Workshops

This class is a playful, low-pressure dive into abstract image-making through hand printed techniques. We?ll focus on core visual principles: texture, repetition, color, and composition while creating intuitive, expressive prints using linoleum blocks, gelatin plates, and collage. With zero pressure to "draw something" or create representational images, students will build visual fundamentals organically, making it a great fit for beginners or rusty creatives. Emphasizing process, intuition, and play, this class encourages flow-state work that?s restorative and creatively satisfying. Each student will develop a mini-series of prints or a visual journal exploring their own personal visual language. Please bring required materials to class. Materials list available at sharonartstudio.org.

This hands-on workshop teaches participants to create stunning brass and rainbow crystal sun catchers by hand-sawing brass shapes of their own design and incorporating rainbow crystals. Students will learn metalworking fundamentals, including sawing and wire-working, to create functional art pieces that catch and refract light. Jewelry is not just for the body. Embellish your home with metal and light. Tools and materials provided.

Explore the playful side of clay in this handbuilding class focused on creating 1-3 whimsical, organic vases. As a starting point, students will learn coiling, slip and score, and attachment techniques to bring imaginative forms to life. Each week builds from concept sketches and prototypes to fully realized ceramic pieces. Along the way, you will experiment with surface textures, test glazes, and finish your creations with vibrant color and personality. Perfect for beginners and returning makers, this class invites creativity, exploration, and a love of imperfect, organic beauty. Tools and clay provided.

For those who adore typeface and linework-- this class invites you to turn your love of shapes and worlds into something you can wear daily. Learn to saw delicate designs that echo hand drawn script or drawings, to solder jump rings, and to drill holes, shape and polish brass and copper with a Flex shaft tool. Each piece becomes a small act of translation of your artistic voice into a luminous physical form! Open to all experience levels, from those new to metal working as well as those more advanced and looking to practice creating more detail in their pieces. Tools and materials provided. The Jewelry Studio is located on the upper floor, with stair access only. For accommodations requests or accessibility questions, please contact rpdaccess@sfgov.org or 415-831-6841. Please note that submitting your request at least two weeks before the beginning of the class will help ensure availability.

Take your jewelry-making to the next level by learning to make a ring and bar style clasp as a beautiful way to finish off any necklace or bracelet! We will expand upon your metalsmithing skills by crafting a clasp. Students will learn how to shape jump rings, solder, and polish a sterling silver clasp in our 4 hour course. Our wonderful jewelry studio is outfitted with all the tools and equipment to take your jewelry making to the next level and beyond. Students must have taken the beginner course previously or demonstrate equivalent skills. Class fee includes the use of tools and materials for one sterling silver bar and ring clasp. Students who wish to use materials beyond what is provided need to have the approval of the instructor and be responsible for purchasing and safe storage. Additional silver can be purchased in class for a fee, payable to the instructor. Jewelry making requires normal hand dexterity. Students must attend class on time to receive instruction that will not be repeated.Tools and materials provided. The Jewelry Studio is located on the upper floor, with stair access only. For accommodations requests or accessibility questions, please contact rpdaccess@sfgov.org or 415-831-6841. Please note that submitting your request at least two weeks before the beginning of the class will help ensure availability.

Learn about different gemstones and how to close off a head pin properly to make & take home your own sterling silver earrings. In this class we will explore gemology and basic wire wrapping. No prior experience necessary! The studio is outfitted with all the tools and equipment to make a unique pair of earrings you can take home the same day. Class fees include the use of tools and materials for one pair of sterling silver earrings with gemstones. Students who wish to use materials beyond what is provided need to have the approval of the instructor. Additional silver and gemstones can be purchased in class for a fee, payable to the instructor. Jewelry making requires normal hand dexterity. Students must attend class on time to receive instruction that will not be repeated.

Knotting isn't just for pearls, it's a way to keep precious gemstone beads evenly spaced, prevent wear at the edges, and save the beads from scattering if the thread is broken.Try this ancient technique for yourself! This class will discuss the differences between thread material and types of gemstones. You will learn how to properly thread precious gemstones, including pearls, into a necklace or bracelet. You?ll have access to a variety of different types of clasps, thread, and gemstones so you can truly create a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art! Tools and materials available. Light refreshments provided to quench your thirst as you work.

Discover the colorful, creative world of polymer clay jewelry! In this hands-on class, instructor Sophie Wertz will guide you through the process of designing and creating your own unique sets of earrings. Polymer clay has become a favorite medium among DIY jewelry makers-- its lightweight, vibrant, and incredibly versatile. Once you learn a few key sculpting techniques, the design possibilities are endless! You?ll start by getting familiar with polymer clay through short lessons on color mixing, clay conditioning, and handling techniques. Sophie will demonstrate popular methods like marbling, sculpting miniature florals, and using carving and modeling tools. You will have access to a variety of cutters, rollers, and texture tools to shape and personalize your designs. From there, you will learn how to prepare clay sheets, bake your creations, assemble, and finish your earrings. By the end of class, you will go home with a custom jewelry piece and leave with confidence, skills, and know-how to keep creating polymer clay jewelry on your own! Tools and materials provided.

Learn the basics of stained glass including glass cutting and soldering. Instruction will include the copper foil method of stained glass (AKA the Tiffany method). Select from a variety of glass to create your custom earrings and/or pendants, ready to take home with you at the end of class. This class is great for beginning level students. Intermediate and returning students will learn decorative solder and wire techniques. All tools and materials provided.