There’s something deeply comforting about holding a piece of art that embodies the essence of a loved one, a cherished affirmation, or a meaningful scripture. These irreplaceable treasures become anchors of solace, grounding us in moments of reflection and connection.
This intermediate-to-advanced class invites you on a journey to create such heartfelt mementos. Over seven live online sessions, plus an office hour+, you’ll master the art of crafting unique, heirloom-quality pieces. If life gets busy, don’t worry—every session is a demo, giving you the flexibility to work at your own pace with plenty of time between classes to practice and perfect.
Each lesson is thoughtfully delivered on a beautiful, user-friendly platform featuring high-definition macro shots, speed controls, transcripts, and closed captions. With videos available until April 23rd, you’ll have ample time to revisit and refine what you’ve learned. Plus, the private Facebook group ensures you’re never alone—ask questions, share progress, and connect with fellow students. And with my direct support available for six months after the course ends, your success is truly a priority.
In approximately 26 hours of instruction, you’ll explore:
The intricate craft of box forms, both closed and partially open.
Techniques for shaping and engineering designs that fit seamlessly together.
The brilliance of tube-bearing hinges, and easier setups that will transform your process.
Captivating cabochons using materials like hair, feathers, butterfly wings, dried flowers, and more.
Methods for capturing fragile or irreplaceable materials—ashes, mother of pearl, or antler—in threaded, tap-and-die cold connections.
Prong settings, saddle straps, and other techniques to bring your designs to life with precision and artistry.
The journey begins on December 16th, with an introductory session covering tools and supplies in detail. Classes take place on Monday evenings at 4:30 PM PT, with sessions on Dec 16, Jan 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb 17, and Feb 24. A bonus office hour will be held on Friday, Jan 24th, at 8 AM PT, offering even more opportunity for personalized guidance.
This is more than a class—it’s a chance to turn memories into timeless keepsakes and refine your craft in ways that resonate deeply. Enroll today, and let’s create something truly extraordinary together.
Memento Mori, a phrase with a seemingly solemn undertone, derives from Latin, meaning "remember you will die." This concept, deeply rooted in ancient philosophy, finds its origins in the teachings of Socrates, who asserted that the essence of philosophy revolves around contemplating the inevitability of death and the state of being deceased. (Daily Stoic)
However, Memento Mori is not solely a morbid reflection; it can also be approached as a celebration of life and a poignant acknowledgment that death marks the conclusion of the blessing bestowed upon us by having something special in our lives. This unique perspective encourages us to keep the memories of departed loved ones—whether human or animal—close to our hearts, cherishing their impact and celebrating the richness they brought to our existence.
In embracing Memento Mori, individuals find a profound connection between the fragility of life and the significance of the moments we share. It serves as a reminder to value and appreciate the present, fostering a deeper appreciation for the transient nature of existence. In essence, Memento Mori becomes a meaningful practice that transcends the initial perception of morbidity, transforming into a celebration of the interconnectedness of life and death.
In order to hold precious items we need a hollow form or box like shape. The video is representational of the types of techniques I will be demonstrating, but this year I will be showing how to make an elegant open box form enclosed with a watch crystal cover. So you can choose if you want a closed form or window form.
If we then want to add a laminated stone with their hair, an image or perhaps their favorite fabric, a butterfly wing, feather, etc we could add it to the box top, or maybe make a hinged drop down 2 part pendant or even bracelet.
If you aren’t interested in making a memorial piece, that’s fine. My piece will have a sea theme from a recent vacation that I will be memorializing. Hinges are a great way to articulate movement and connect these elements.
This class is not project based. I will be demonstrating and inspiring you to create whatever design expresses your voice. The best part is that it’s not a one and done class. I’m here to mentor you through the journey of combining these new techniques in a way that represents your work, not mine. I will meet you where you are at your skill level from advanced beginner to advanced metalsmith.
Of course, there will be so many techniques and tips that we cover from using rotary files, soldering tips for setting up difficult operations, soldering stainless steel, using threading taps, tapering wire, and more!
How to choose the right tool and tips that will make the way you work fun and easier (which includes my 125+ page slide deck with best sources and prices).
How to select the right torch tip and flame for the job.
How to take a seemingly complex soldering set up job, and make it fairly effortless, so that soldering is a joy!
How to create box shapes you imagined that aren’t boring, or are even odd shaped, in a straightforward way. We’ll even cover how to use crystal watch glasses to create window boxes.
How to create bearing walls and shapes within shapes that mathematically match the size you need, not just hoping it works out.
How to create threaded tap connections for all sorts of closures and connecting materials that cannot be riveted or heat connected.
How to solder stainless steel (and steel)
How to make tube bearing hinges that wont wrack and don’t look sloppy. You might have been afraid to try this because it seems complicated. There is a learning curve, but I’m going to demystify hinges for you. I’ll even show you professional ways to do hinges on curved surfaces.
How to use wire to create prongs to set your laminated stone (if you make one). This is simple and easy! If you prefer saddle-strap settings, we will cover that as well.
How to make a laminated quartz stone.
AND sooo many tips and tricks! My students favorite part that they rave about!
Within 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 April 23rd, End of Day. They are not downloadable.
December 16th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)
January 6th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)
January 13th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)
January 20th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)
*January 24th, OFFICE HOUR+, (8am Pacific Time, 9am MT, 10am CT, 11am ET)
January 27th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)
February 17th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)
February 24th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)
**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 will be additional impromptu LIVE videos and recorded videos broadcast and posted on our Facebook Group.
You’ll get real time live classes with the best possible broadcasting equipment including 7 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!
For Soldering:
It’s best if you have a oxy/propane torch like the Swiss or Little Smith.
However if you are proficient at the butane torch this would be fine for soldering. Also the acetylene is a good overall torch for this.
Basically whatever torch you use now for soldering will work fine. Many people solder with the EZ Orca also. It’s a great all around torch to use for this class! Plus you can use these small propane tanks in your apartment, just like the butane.
There will be a list of items you might want to purchase for this class such as the crystal watch glass, specific sizes of tubing, museum quality resin, and ancillary items. However you will probably have the majority of what you need in your own metal smithing pantry.
On December 16th we will be going over all of the tools that I will be using in class, so that during class you will have the info and be able to decide if it’s a tool you can’t live without. A comprehensive 125+ page slide deck with sources, prices and info will be available for your notes as well.
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.
I usually don’t sell kits at classes because they are frankly time consuming to procure and assemble. There is not enough mark up to warrant doing them from a business standpoint. However I make an exception when I know that it would be so time consuming and costly for you to get the supplies from many different places and pay the shipping from so many places.
I don’t believe there will be a kit for this class.
I do offer all of my student coupon codes to over 10 dealers. I also sell tools that are innovative and hard to find, that I find necessary to my practice.
You are not required to buy anything from me and you can choose which techniques you want to invest in. You don’t need to do or try it all. Buy and invest in things you think you’ll want to try and leave the rest for a future project when you’ll still have the sources and your recipe cards!