Workshops

Vessel Chasing Workshop

March 17-19, 2026
at
Urban Metal Studio
in
Mesa, AZ

Using pre-made spun copper vessels this 3-day workshop will explore how to embellish the form with designs and textures created using the technique known as chasing, including an approach variation I’ve been calling “hammer chasing”. In place of traditional pitch we will be using a microcrystalline wax, one commonly used in bronze casting. During the course of the workshop we will also cover the basics of making ones own chasing tools, and participants will have the opportunity to make some if they wish to. We will also cover how to finish a vessel edge by soldering on a wire rim.

This workshop will be technique and information oriented rather than project oriented, meaning very few participants actually finish a piece during the time we have. However, everyone should get lots of information about the processes. Considerable time will be spent practicing the techniques while working on our pieces, but due to the labor intensive nature of chasing you shouldn’t expect to complete a piece in class.

The workshop will be held at Urban Metal Studio in Mesa, AZ. For those who don’t know, this is the Phoenix area which means it has a major airport hub making it easier to travel to.

This class will be open to all skill levels. Whether you are completely new to working with metal or advanced in your metalsmithing skills you are welcome to sign up.

For more details or to sign up here is a link to where you can register here on my website. The cost for this 3-day workshop is $725.

I should note that happening immediately after this is the 3-day workshop on patinas also described on this page. If spots are open you could sign up for both and have 6 days of metal fun!

Patinas on Copper Workshop

March 20-22, 2026
at
Urban Metal Studio
in

Mesa, AZ

In this 3-day workshop we will explore many different patinas that will work with copper to produce a range of colors and visual textures. There will be some buried patinas and boiling immersion patinas, but most will done using heat and applying chemical solutions with a brush. Students will get hands on experience, leaving with a range of test tiles they’ve created.

In addition we will talk about gold leafing and everybody will be able to try applying it to a test tile.

This workshop is always loads of fun!  Compared to the rest of the metalsmithing techniques I use patinas are “instant gratification”.  Basically in class I show how I mix a solution.  Then demonstrate how I apply it, describing the various properties each chemical seems to have.  After that everyone gets to do their own test tile of that patina.  Then we move on to the next until we run out of time.  Usually things work out such that there is time to explore your own variations as well.

The workshop will be held at Urban Metal Studio in Mesa, AZ. For those who don’t know, this is the Phoenix area which means it has a major airport hub making it easier to travel to.

Urban Metal Studio is an awesome facility to host a patina workshop!  There are very few places that have enough well ventilated exhaust stations to even hold this workshop in.

For more details or to sign up for this class here is a link to where you can register here on this website. The cost for this 3-day workshop is $725.

I should note that happening immediately before this is the 3-day workshop on vessel chasing also described on this page. If spots are open you could sign up for both and have 6 days of metal fun!