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Metalsmithing with wire, sheet, or clay, plus jewelry casting and small sculpture.

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What to bring/wear, refund policy, waitlists, age requirements, gift certificate redemption, and more.

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What kinds of sensory impact to expect in a particular type of class. 


Click on the class name to see all meeting dates, times, and fees. 

Current & Upcoming classes

  • Jewelry Metalsmithing Fundamentals: Working with Wire

    • Mon, May 04, 2026
    • Mon, June 29, 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    One of the most common components of jewelry is wire, whether you are making chain, closures, or settings. This foundational course will introduce you to some of the many ways wire is used in jewelry-making and you'll start building an essential skill set.

    We'll begin by learning about bench setup, safety in the jewelry studio, and commonly used tools and equipment. We'll discuss different types of soldering and then focus on pick soldering throughout the class. We'll also cover sawing, hammering textures, annealing metal, and polishing, with time to practice these skills. You'll work with different gauges of wire and can expect to complete a jewelry piece of your choice (necklace, bracelet, earring, ring) or possibly more depending on size and your proficiency. You'll work primarily with copper and a small amount of sterling silver.

    No prior experience is required for this fundamental course. 

    $410 ($360 tuition + $50 materials)  |  8 weeks 
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Laura D. Juul

    Show details

  • Jewelry Fundamentals: Red Sand Casting

    • Fri, May 08, 2026
    • Fri, June 05, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 2
    Register

    In this class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of small scale sand casting using a special blend of delft clay and red sand. You will be guided to prepare and pack a two-part mold, working to capture fine detail, and safely pour molten metal to create your own unique design.

    Feel free to bring your own small charm or object to cast or you can pick from our curated selection of found objects. you’ll practice embedding, carving, and venting techniques to produce clean, detailed castings. You'll work with both bronze and sterling silver to create two or three finished pieces, depending on the size and complexity of your designs. Once cooled and removed from the mold, you’ll learn basic finishing and polishing techniques to complete your cast project.

    No experience is necessary—all tools, materials and safety equipment are provided. Whether you're exploring metalworking for the first time or beginning your journey into jewelry or sculpture, this class offers a fun and approachable introduction to sand casting.

     $225 ($180 tuition + $45 materials)  |  4 weeks
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Laura Juul

    Show details

  • Old to New: Reusing & Recycling Metals for Jewelry-Making

    • Thu, May 28, 2026
    • Thu, June 18, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Have you been holding onto your grandmother’s silver spoon or jewelry? Or have clean scrap sterling silver? Learn to recycle precious metals and add environmentally-friendly techniques to your jewelry-making! This class covers the fundamentals of hallmarking to identify sterling from plated base metals, plus highlights various karat golds. Explore melting metal and pouring it into ingots that can be hammered or milled to make create useful jewelry making material like wire and sheet. Once that step is complete you'll work at the jeweler's bench using a variety of hand tools to texture and shape metal, and a torch to solder to make a band ring. Basic jewelry finishing will also be covered.

    All skill levels are welcome! You'll need to supply or source your own sterling silver scrap or objects to melt for this class.

    $230 ($210 tuition + $20 materials)  |  4 weeks
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Linda Seebauer Hansen 

    Show details

  • Small Things Casting with Lost Wax

    • Mon, June 01, 2026
    • Mon, June 29, 2026
    • 5 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 1
    Register

    Do you have an idea for a small-size sculpture or jewelry piece that you'd like to make in cast silver or bronze? This comprehensive class will immerse you in the process of lost wax casting in miniature form. You'll learn to carve wax, make molds, and cast small art objects or jewelry, using the vacuum assist casting method. The class will cover safety protocols, the tools used for wax carving, techniques for pouring metal, and basic finishing of cast artworks. Our focus will be on wax carving to create patterns for casting, but not silicone/rubber molding or inclusion of stones. Questions about whether your project is suitable for this class? Get in touch with the instructor. Class fee includes 1.5 troy ounces of silver and up to a half-pound of bronze. 

    No prior experience is required for this fundamental course. 

    $270 ($225 tuition + $45 materials)  |  5 weeks
    Open to ages 16 and up (parent/guardian should be on call for students under 18. 

    Instructor: Jess Night 

    Show details

  • Soft Soldering: Low-Heat Techniques for Jewelry

    • Wed, June 03, 2026
    • Wed, June 24, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Delve into the captivating art of soft soldering in this beginner level jewelry class. You'll choose from an array of projects, creating personalized pieces such as rings, pendants, or earrings. You'll practice a variety of low heat techniques with a soldering iron and be encouraged to explore your creativity with soldering.

