Class Information and Schedule
Are you having creative pangs that need a place to be realized? Are you a beginning to advanced metalsmith needing a fun, stimulating, and creative place to work? Do you look at jewelry and think “I wish I could do that!” If you answered YES, then Whaley Studios is your go-to place!
Whaley Studios offers SMALL GROUP CLASSES in classic metalsmithing, three times a day Monday through Thursday, with one class on Friday. Enrollment is limited to 6 students per class block. Our studio atmosphere is fun, creative, and welcoming! We are located in the dynamic Hillcrest area of San Diego near fine restaurants and shopping. Our air-conditioned, fully equipped studio is upstairs, and features a large balcony. Parking is by paid street meter, pay lots (three within a block) or off-street, free parking in the residential area a few blocks away. Whaley Studios is also proud to offer Do-It-Yourself Wedding Ring Workshops for those who are seeking a more personal experience and want to create custom rings for their special day. The DIY workshops are not limited to just wedding rings – we can help you create special occasion rings as well. Check out 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 design. This gives each new student a chance to immerse themselves in the classic process of metalsmithing – learning to alloy silver, melting silver and pouring an ingot, using a rolling mill, forming, soldering and finishing a ring of their own design. Through this process students learn studio safety, vocabulary and technique through hands-on experience. More advanced students work on projects of their own design and choice. Health and safety are very important at Whaley Studios. We require students and staff to wear masks at all times, and follow strict cleaning and sanitizing protocols. Class size is limited to 6 students to permit social distancing.
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 in a three-hour block.
Class Sessions for 2021 are scheduled as follows:
Session 1...
Class Sessions for 2021 are scheduled as follows: *PLEASE NOTE NEW START DATES*
| Session 1 MON Jan 18 – Mar 1 TUE Jan 19 – Mar 2 WED Jan 20 – Mar 3 THUR Jan 21 – Mar 4 FRI Jan 22 – Mar 5 (Break: March 8 – 12 ) |
Session 2 MON Mar 15 – Apr 26 TUE Mar 16 – Apr 27 WED Mar 17 – Apr 28 THUR Mar 18 – Apr 29 FRI Mar 19 – Apr 30 (Break: May 3 – 7) |
Session 3 MON May 10 – Jun 21 (closed Memorial Day) TUE May 11 – Jun 22 WED May 12 – Jun 23 THUR May 13 – Jun 24 FRI May 14 – Jun 25 (Break: June 28 – July 2 ) |
| Session 4 MON Jul 5 – Aug 16 TUE Jul 6 – Aug 17 WED Jul 7 – Aug 18 THUR Jul 8 – Aug 19 FRI Jul 9 – Aug 20 (Break: August 23 – 27 ) |
Session 5 MON Aug 30 – Oct 11 TUE Aug 31 – Oct 12 WED Sept 1 – Oct 13 THUR Sept 2 – Oct 14 FRI Sept 3 – Oct 15 (Break: October 18 – 22) |
Session 6 MON Oct 25 – Dec 13 TUE Oct 26 – Dec 14 WED Oct 27 – Dec 15 THUR Oct 28 – Dec 16 FRI Oct 29 – Dec 17 (Break: Thanksgiving week Nov 22 – 26) |
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. It’s about nurturing and guiding the creative impulse – in a relaxed class format that people can manage even with busy schedules, and it takes place with a fun community of others all engaged in the creative process. Students gain confidence in learning new skills and taking a process 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 also. So fun to be around people who love art.
Ahava Y.