Workshops

Starting the end of May we will be offering drop ins again here at the Mountain Gems Studio.

Thursday, Oct 22

Wednesday, Oct 28

Thursday, Nov 5

Wednesday, Nov 11- CLOSED

Thursday, Nov 18

Wednesday, Nov 25

Open studio time will be 12- 5pm

1 Hour for $15 

3 hours for $35

5 Hours for $55

All the shop tools will be available for rental use or you are welcome to bring in your own tool kit to work with.   Note: Metals and solder will not be provided for use.

This rental space is available for anyone that has taken one of our Beginner Silversmithing Class or something similar.  Must be comfortable with the torch and tools.  The drop ins will be supervised but are not a teaching opportunity.

Call us to reserve your spot today!

Drop In Supervisor: Laurie Emerslund / Kelly Allanson / Wendy Davey

Register for one, two, three or preferably all 4 days! 
​
$149.00 plus GST of $7.45 per day=  $156.45 for EACH day

Plus a $50.00 material fee per day 
to be paid directly to Kelly upon commencement.

Dates:
​Friday OCT 30,2026 -Foldform- FULL

Saturday OCT 31, 2026- Hinged Pendant - 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Sunday NOV 1, 2026- Orbit Ring- 1 SPOT AVAILABLE

Monday NOV 2, 2026- Cast in Place- 1 SPACE AVAILABLE

Tuesday NOV 3, 2026- Cast in Place- 1 SPACE AVAILABLE

If there is enough demand we will repeat these workshops the following Friday, Saturday Sunday and Monday. November 6,7,8 &9)
​

​Join us for our fun, skill building workshops and leave proudly wearing what you make! Or make something for someone special as a treasured gift. If you've taken one of our workshops. 

All Levels of Experience are Welcome

 We sell out fast! This is our 11th year!

MOUNTAIN GEMS IS A PROUD SPONSOR of our classes and supplies all our shopping needs during the NANAIMO workshops

Message us for more details about the workshops or to sign up.

This is the perfect class for those that can't commit to an 8 week class but want to learn everything. During these 2 full days, students focus on fabricating a Bezel Set Sterling Silver Ring. Everyone will get a good understanding for torch use and other key fabrication techniques when it comes to Silversmithing. Through the two days, students will learn easy hammer texturing, bezel setting for a cabochon, forming, filing and polishing.

Saturday & Sunday, 10:30-4:30pm 

$245 + GST for the course

Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit.  The studio supplies tool kits for weekend Silversmithing for use in the workshops. 

Students will  be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Once you have taken one of our beginner Silversmithing workshops you are able to sign up for any of the intermediate classes.

Instructor: Kelly Allanson / Laurie Emerslund

LEVEL 1- $180 / 3 Nights

Professional Jewellery Sketching & Rendering Basics

Sept 18- Oct 2, 6:30- 8:30 (3 Evenings $180 plus gst)

Night 1: Intro to Profile Rendering: through designing an emblem or icon (which can become a
pendant/brooch/earring), learn and practice how various profiles and shapes (of different textures and
finishes) appear under certain light source, starting from pencil effects and progress to grey paper
rendering.

Night 2: Intro to Rendering Textures: Learn and practice to mimic various finishes, textures and profiles appear under certain light sources. starting from pencil effects and progress to grey paper rendering.

Night 3: Integration of the Sketching & Rendering Techniques: to design a piece of  jewellery and produce professional level sketches of renderings- Students can draw something the previously designed.

LEVEL 2- $180/ 3 Nights

Professional Jewellery Sketching & Rendering Basics

Oct 9- 23, 6:30- 8:30 (3 Evenings $180 plus gst)

Night 1: Intro into Perspective Basics: through drawing using a cube reference framework, sketches can be done accurately and quickly regarding to proportion and perspective.

Night 2: Wireframe Method: learn and practice to use this approach to sketch more complicated designs of jewelleries with accurate proportions and perspective.

Night 3: Integration of the Perspective Basics with shading: apply pecil shading to a design (of a piece of jewellery) in perspective.