    The workshop will provide guidance through the entire process, from working with base metals to provide structure to polishing your work and adding any finishing touches. Along the way, we'll explore ways to create visual interest with beads and other findings, use soldering techniques to sculpt pieces, and apply patina to add color and depth to the metals. You'll leave with one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that reflect your individual style and artistic expression.

    No experience required! Whether you have a passion for jewelry, a curiosity about soldering, or simply a desire to acquire a new skill, join us on an artistic journey and discover the joy of crafting your own unique soldered jewelry pieces.

    $210 ($180 tuition + $30 materials)   |  4 sessions
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Annemarie Hines

    Show details

  • Silversmithing Skill Session: Techniques for Finishes & Textures

    • Sat, June 20, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    Register

    This workshop is an ideal next step to our Stacker Rings class, and is designed for jewelers with some experience. Working in silver, you'll start by soldering, annealing, and sizing a ring band. Then we'll move on to explore a variety of finishing and texturing techniques, with a focus on safe and proper use of jewelers' tools. Based on your interest and experience, we may work with the torch, saw-blades, hammers, and the flex shaft. You'll leave having turned a simple, plain band into one of your own unique and personalized creation.

    $110 ($90 tuition + $20 materials)  
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Sam Andre

    Show details

  • Jewelry Fundamentals: Red Sand Casting

    • Mon, July 06, 2026
    • Mon, July 27, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    In this class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of small scale sand casting using a special blend of delft clay and red sand. You will be guided to prepare and pack a two-part mold, working to capture fine detail, and safely pour molten metal to create your own unique design.

    Feel free to bring your own small charm or object to cast or you can pick from our curated selection of found objects. you’ll practice embedding, carving, and venting techniques to produce clean, detailed castings. You'll work with both bronze and sterling silver to create two or three finished pieces, depending on the size and complexity of your designs. Once cooled and removed from the mold, you’ll learn basic finishing and polishing techniques to complete your cast project.

    No experience is necessary—all tools, materials and safety equipment are provided. Whether you're exploring metalworking for the first time or beginning your journey into jewelry or sculpture, this class offers a fun and approachable introduction to sand casting.

     $225 ($180 tuition + $45 materials)  |  4 weeks
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Laura Juul

    Show details

  • Copper Enamel Jewelry Sampler

    • Tue, July 07, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    This hands-on, single-session workshop will introduce you to the vibrant art of copper enameling — a fire art form in which powdered glass is fused to metal at high temperature to create brilliant, durable color. No prior experience is required; the class is designed for curious beginners who want to explore a new medium and leave with finished, wearable art.

    During the class, you'll prepare copper blanks, select your color palette, and apply enamel using sifting techniques. Each piece is fired in a kiln, providing a close look at the transformation that heat makes possible. By the end of the session, you'll have completed a coordinated set: one pendant and one pair of earrings, finished and ready to wear or gift.

    This class is ideal for anyone drawn to jewelry making, mixed media art, or simply the magic of working with fire and color. If you enjoy painting, ceramics, or metalwork, you'll find enameling to be a natural and exciting next step!

    $70 ($55 tuition + $15 materials) 
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Andrea Stronghart


    Show details

  • Silver Clay Exploration

    • Wed, July 08, 2026
    • Wed, August 12, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 1
    Register

    In this class you'll learn the sculpting and forming techniques used to create simple pendants, beads and rings out of 100% pure silver metal clay. Once the basic skills are covered we'll discuss setting synthetic stones into your pieces before learning about firing and finishing the objects you make.

    This class is designed for anyone who has an interest in creating pure silver jewelry or works of art while sitting at your kitchen table. No experience needed.

    $340 ($270 tuition + $70 materials)  |  6 weeks
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Laura Juul 

    Show details

  • Open Jewelry Studio: Bench Time

    • Sat, August 01, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    Open Jewelry Studio is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a bench jewelry class at CAFAC.

    Open Studio is your opportunity to get more time on the torch, get advice, and share studio time with your fellow artisans! You supply the materials and consumables and CAFAC will supply the tools and equipment. We have space for up to eight, so sign up today to reserve your bench spot.

    Note: this Open Studio is available for working with red sand casting but doesn't include working with precious metal clay.  

    $45

    Instructor: Laura Juul

    Show details

  • Soft Soldering: Low-Heat Techniques for Jewelry

    • Wed, August 05, 2026
    • Wed, August 26, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    Register

    Delve into the captivating art of soft soldering in this beginner level jewelry class. You'll choose from an array of projects, creating personalized pieces such as rings, pendants, or earrings. You'll practice a variety of low heat techniques with a soldering iron and be encouraged to explore your creativity with soldering.

