Become a silversmith from home!

How to Book:

Simply email me at aika.speaks.info@gmail.com to set up a class!

I will respond within 1-2 business days to set up a free virtual consultation. That way we can meet, talk about any questions or concerns you have, and make sure this is the best option for you.

Once we set up a date/time for the class (and you submit your deposit), you’ll be all set and ready to start your journey as a silversmith!

Policies/Disclaimers:

• Participants must be at least 18 years old.

• Please ensure there is adequate workspace for all participants.

• A 50% deposit is required to book a class, with the remainder due before the class begins.

• Please give a 24-hour notice when rescheduling. Only 2 reschedules allowed before 50% of your deposit is forfeited.

• You will receive a full refund if you cancel with at least a 48-hour notice, otherwise 50% of your deposit will be forfeited.

• Refunds cannot be offered once a class has started or in cases of no-shows.

• I allow a 30-minute grace period for starting late.

  For private lessons: if the student has not arrived within 30 minutes, the session may be canceled without a refund.

  For group classes: lessons will begin on time, and late arrivals are welcome to join, but missed time cannot be refunded, including if the participant opts out.

• A travel fee applies for locations more than 15 miles outside of Oakland.

• I reserve the right to refuse or end a lesson at any time if I feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

• Please note: at this time, my infant daughter will be present during classes. If you have any questions or concerns, I’m happy to discuss them during the consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long is a class?

The length of a class depends on how quickly each participant picks up on the skills, and how many participants there are.

A private (single person) lesson is typically around 3 hours long, whereas a 3-4 person group lesson can be up to 5 hours long.

What specific skills will I learn?

The kind of metalwork you will learn is called fabrication.

You will learn how to use basic tools like a file, pliers, wire cutters/shears, a hammer/mallet, a butane torch, and a rotary tool.

The most prominent skills you will learn is soldering (with silver solder) and bezel setting.

Do I need prior experience or knowledge?

Nope! Most of my students have no experience.

Can anyone do this?

For the most part, yes. However, physical limitations can make metalwork more difficult.

Things like hand strength, finger dexterity, and good eyesight are quite crucial to this kind of work.

What if it ends up being too difficult for me?

No worries! I will provide the exact amount of support that each participant needs/wants. Typically I encourage my students to try everything at least once, but if any of the steps ends up being too challenging I can always provide more support, including doing any of the steps myself.

My main priority is for each person to get what they want out of the experience. Some people are there to learn as much as possible and are considering a new career/passion in jewelry making, while others are there out of curiosity, to try something different, or to spend quality time with friends. This is something else we can discuss during the consultation.

Can I take more than one class?

Yes! I offer a 3-session package for single-person private lessons. If you choose this option we will gear each lesson to where you’re at and what you want to get out of the sessions.

So we can either repeat the same curriculum in order to get a good handle on it, or I can introduce new projects/techniques in each class. This is something we can discuss in the consultation and before each class.

Is metalworking dangerous?

Just like most things, there are risks involved in metalworking. Things like proper ventilation, protective gear, and other safety precautions help to minimize those risks. I will do my best to prevent any accidents, but it is up to you to follow best practices.

Do I need a fireproof workspace?

A fireproof workspace is ideal, but not necessary in this case. Since we are only using a butane torch (and not a gas tank), we are not at risk for a major fire incident. However, the workspace should be free of things like paper, fabric, and plastics that can easily catch on fire. Having a fire extinguisher on hand is also a good practice.

What’s the difference between metalworking, silversmithing, goldsmithing, and jewelry making?

Metalwork is a general term that can apply to working with any metal and within any capacity. For example, working with steel for larger sculptures can also be considered metalwork, and so is doing fine jewelry.

Silversmithing applies to working specifically with sterling silver and other precious or non-precious base metals (including brass, copper, bronze, and tin) for making utilitarian objects. This can include jewelry, utensils, containers/vessels, accessories, etc.

Goldsmithing is the most specific term to making metal jewelry. It implies that you are working on a smaller scale and with more specific techniques and tools. However, there is still a lot of overlap between silversmithing and goldsmithing. I opt to use silversmithing simply because I hardly ever use actual gold, so I feel it would be confusing to use the term goldsmithing.

Jewelry making is a general term that includes any technique for making jewelry. This can include beaded jewelry, textile (thread/string) jewelry, wire jewelry, etc.

To sum it all up, what you learn in my classes falls under all of these terms.

Have more questions?

Just email me at info.aika.speaks@gmail.com to book a free virtual consultation!