Students will need to bring in:

DRAWING SUPPLIES:

(NOTE: Students will receive a more in depth material list when they sign up)

Paper / Sketch Book:

• 8.5” x 11” Regular Bond Paper (photocopy grade) to sketch onto

• Paper Folder or Clear Holder to keep sketches

• Optional: Sketch Book, Drawing Pad etc - any size

2B Pencil

Regular Eraser

Kneadable Eraser

White Charcoal Pencil ( General #558)

Dark Grey Pastel Pencil (Conte a Paris Pastel 042 (#1355) or Faber Castel PITT White Jelly Roller Gel Pen

Black Felt Pen

Fridays, 6:30pm-8:30pm

$180 + GST for 3 Evenings

Instructor: YC Chan

Craft it once, wear it forever!

Students will learn how to make a classic link bracelet over 4 evenings, using sterling silver, copper or brass wires. You can even do a combination of any of the wires to create a fun & playful bracelet.

Throughout this course you will learn how to bend and shape your chosen wire into uniform links, to create a classic chain bracelet. Learn to play with your link shapes and sizes to create unique patterns in your soldered chain. Once the chain is soldered, the instructor will show you how to clean up and polish your lovely creation bringing it to the next level.

The fundamentals for building and growing your soldering and finishing skills is done in an easy, repetitive manner that leaves you wondering where the time has gone!

Sign up today for a fun session of creativity and learning! Please call 604-298-5883 for more info or to sign up for one of our classes.

Fridays, 6:15-9:19pm

INTERMEDIATE CLASS- must have take one of our beginner silversmithing classes or an equivalent

$150 + GST

Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit. The studio supplies tool kits for use during all of the weekend Silversmithing classes.

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Once you have taken one of our beginner Silversmithing workshops you are able to sign up for any of the intermediate classes.

Instructor: Wendy Davey

You've learned the basics and are now looking for the next challenge. Next Level Rings- Prong Set Cabochon Ring will do just that. 

Spend the Day with our instructor as she guides students through the fabrication process of prong setting a cabochon or rose cut stone. This class is designed to give students a few more options after learning the basic bezel setting that is covered in the Beginner Silversmithing Class. 

 Learning how to set stones with corners or are free-form, in this class. But if Round or oval shapes are still your fav, these options are allowed as well.  Prong Setting makes for an easy, adaptable setting for any of those more challenging cut stones.  The instructor will go over how to choose a suitable wire thickness for the setting how to decide where to place them. Once the setting has be created, students will move onto creating a narrow band or their choice that will then be soldered onto the back of the setting.  This class is a great practice in soldering skills and will make any student feel more comfortable handling the torch.

By the end of the day, each student will leave the workshop with a professionally finished ring.

$145 + GST for the course
Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit.  The studio supplies tool kits for use during all of the weekend Silversmithing classes. 

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Once you have taken one of our beginner Silversmithing workshops you are able to sign up for any of the intermediate classes.

Instructor: Kelly Allanson

This 8 or 5 week course is the perfect way to learn the main skills when it comes to jewelry making. Students will make a minimum of 3 projects while covering a variety of different techniques like soldering, filing, polishing, design, metal fabricating and stone setting.
This class is perfect for the beginner and caters to small class sizes with lots of one on one instruction. Please call 604-298-5883 for more info or to sign up for one of our classes. It is generally on Thursday evenings from 6:15-9:15pm at our in store studio.

Thursday Evenings, 6:15pm- 9:15pm

8 Week Course- $295 + GST
5 Week COurse- $185 + GST

(Students will NOT be require to purchase the tool kit for the 5 Week Course)

Students will be required to purchase a tool kit for the class ($135) and any materials used for individual projects done during the workshop

Tool Kit includes:
• 4" Sawframe
• 6" 1/2 round file (2 Cut)
• File Handle
• 1/2 Round (4 Cut) needle flie
• 1 dozen sawblades 2/0
• AA tweezers
• Emery Strips (240, 280, 400 grit)
• Burnisher
• Fine Tip Sharpie Pen
• Ruler

Once you have taken one of our beginner silversmithing workshops you are able to sign up for any of the intermediate classes.

Instructor: Kelly Allanson

Fluid and feminine, this ring embodies nature. Our focus in this project is all about taking rigid sterling silver wire and transforming it into a beautiful ring with movement and fluid lines.

Students will focus on building depth with distressed wires and melted balls of silver.  We will further this by adding cut outs and drill holes to highlight the beauty of a pearl or cabochon of your choice. There will be many available options in the store for students to choose from. You are also encourage to bring you left over bits and pieces of silver if you have any to use in your design work.

Saturday, 10:30-4:30pm
$145 + GST for the course

Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit.  The studio supplies tool kits for weekend Silversmithing for use in the workshops. 

