Workshops

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Person creating an enamel pendant with a fine paintbrush, surrounded by enameling supplies on a work table.

August, 2026


Introduction to Bead Knotting Workshop


Learn the art of traditional bead and pearl knotting in this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop. Over two classes, participants will develop new skills and create a finished piece of jewelry using pearls or semi-precious beads.


  • Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16

  • 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

  • 2 classes of 4 hours each

  • $190.00 (taxes not included)

  • Materials - A Necklace Kit of $ 48.00

  • Total - $238.00 (taxes not included)


About - Lucia Guerra

Trained at the Montréal Metal Arts Academy, Lucia integrates traditional beading techniques such as pearl knotting and bead weaving into her personal jewellery practice.

Her goal in this workshop is to introduce traditional bead knotting tools and techniques, inspiring students to design and create their own unique piece of beaded jewellery.


Session 1: Foundations of Bead Knotting

Introduction to tools and materials

Starting a strand of beads and learning the techniques of bead knotting

A look at clasps and finishing techniques

Session 2: Design & Completion of your piece

Selecting the beads and creation of the beaded necklace or bracelet

Incorporation of the clasp

Finishing the piece

Maximum 6 students per class

Sand Casting Workshop

Gustavo Estrada

In our Sand Casting Workshop, you’ll design, mold, and then pour your own molten metal to make jewellery.


Introduction to Casting

  • History and modern applications of sand casting

  • Understanding the placement of the prototype in relation to the sprue and metal flow

Pattern Making

  • Designing and preparing a pattern (the object used to form the mold)

  • Considerations for shrinkage and gating

Mold Preparation

  • Working with casting sand and binders

  • Packing and shaping molds

  • Creating sprues, and vents

Metal Pouring

  • Safety protocols and equipment use

  • Melting and pouring molten metal

Finishing Techniques

  • Removing cast pieces from molds

  • Cleaning and refining the final object


Maximum 6 students per class

  • Saturday, August 22, Part 1

  • Saturday, August 29, Part 2

  • 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

  • $ 240.00 (taxes not included)

  • Materials - Bring your own scrap metal or purchase metal in the studio

  • Maximum 6 students per class

  • Prerequisite 3 modules or 96 hours of training

Why try Sand Casting?

Sand casting is valued for its versatility, accessibility, and ability to produce both artistic and industrial objects. It allows for:

Creative freedom in form

Low-cost mold making

Easy to do with simple tools and access to a torch

Safety

Safety is a key part of the experience. Participants will be trained in:

Proper handling of hot materials

Use of personal protective equipment

Ingot making safety procedures

Up-cycle

Bring your scrap metal and broken or old jewellery and use it in the creation of your new sand cast piece.

A materials cost will apply for those purchasing metal in the studio based on the weight of your piece.

September, 2026


Experiment with Enamel

Gayane Avetisyan

  • Bilingual class

  • Beginner - Intermediate Level

  • Saturday - 2 classes

  • September 12 and September 19, 2026

  • 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

  • $210.00 (taxes not included)

  • Course materials + $35.00

During this workshop, you will explore the magical world of enameling. You will be introduced to the basics of this technique by creating your own sample pieces on copper, using different traditional and alternative enameling techniques. The pieces you make can then be transformed into wearable art, small scale art objects or prototypes for future works.

To see Gayane’s work visit her website:https://www.gayaneavetisyan.ca/

Maximum 6 students per class

Photo Transfer: Image transfer on Enamels

Gayane Avetisyan

This workshop introduces participants to photo transfer techniques on enamelled copper surfaces. Using laser-printed images and alternative transfer methods, students will learn how to embed photographic imagery into vitreous enamel. The process explores how images interact with enamel through firing, resulting in soft, atmospheric tones permanently fused to the metal. Participants will experiment with surface preparation, image placement, and multiple firings, gaining an understanding of how heat, material, and form shape the final outcome.

  • Bilingual class

  • Intermediate Level

  • Monday Afternoon - 2 classes

  • September 21 and September 28, 2026

  • 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

  • $210.00 (taxes not included)

  • Course materials + $30.00

To see Gayane’s work visit her website:

https://www.gayaneavetisyan.ca/

Maximum 6 students per class

November, 2026


Introduction to Cloisonné

Gayane Avetisyan

  • Bilingual class

  • Monday afternoons

  • November 16, November 23, November 30, December 7 and December 14, 2026

  • 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

  • 5 classes of 4 hours

  • $400.00 (taxes not included)

  • Materials - $65.00 (Included in the total cost of Workshop)

  • Prior knowledge of metal working such as completion of module 1 is required

  • Prior experience with enamel is required

This course will be divided into 3 parts:

The first class will be an introduction to the world of enameling. You will create your own sample pieces on copper, using different traditional and alternative enameling techniques.

The second, third and fourth classes will be an introduction to the cloisonné process:

Cloisonné involves creating compartments, or cloisons, on the fine silver surface, usually with thin strips of fine silver wire. Then we fill those compartments with different colours of enamel. The object is then fired in a kiln to melt and fuse the enamel, resulting in a colourful, intricate design.

Students will practise the cloisonné technique on two pieces, one silver and one copper.

The fifth class will be to finalize and polish the enamel work and for framing of the pieces.

The pieces you make can be transformed into wearable art, small scale art objects or prototypes for future works.

To see Gayane’s work visit her website:

https://www.gayaneavetisyan.ca/httpswww.gayaneavetisyan

Maximum 6 students per class