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Directed Studio Practice: Intermediate & Above
This weekly class is an opportunity for students to work on independent projects with questions and guidance offered by a professional. Finish up projects hiding in your bench. Get advice and delve into those designs swirling around in your head. This class is loaded with great bench tips to guide students through projects with success. Students discuss and critique designs one-on-one with the instructor, as well as in a group if desired. Technical demonstrations will respond to participants' interests and needs; soldering, wax working, and stone setting are among the many possibilities.
This particular Directed Studio Practice has a minimum prerequisite of Jewelry & Metalsmithing 2 or equivalent skill set.
*No Class: October 12th (Indigenous People’s Day)*
**Class WILL be held the Monday of Thanksgiving week.**
Please note: For DSP courses, students provide all materials required to complete their independent projects, including solder. No materials will be provided in this class.
Meet the instructor
David Baird has been making jewelry for nearly four decades. He received his bachelor's degree at the Evergreen State College, and his MFA from The School of the American Craftsman at Rochester Institute of Technology. He also has a GG (Graduate Gemology certificate) from the GIA.
David sells his work nationally and has taught classes and workshops for at least 30 years around New England including Metalwerx, DeCordova Museum School, and Lexington Arts and Crafts Center. More recently he has been developing specialized jigs to make bench processes easier for his students. The Directed Open Studio courses at Metalwerx are led by David because of his vast knowledge about the many facets of metalworking.
Over the past 15 years, David has expanded his repertoire to include lapidary cabbing and carving. He now devotes his time between two studios, both lapidary and jewelry, taking on commissions by request. His studio is located at the Waltham Mill Buildings, near Metalwerx where still he teaches regularly.
Materials & Tools
There is a $25 lab fee per student for the use of common supplies such as flux, pickle, gas, etc. which is payable upon registration. Tools and equipment are available to use during class.
Supplies for projects are provided by students but the instructor is happy to offer guidance before ordering.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the unpredictable cost of precious metals, starting in Fall 2026, Metalwerx will no longer provide unlimited solder for use in the studio. Please plan to bring your own for use in your projects.
Note: Metalwerx has available all that you will need, but these tools and supplies need to be shared, and are not always in "mint" condition. Be sure to clearly mark any tools you bring from your home studio so they are easily identifiable.
All materials needed to complete your chosen projects (including solder!)
Closed-toe shoes - required in the Metalwerx studio
Personal PPE (dust mask/respirator, eye protection, gloves, earplugs, apron, etc.)
Shop towel
Ultra-fine point sharpie marker - black
Optional:
Favorite hand tools - clearly labeled or marked
Vision Aid (readers or Optivisor, etc.)
Snacks or beverages (Metalwerx has a fridge, toaster oven, and microwave)