Having taken a beginner silversmithing is recommended and encourage, but not necessary if you are comfortable learning at a fast pace.

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Instructors: Kelly Allanson

Adjustable, funky and fun.  This ring will have you all wrapped up! 

Learn how to create great textures using reticulation silver and then turn it in to a playful ring that wraps around your finger.  These rings are great for adjusting the size to fit the person on an as need basis.

Once you have created the ring band, students will have the option of adding a bezel set cabochon stone for a focal point.  They can choose from round, oval or teardrop for this class.

Finally students will decide if they'd like to leave their project with a high shine or patina it to make their reticulated texture stand out.

Sunday, 10:30-4:30pm

$145 + GST for the course

Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit.  The studio supplies tool kits for use during all of the weekend Silversmithing classes. 

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Instructor: Kelly Allanson

Create something a little bit different in this class.  Learn to make small flower embellishments and piece them together in a way that suits you. 

Not feeling like soldering is your strong point?  This class is what you need.

We will focused on torch work and forming 3 dimension objects.  Through close guidance from your instructor we will build and fabricate a number of small flowers and solder them onto an open split shank. 

Lots of great skills will be covered in this one day class and you will leave with the cutest ring ever!

Saturday, 10:30-4:30pm

$145 + GST for the course

Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit.  The studio supplies tool kits for use during all of the weekend Silversmithing classes. 

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Once you have taken one of our beginner Silversmithing workshops you are able to sign up for any of the intermediate classes.

Instructor: Kelly Allanson

Make Christmas extra-special this year by giving beautiful handmade bracelets and earrings!

 In these two fun-filled classes, you will learn two ways of making beaded bracelets and two styles of earrings using semi-precious stone beads of your choice. In the morning class, you will learn how to string a stretch bracelet and finish it off correctly. In the afternoon class, you will learn how to use beading wire and findings to make a bracelet with a clasp. You will also learn how to make two styles of earrings using sterling silver wire, no soldering needed! Once you have learned these techniques, you will be able to make thoughtful, personal gifts for everyone on your list that will definitely be the favourites this holiday
season! After the classes, we invite you upstairs to see our lovely selection of beads and purchase the right ones for each person on your gift list. 

Make this a Christmas to remember!

If you can't make both workshops just sign up for one. But if you can deep dive into a creative day of fun and beading this is the workshop for you! Perfect to do on your own or with a friend or family member/ Teen. (minimum age requirement is 12 years.)

Stretch Bracelets &  Earrings

Sunday, 10:30-12:30

$55 plus gst

Materials: $55

Sundaay, 1:30- 3:30

$65 plus gst

Materials: $65

Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit.  The studio supplies tool kits for use during all of the weekend Silversmithing classes. 

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Instructor: Kelly Allanson

Tidal Earrings (or Pendant) 

Let’s build hollow forms!

Now that you’ve learned the basics of metal construction, it’s time to take your skills into three dimensions. In this class, we’ll explore the techniques behind creating hollow forms while focusing on dimension, structure, and confident soldering.

Using a pendant as our project, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with rolling-mill textures and explore ways to incorporate organic shapes into your design. Kelly will demonstrate practical techniques for supporting and stabilizing your forms during soldering, helping you approach these constructions with greater confidence.

We’ll also look at the advantages and challenges of hollow-form construction and discuss when and why these techniques can be useful in your work.

Take the scary out of the technical! Come ready to explore, experiment, and build your skills while creating a unique dimensional pendant.

Students will have the options of creating their pendant out of sterling silver, copper, bronze or brass.  

Saturday, 10:30-4:30pm

$145 + GST for the course

Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit. The studio supplies tool kits for use during all of the weekend Silversmithing classes.

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Once you have taken one of our beginner Silversmithing workshops you are able to sign up for any of the intermediate classes.

Instructor: Kelly Allanson

If you love earrings, this workshop is for you!  "All about the Hoops" is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced makers. 

Join us for for a day dedicated to creating various types of hoops earrings. You will learn how different wires shape and textures can transform a standard hoop into something unique, creating that "wow factor" for your jewelry.

Students will create a minimum of 3 pairs of earrings using sterling silver, copper, bronze, or brass wire. All designs will be finished with sterling silver posts.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday, 10:30-4:30pm 

$145 + GST for the course

The studio supplies tool kits for weekend Silversmithing for use in the workshops.  

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Instructor: Wendy Davey