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.
-
1″ sheet of 20g sterling silver
-
silver solder – hard, medium, easy
-
saw blades – Bundle of (12) Laser Gold saw blades in size 1
-
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.
Student Supplied Materials List:
- It is required that you wear closed-toe shoes and have something to secure your hair back.
- Wear clothing made from natural fibers, especially if you wear long sleeves.
- You may want to bring an apron from home to keep your clothes clean.
- To be kind to the environment and to prevent tool rust, bring a junk hand towel to dry your hands and your work.
- I will provide earplugs and dust masks, should you want or need them
- Safety glasses are provided by the studio, but bring your own if you prefer them.
- MOST IMPORTANTLY: Don’t forget to bring multiple material options to set in your wearable memento! Items should not exceed 30mm in width or 1/4” in depth. Any natural items must be completely dry. It is wise to bring multiple options, as each material will present unique challenges, and some will work better than others. Some ideas: a lock of hair, a tooth, cremains,
sand, a scrap of fabric, etc. You can absolutely choose a flat item like a photo, but I think it’s more fun to set something 3D- or maybe both together! - If you have any of the listed class materials, feel free to bring them, but everything will be provided for purchase.
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.