Filing and Texturing: Too “Basic” to Matter? Think Again.
Filing and texturing often get written off as simple — the kind of thing you assume you already know. After all, how hard could it be?
But in reality, these are expansive, expressive skills with huge creative and technical range. They’re also some of the most under-taught and under-explored areas in metalsmithing education.
Most classes rush past them. Or worse — they only teach outdated techniques and clunky tools that no longer serve today’s metalsmiths.
But what if you learned why each technique matters — not just how to do it?
When you understand the why behind the what, you start to work intuitively. You know when to reach for the right file, how to remove material efficiently, how to perfect a surface, and how to use texture, finish, and tool marks as storytelling devices — not just steps to completion.on.
Join us for 2 LIVE online sessions, perfect for all schedules. Can’t make it? No problem - access recordings within hours after the LIVE class until Sept 8th (EOD). You’ll have plenty of time to watch, play, ask questions on the private group, get answers, rewatch and try again!
In approximately 8+ hours of highly detailed demos, we’ll cover a wide variety of techniques from basic to advanced. We’ll explore ways to work smarter, more efficient, and more joyfully.
There will be bonus content as well that is pre-recorded. We’ll cover ergonomics, tools, and bench/organization tips.
— the Right Way
Weak foundational skills don’t just slow you down — they quietly limit how far you can go.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or wondered why your work doesn’t look or feel quite right, the issue isn’t your creativity — it’s the technical groundwork beneath it.
Now imagine what changes when you revisit those core skills with fresh eyes, modern tools, and real intention:
📌 You’ll Create More — With Confidence and Flow
Before: You spend more time fixing problems than making progress.
After: You know exactly which file or technique to use — and why. Cleanup becomes minimal. Your vision becomes reality faster.
📌 Your Work Will Finally Feel Finished
Before: The piece is done… technically. But something feels off — a sharp edge, a crooked line, a wonky texture.
After: Every detail aligns. Edges are smooth. Holes are clean and centered. Lines are crisp. The whole piece feels intentional — because it is.
📌 You’ll Develop a Signature Texturing Style
Before: You reach for texture plates and hammers that make your work look like everyone else’s.
After: You create distinctive, expressive marks with simple hand tools — patterns and surfaces that carry your voice, not someone else’s.
📌 You’ll Unlock New Possibilities
Before: You hit a wall — same techniques, same results.
After: Mastery of the small stuff gives you freedom to grow into big ideas. You don’t just follow patterns — you invent your own.
📌 You’ll Finally Feel Ready to Share — or Sell
Before: You hesitate to show your work because it’s “not quite good enough.”
After: You know your construction is solid, your finish is clean, and your details hold up. You’re ready to put it out there — proudly.
This class isn’t about polishing basics — it’s about unlocking your precision, personal style, and creative authority through skills that most people never truly master.
How to choose the right bur, file, or drill
Stop wasting money on the wrong tools — learn exactly what to use for shaping, finishing, and texturing.
The right speeds, angles, and techniques
Get confident using your tools with control and precision — no more uneven edges or overworked surfaces.
Storage, tool care, and ergonomic setup
Organize your bench, extend the life of your tools, and work comfortably (and safely) for longer sessions.
How to clean up solder joins and refine settings
Master filing around delicate areas like bezels, prongs, and seams for a crisp, polished finish.
How to add textures that make your work stand out
Use burs and files to create original marks — beyond hammers and texture plates — that give your pieces a distinct voice.
How to remove material quickly with rotary tools
Save time and reduce hand fatigue with the right bits and burs that cut fast and clean.
My go-to “secret” trick for filing bezels and rings fast
Learn a simple but game-changing filing method that gives you clean results in a fraction of the time.
Get ready to step into the transformative art of filing and texturing — where every stroke refines not just your metal, but your mastery.
This isn’t just a class — it’s a Metalmorphosis of your foundational skills and artistic control.
In this immersive experience, we’ll slow down and dial in — revealing the quiet power of precision filing and intentional texture. These are the skills that separate the hesitant from the confident, the rushed from the refined.
With each smooth edge and sculpted surface, you’ll gain more than technique — you’ll gain the ability to shape meaning into metal, and clarity into every contour.
This is where flat becomes form, where surface becomes voice, and where your hands finally keep pace with your imagination.
If you’ve ever felt your work was “almost there” — this is the missing piece.
Join us in The Art of Filing & Texturing and rediscover the strength and beauty that lives in the fine details.
