REGISTRATION OPENS:
JANUARY 8 AT NOON
One of seven courses available for the May 7 – 10, 2026
MCA Weekend Workshop @ Haystack
Wearable Mementos
Instructor: Shelby Goldsmith
Haystack Studio: Metals
Enrollment Limit: 13
Materials Fees: Estimated cost $55 – $75, see section below
Level: Intermediate
Please see class description for prerequisite skills or contact simonne@mainecrafts.org.
Class Description:
Students in this class will learn how to make their own wearable mementos by encasing a sentimental material of their choice behind mineral crystal. It could be a lock of hair, cremains, a scrap of fabric, sand, a tooth, or a photo. Students are encouraged to bring a variety of possible materials to use.
Each student will come up with their own unique jewelry design to house their sentimental material. It could be a ring, pendant, brooch, earrings, or something else. Everyone is sure to walk away with at least one finished piece, but they are welcome to make more.
This technique calls for sterling & fine silver bezel wire and sheet metal, all of which can be brought from home or purchased from the instructor on-site. The instructor will provide a variety of flat and domed mineral crystals, with most ranging from 20-30mm. Sentimental materials should fit within that size range, and not exceed 1/4” in depth, or must be modifiable. This class will challenge your precision skills and encourage your design creativity.
This class will involve hand-sawing, silver soldering, and bezel setting. Students must be comfortable using hand tools and a torch. Instructor asks that students come with prior silver soldering experience.
If you are unsure if this class is a good fit for your skill level, or if you have questions about materials, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Materials + Fees: Estimated Fee $55 – $75
The instructor will provide a variety of flat and domed mineral crystals ranging 20-30mm. Sentimental materials should fit within that size range, and not exceed 1/4” in depth.
While the instructor will have all the necessary supplies to create your mementos, students are encouraged to bring any of the following items if they have them.
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1″ sheet of 20g sterling silver
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silver solder – hard, medium, easy
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saw blades – Bundle of (12) Laser Gold saw blades in size 1
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4 sheets of Hermes sandpaper, in 220g, 320g, 400g & 600g
- 3” piece of 1/4” fine silver bezel wire, 26g
- 3” piece of 3/16” sterling bezel wire, 26g
Your fee will be paid at the end of the workshop and will depend on the amount of materials used.
Don’t forget to bring your mementos!
About the Instructor-
Shelby Goldsmith is a metalsmith and jewelry artist, working from her home studio in Saco, ME. She earned her BFA in Metalsmithing & Jewelry from Maine College of Art in 2014. In 2017, she was awarded the Belvedere Fund, a professional development grant, which she used to purchase a torch and ventilation system for her home studio. Shelby participated in the 2020 Maine Craft Apprentice Program to develop her studio practice into a business. In 2021, she underwent training to become a death doula. She currently practices both deathwork and metalwork, often combining the two.