    The workshop will provide guidance through the entire process, from working with base metals to provide structure to polishing your work and adding any finishing touches. Along the way, we'll explore ways to create visual interest with beads and other findings, use soldering techniques to sculpt pieces, and apply patina to add color and depth to the metals. You'll leave with one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that reflect your individual style and artistic expression.

    No experience required! Whether you have a passion for jewelry, a curiosity about soldering, or simply a desire to acquire a new skill, join us on an artistic journey and discover the joy of crafting your own unique soldered jewelry pieces.

    $210 ($180 tuition + $30 materials)   |  4 sessions
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Annemarie Hines

    Show details

  • Silversmithing Skill Session: Reticulation and Fusing

    • Mon, August 10, 2026
    • Mon, August 31, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 8
    Register

    Learn to add unique textures to metal! In this class, we’ll cover fusing recycled silver scrap, reticulating silver across a copper surface, patinas, and pinback fabrication. We’ll be using soldering, sawing, and polishing, so this is also a chance to apply the skills you’ve already learned. By the end of the course, you can expect to have finished one brooch and one reticulated jewelry item of your own design.

    This class is geared towards students who have completed a Jewelry Metalsmithing Fundamentals class, or who already have basic knowledge of silversmithing/jewelry making. Bring any scrap silver you have!

    $210 ($180 tuition + $30 materials)  |  4 weeks
    Open to ages 17 and up.

    Instructor: Molly Sandweiss

    Show details

  • Jewelry Project Shop: Stacker Rings

    • Sun, August 23, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    Want to make some simple rings, ideal for wearing in multiples? Pick a finger or toe you'd like to adorn and learn how to make rings out of copper and sterling silver in an afternoon. Stacker rings are an easy, fun project and a great way to get a taste of silversmithing. We'll start by learning about the basic tools you’ll use, and then dive into fundamental silversmithing techniques like hammering, filing, sawing, and soldering as you work on your project.

    No prior experience is required! 


    $110 ($90 tuition + $20 materials)  
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Laura D. Juul 

    Show details

  • Jewelry Project Shop: River Rocks & Sea Glass

    • Thu, September 03, 2026
    • Thu, September 10, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    Calling all beachcombers! Turn your river rocks and sea glass into one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. This workshop will focus on building your skill with the drill. All you need is the correct drill bits and some patience. You'll be able to drill two to three pieces and then get to use a variety of findings and beads to create a pendant, earrings, or a key chain.

    Bring your own river rock or sea glass. If you don’t have any we will have a variety of both to choose from.

    $100 ($80 tuition + $20 materials)  |  2 day

    Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Laura Juul 

    Show details

  • Jewelry Project Shop: Twisted Copper Rings

    • Mon, September 14, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 8
    Register

    Twist and bend copper wire to create rings in this fun, foundational workshop. We'll use jewelers' pliers and other basic tools to create several curled, curved, and coiled rings out of copper wire. To finish your creations, you'll work with sandpaper and buffing to create different finishes on the copper and discuss the ways to maintain copper. Though we'll use heat to soften the metal, these techniques can be done without heat; if fire is scary but jewelry is enticing, this is the class for you!

    No prior experience is required! 

    $65 ($55 tuition + $10 materials)  
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Gaea Dill-D'Ascoli

    Show details

  • Copper Enamel Jewelry Sampler

    • Tue, September 15, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
    • 5
    Register

    This hands-on, single-session workshop will introduce you to the vibrant art of copper enameling — a fire art form in which powdered glass is fused to metal at high temperature to create brilliant, durable color. No prior experience is required; the class is designed for curious beginners who want to explore a new medium and leave with finished, wearable art.

    During the class, you'll prepare copper blanks, select your color palette, and apply enamel using sifting techniques. Each piece is fired in a kiln, providing a close look at the transformation that heat makes possible. By the end of the session, you'll have completed a coordinated set: one pendant and one pair of earrings, finished and ready to wear or gift.

    This class is ideal for anyone drawn to jewelry making, mixed media art, or simply the magic of working with fire and color. If you enjoy painting, ceramics, or metalwork, you'll find enameling to be a natural and exciting next step!

    $70 ($55 tuition + $15 materials) 
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Andrea Stronghart


    Show details

CHICAGO AVENUE FIRE ARTS CENTER   3749 Chicago Avenue  |  Minneapolis, MN 55407  |  612-294-0400  |  info@cafac.org 

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