Class Information and Schedule
Whaley Studios offers SMALL GROUP CLASSES in classic metalsmithing Monday through Thursday, and one class on Friday morning. Our studio atmosphere is fun, creative, and welcoming! We are located in the dynamic Hillcrest area of San Diego near fine restaurants and shopping and our air-conditioned, fully equipped studio is upstairs and features a large private balcony. Parking is by paid street meter, pay lots (three within a block) or free in the residential area a few blocks away. Class time options are: 9am to Noon, 1pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm. Once you are enrolled you will attend class on your scheduled day and time for seven weeks. Enrollment is limited to 6 students per class. Whaley Studios also offers Do-It-Yourself Wedding Ring and Special Occasion Ring Workshops for anyone seeking a more personal experience or wanting to create custom rings for their special day. Visit our “Make Your Own Wedding Rings” page for more details or give us a call!
Class Format
Whaley Studios classes are designed to help guide and develop the creative potential of each individual student. Beginning students, those with no experience or limited prior experience, start with the fabrication of a sterling silver ring of their own design. Each new student will immerse themselves in the classic process of metalsmithing – learning to alloy metal, pouring an ingot, using a rolling mill, forming, soldering and finishing a ring of their own design. You’ll learn studio safety, vocabulary and technique through hands-on experience. After completing the ring project, students work on projects of their own design and choice. We currently have a waitlist for classes. Please call to be added to the list and we will contact you when there is availability. Thank you for your patience!
Please note that we require students and staff to wear masks at all times in the studio. Class size is limited to 6 students. Tuition for the full 7 week session is $350.
Please call us if you have any questions at (619) 299-9619, or contact us online
Small Group Classes
Class size limited to six students. Personalized instruction once a week for seven weeks in a three-hour block.
Class Sessions for 2022...
Class Sessions for 2022 are scheduled as follows: Session 3, 2022 is full.
| Session 1 MON Jan 3 – Feb 14 TUE Jan 4 – Feb 15 WED Jan 5 – Feb 16 THUR Jan 6 – Feb 17 FRI Jan 7 – Feb 18 (Break: Feb 22 – 25 ) |
Session 2 FULL MON Feb 28 – Apr 11 TUE Mar 1 – Apr 12 WED Mar 2 – Apr 13 THUR Mar 3 – Apr 14 FRI Mar 4 – Apr 15 (Break: April 18 – 22) |
Session 3 FULL MON Apr 25 – Jun 6(closed Memorial Day) TUE Apr 26 – Jun 7 WED Apr 27 – Jun 8 THUR Apr 28 – Jun 9 FRI Apr 29 – Jun 10 (Break: June 13 – 24 TWO WEEK BREAK ) |
| Session 4 MON Jun 27 – Aug 8 (closed July 4) TUE Jun 28 – Aug 9 WED Jun 29 – Aug 10 THUR Jun 30 – Aug 11 FRI Jul 1 – Aug 12 (Break: August 15 – 19 ) |
Session 5 MON Aug 22 – Oct 3 (closed Labor Day TUE Aug 23 – Oct 4 WED Aug 24 – Oct 5 THUR Aug 25 – Oct 6 FRI Aug 26 – Oct 7 (Break: October 10 – 21 TWO WEEK BREAK) |
Session 6 MON Oct 24 – Dec 12 TUE Oct 25 – Dec 13 WED Oct 26 – Dec 14 THUR Oct 27 – Dec 15 FRI Oct 28 – Dec 16 (Break: Thanksgiving week Nov 21 – 25) |
Student Testimonials
Whaley Studios has helped many students with their jewelry careers over the years, but the focus is less about training students to become professional jewelers and more about giving people the opportunity to bring creativity and personal expression into their lives. In a relaxed class format, that even people with busy schedules can manage, learning takes place in a fun community of others engaged in the creative process. Students gain confidence in learning new skills and taking design from conception to completion in a way they find delightful, not just with the end result but with the experiences gained along the way.
T. Bennett
Jay is the man. Seriously. A master goldsmith with the heart of a teacher. His classes are the highlight of my week. The fellow artists are really cool to hang with; it’s just so much fun to be around people who love art.
Ahava Y.