shapes
• Advanced forming techniques
• Hammer texturing
• Soldering larger circular forms
Tools Introduced
• Bracelet mandrel
• Texturing hammers
• Forming pliers
Project: Three Bangle Bracelets
Students will fabricate three bangles using brass or copper wire.
Design variations may include:
• Hammered texture
• Twist texture
• Mixed metal stack
Techniques Practiced
• Forming perfect circles
• Soldering round forms
• Work hardening through hammering
• Creating layered jewelry sets
Week 3 — Earrings: Sawing & Finishing
Skills Introduced
• Sawing sheet metal
• Piercing simple shapes
• Filing and sanding edges
• Drilling holes for ear wires
• Creating handmade ear wires
• Polishing and finishing techniques
Tools Introduced
• Jeweler’s saw
• Drill bits and flex shaft
• Polishing tools
Project: Pair of Earrings
Students will design and create a pair of earrings from sheet metal.
Possible design options:
• Simple geometric shapes
• Organic leaf shapes
• Textured discs
Techniques Practiced
• Sawing sheet metal
• Creating symmetrical components
• Surface texturing
• Final polishing
About the Instructor
Colleen Puglia is a jewelry artist who creates handcrafted pieces inspired by flowers, gardens, and the quiet beauty of natural forms. Working primarily with metals such as silver, copper, and brass, her designs often feature botanical motifs, organic textures, and softly imperfect forms that reflect the rhythms of nature.
Colleen’s work is rooted in traditional metalsmithing techniques including sawing, soldering, forming, and hand finishing. She is passionate about sharing these skills with beginners and believes that learning to work with metal can be both empowering and deeply rewarding.
Through her teaching, Colleen encourages students to explore creativity while building strong technical foundations in jewelry making.