Your transformation begins with the stroke of a file.
👉 Enrollment starts Tuesday, June 24th at 8am Pacific – Let your Metalmorphosis begin
And if that's not enough, I've got even more in store for you! When I teach there is never enough time to deliver everything I want to share with you. So I will be releasing to you, as a BONUS, several pre-recorded videos of important support materials.
But there's more! You'll also receive an exclusive invitation to join our closed/private group. Here, we'll engage in live and recorded discussions, fostering a vibrant community of like-minded artisans.
Your access to me will extend for six months after the class. As a group of beginner to advanced artist as, we can continue to support each other long after the class concludes.
My ultimate goal is for you to complete this class not only with a wealth of new techniques and knowledge but also overflowing with inspiration and creativity. Your toolbox will be brimming with new tools, and I can't wait to witness what you'll create with these newfound skills and insights. The journey ahead promises to be truly remarkable!
4pm Pacific Time
4pm Pacific Time
I find that it’s hard to classify a person as a beginner or intermediate student. You might be intermediate in some areas and beginners in others. This class is for anyone wanting to brush up on or learn sawing and piercing.
Take what you are ready for and let the rest go. You don’t need to master all things presented. It’s perfectly okay to take a class and be able to implement 30-40% of it and then as you practice that, you can try the remaining 60% of the material.
My best advice is to attend live classes and be engaged. Take excellent notes. Within 48 hours revisit the class or your notes. Things that do not make sense need a revisit. You’ll then have the video to watch it again. Post your questions on the private Ask & Answer FB Group and try to make a little progress every day during that month.
It is live AND recorded. Live sessions will be through Zoom. Recordings will be posted within 8-12 hours (or as soon as we can get them up) to the Online Learning Platform. Catch up when you can and post your questions on the Private Ask & Answer FB Group. You have 6 months to get all your questions answered and 60 days (Sept 8th End of Day) to watch the videos as many times as you’d like.
Within 8-12 hours the classes will be uploaded to the Online Learning Platform. You will be able to view the classes there 24/7 for 60 days or until Sept 8th EOD. They are not downloadable. If you need extra time, it is available for a monthly fee of $50. Expiration of viewing extension time will be announced with a one month notice.
All classes are held at 4pm PT
4pm PT/ 5pm MT/ 6pm CT/ 7pm ET/ Midnight London
2 Sessions:
July 7th and 10th
**You do not need to be present for any or all of the LIVE classes. The classes will be posted to the online learning center for you to watch anytime that is convenient for you. You’ll have plenty of time between classes to catch up and you can ask any questions on the group which I will promptly answer.
There may be additional impromptu LIVE videos and recorded videos broadcast and posted on our Group.
You’ll get real time live classes with the best possible broadcasting equipment including 8 high resolution, 4k, cutting edge cameras and the best mic on the market. You’ll have different views to watch because seeing my hands is as important as seeing the up close surface fusing or a solder join flowing. Often in class you can never see the details from 6-10 feet away. So in many ways an online class is better. Plus you are at your own bench or in the comfort of your own home. You’ll have all your tools and be able to replicate it better because muscle memory in your studio at your bench is superior. Watch and rewatch. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and as you review your notes, if there is a question between sessions, I’ll be on call to answer them!
Torches are not needed for this class. However you will need a variety burs, drills, files, flexshaft/micromotor, bench or workspace, good lighting, safety PPE, and basic metalsmithing tools.
After you sign up, you’ll have access to a comprehensive tool and supply list.
These are tools that I personally use. You might have something similar and that’s fine. You do not need to buy all the things, however I have been in so many classes where one of the tools the instructor used often was not on the list. I felt that my ability to do the task was hindered because I didn’t have it. So all my fave tools for the task will be on the list and if you want to wait to see if you want to buy it, that’s fine.
Please remember that I used to own a jewelry tool and supply company for 10 years and was a senior instructor for Rio Grande. So I feel like I have tried nearly every tool possible. I probably bought it too. I don’t recommend tools unless I know they are the best. Sometimes it an inexpensive tool and sometimes it’s costly. If it saves me time and makes the job enjoyable, it’s a good tool. I know that down the road I can sell them because good tools increase in value.
There is a no kit for this class. You may choose to practice on silver, brass or copper, however I will be using sterling.
There will be basic hand tools and equipment, and I’ll show you some tools that you may want to acquire but are not required to buy.
You will want burs, drill bits, files and a variety of hand tools to use them but again those will be in the tool list, once enrolled.