Workshops

Learn by Making

The metal arts are learned through the hands. No amount of reading, video watching, or theoretical study can substitute for the experience of holding a hammer against hot steel, running a weld bead along a joint, or soldering a silver ring at the bench. Workshops exist to provide that foundational experience in a structured, supportive environment where skilled instructors guide you through each step, answer your questions in real time, and help you develop safe working habits from the very beginning. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced maker looking to add a new technique to your practice, a well-run workshop can compress months of self-directed learning into a single intensive weekend.

The workshops listed on this site cover the three major branches of the metal arts: blacksmithing, welding art, and jewellery metalsmithing. Blacksmithing workshops put you at the forge and anvil, teaching basic hammer control, heat management, and fundamental operations such as drawing, tapering, bending, and scrolling. Welding art workshops introduce you to MIG welding equipment and technique, with a focus on creative applications rather than industrial certification. Jewellery metalsmithing workshops cover bench skills including sawing, filing, soldering, forming, and finishing, using sterling silver and copper as primary materials.

Each workshop format is designed for accessibility. You do not need to own any tools or equipment. You do not need prior experience unless the listing specifically states otherwise. All materials, safety equipment, and workspace are provided by the host studio. What you bring is curiosity, a willingness to work with your hands, and comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting dirty. Closed-toe shoes are required in all forge and welding environments, and long hair must be tied back. Beyond those basics, the instructors handle everything.

Workshop sizes are intentionally small, typically four to eight participants, to ensure that every student receives individual attention. Instructors circulate constantly, demonstrating techniques, correcting hand position, and troubleshooting problems as they arise. This low ratio of students to instructors is one of the key differences between a craft workshop and a classroom lecture. You are not watching someone else work. You are doing the work yourself, with expert guidance available the moment you need it.

Many of our listed workshops are offered by the same artists profiled in our artist directory. This means you are learning from active, professional makers whose teaching is grounded in current studio practice rather than outdated textbook methods. After completing a workshop, you will have a finished project to take home, a solid understanding of fundamental techniques, and a connection to an instructor and a community that can support your continued learning. Browse the listings below and find the workshop that matches your interests and schedule. The anvil is ready when you are.