Jewelry and Metals

The jewelry-making classes taught in our Metals Department include the traditional focus on technique and materials, as well as contemporary considerations of concept, design, and experimentation.

Materials List

Classes not listed here will either have required materials in the class description, discuss needed materials during the first class, or the materials will be supplied.

Class details (meeting times, tuition, etc.) are listed below.

View Materials List

Metals Supplies Notes

Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment. Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted. Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for specific supply list.

Metals Open Studio

Limited open studio time for students to practice will be determined at the beginning of each term; dates and times will be discussed in class and posted. Students should be respectful to monitors and observe all studio policies and practices. Open studio is intended for students to practice techniques and projects covered in class; production purposes or outside work is not allowed.

Registration Information

Classes are open-enrollment to the community. Class registration is a simple process. Read 'How to Register' below to get started. Click here to view all registration policies and guidelines, including information on payments, class withdraws and cancellations, refunds, and more.


  • Click the 'Register Now' button below to begin the registration process.
  • Click onto 'Sign In' at the top right side of the page.
  • To sign in, enter your user name and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one quickly by specifying a user name, password, and email address.
  • Navigate to your desired course. Click the 'Add to Cart' button associated with the course.
  • After completing the registration process and remitting payment, you will receive an email containing your registration confirmation.

Class Catalog  Frequently Asked Questions

Registration - Friends

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Opens April 2

9:00am

Registration - Community

Registration is closed. Fill out the sign-up form to recieve notification when registration opens.

Opens April 9

9:00am

Jewelry & Metals Classes - Summer 2024


Course Description

What does it take to make a ring? Construction of handmade rings will be the focus of this two-day course in metal. Students will be introduced to the basic techniques of working with non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, and silver), basic hand tools, forging, forming, silver-soldering using a torch, surface embellishment, and finishing techniques. In two days, students should expect to walk away with at least two finished projects. NOTE: Bilingual instruction is available. Includes a materials kit for projects covered in class; see *METALS NOTE. Please bring a bag lunch.


Course Description

Learn the fundamental techniques and tools used to create unique jewelry and small metal sculptures as you work through a series of projects focused not only on technique, but also on encouraging individual expression. Techniques covered will include sawing, basic forming, surface textures, silver-soldering, riveting, ring-making, and surface finishes. NOTE: Bilingual instruction is available. Tool kits and some supplies included; see *METALS NOTE and website for a materials list and links to sources.


Course Description

This short course will cover basics of creating cuff and bangle bracelets out of copper, brass, or silver. Learn how to form metal, use the hydraulic press, and other basic metals skills such as soldering, surface textures, and patination. Students should expect to create at least two finished bracelets. If students plan to use silver they will have to purchase metal ahead of time or discuss with instructor on the first day of class. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE.


Course Description

Students will have hands-on experience in both the Metals and Paper studios creating two wearable jewelry projects made out of original handmade paper mounted onto metal structures. Mills will instruct the class in the papermaking techniques of sheet forming and embellishment using plain and pigmented flax and abaca. Sortore will demonstrate the metalsmithing techniques of forming metal, creating surface textures, and making cold connections such as rivets.


Course Description

In this follow up course to Metal Skills.1, students will hone their sawing, soldering, forming, and surface finishing skills and apply those basic metalsmithing techniques to create more complex projects. Students will be encouraged to design and fabricate independent projects and can anticipate completing at least two projects. Demonstrations will cover various techinques. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE.


Course Description

Explore various ways to connect beads—from stringing, knotting, and using wire connections to make necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Different ways to finish the ends and use of different types of clasps and closures will also be covered. Along the way learn about the materials, and the tools and their purpose. Create your own unique designs from purchased or repurposed beads, have fun, and end up with several new pieces of jewelry. Includes some supplies; please see website for materials list.


Course Description

For the advanced student wishing to pursue a new or continued topic of metalworking and/or jewelry-making or to create a small body of work. Although projects are self-directed, the instructor will work with each student to assist with design, aesthetic, and/or technical decisions. Prerequisite: Students must contact Jill Sortore at jillian. sortore@utsa.edu for prior approval before registering and should have successfully completed of at least three metals courses or equivalent intermediate metals experience. See *METALS NOTES.


Course Description

Explore this ancient process of casting metal to create unique and individualized jewelry-scale objects in bronze or silver. The class will focus on carving a basic ring to run everyone through the entire process, and if time allows students can work on a additional project. Class demonstrations will include wax model-making, simple casting molds, sprue attachment (or preparing the wax model for casting), wax burn out, and casting the molten metal as well as surface finishing. Materials will be discussed at the first class. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE.


Course Description

Sand casting is a low-tech casting method using a reusable, ultra-fine clay sand mix that allows for small-scale single-use mold casting. This process allows you to quickly cast small objects or jewelry in bronze or silver and unlike investment casting does not require a kiln or large equipment, therefore perfect for home studios. Learn how to choose the right objects to cast, set up a successful mold, melt and pour metal, as well as go through any troubleshooting. You should expect to finish several components or pieces. Basic metal skills and finishing processes will be covered in this course. Tuition includes bronze casting grain for one casting; selecting or purchasing silver for casting will be covered. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE.

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