Date: February 25-26, 2023 (Spring, 2 day)
Medium: Jewelry
Instructor: Vanessa Graham (email)
Skill Level: Beginner

Meet the Bench is the perfect mini intensive for dipping your toes into making jewelry! Set up for complete beginners or those looking to revisit foundational skills, this class will dive into basic techniques like sawing/piercing, texture, cleanup/craftsmanship, as well as beginning soldering and forming. We’ll pump out at least 5 completely handmade jewelry items (but likely many more), including earrings, pendants and at least one silver ring. We’ll also spend some time discussing how to keep making jewelry after class, including idea generation and a minimal at-home tool setup.

Supply List

Supplies are subject to change. A final list will be emailed to each participant before the first day of class.

Students do not need to bring anything to this class.

Studio Fee

All workshops have a studio fee. Fees are collected at the end of the workshop and payable by check or credit card. MU no longer accepts cash.

Estimated studio fee for this workshop: $TBD*

*The final cost may vary depending on the actual cost of materials at the time of the workshop. It is possible for fees to be less or greater than the range indicated depending upon individual student usage.

Studio supply fees are an estimate and can be subject to change due to supply chain issues or transportation cost.

About the Instructor

Vanessa Graham has been a jeweler and metalsmith for 17 years. Originally from Asheville, NC, she moved to the midwest to complete her BA in Studio Art from Earlham College, and her MFA from Miami University in 2013. Vanessa pursued a career in education for 9 years, teaching Metals at Miami University. In 2015, she launched her business, Old Hills Design Company, as an outlet to explore her personal creative practice. Recently, she has transitioned to a full-time studio artist. Her interest is in everyday jewelry and functional items that combine various materials and are inspired by the natural world. She also specializes in custom projects that reuse and reinvent customer’s heirloom and sentimental jewelry.