BENCHWORK: A Metalsmithing Immersion
A 6-Week Course in Skill, Technique, Mentorship & Craft
January 11th - Feb 19th, 2027
Want to expand your skills, be introduced to a variety of metalsmithing techniques, and take your jewelry making to the next level? BENCHWORK is an immersive 6-week experience designed to help you grow as a metalsmith—whether you're building on foundational skills or ready to explore more advanced techniques.
Each week combines focused instruction, hands-on practice, open studio time, and personalized mentorship in an environment designed to support your individual growth.
A Week at the Bench
Mondays & Tuesdays | Instructional Days | 9 AM–5 PM
These are dedicated learning days where new skills, techniques, and processes will be introduced through demonstrations and hands-on instruction. We'll move from foundational concepts through more advanced techniques, building your skills and confidence as the weeks progress.
Wednesdays–Fridays | Open Studio | 10 AM–4 PM
Use the studio to practice the week's techniques, work on personal projects, experiment, and build your skills through repetition. Instructors will be available to provide guidance and troubleshooting as you work. Additional Open Studios sessions will also be accessible throughout the course.
Your Instructors
Jessica Blissett is the owner of Ignite Jewelry Studios and a seasoned metalsmith with more than 25 years of experience in the craft and jewelry industry. She completed the JTI Diploma program at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco in 2010 and has been teaching metalsmithing and jewelry-making for more than 10 years.
With a broad and deep knowledge of jewelry-making techniques, tools, and processes, Jessica has become an invaluable resource to the thousands of students and workshop participants she has taught throughout her career. Her passion for the craft, combined with her extensive hands-on experience and dedication to teaching, allows her to share both technical expertise and practical insight with makers at every level.
Adam Grinovich, jeweler and instructor, holds both a BFA and MFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing and brings extensive experience as an educator, artist, and craftsman to the course.
His distinguished career includes five years as a Professor of Jewelry in the Metals and Jewelry program at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), as well as serving as a Resident Artist at Penland School of Craft and an instructor of Casting at Penland.
In the fall of 2026, Adam will also teach a six-week Introduction to Metals course, immediately preceding this program. His combination of academic experience, professional practice, and specialized knowledge in casting and metalsmithing makes him an exceptional resource for students seeking to deepen their technical skills and understanding of the craft.
Patrick Walter holds both a BFA and MFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing and has served as an Instructor of Jewelry and Metalsmithing at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. He brings more than five years of professional experience as a bench jeweler, along with an established practice designing and fabricating his own signature jewelry line.
Patrick’s teaching and technical specialties include die-forming, hinge construction, torch-fired enameling, metal recycling, repair techniques, and a range of additional metalsmithing processes. His combination of academic instruction, professional bench experience, and hands-on studio practice offers students a valuable perspective on both the technical and creative aspects of contemporary jewelry making.
Zoe Dale, Studio Associate and instructor at Ignite Jewelry Studios with more than seven years of professional experience in metalsmithing, specializing in gold work and custom jewelry.
Driven by a genuine enthusiasm for the craft and a passion for pushing her skills further, Zoe has developed a diverse and highly refined technical skill set. Her creative approach, determination, and willingness to take on new challenges make her a versatile and inspiring maker—and she brings that same energy and curiosity to her work with students.
Plus throughout the course, we’ll also welcome a variety of guest artists and experienced craftspeople who will share their knowledge, expertise, and perspectives. Expect special demos, guest visits, and plenty of opportunities to learn from working professionals!
Individualized Mentorship
Every participant will receive an additional 4 hours of private, individualized instruction during the 6-week course. This dedicated time allows us to focus specifically on your goals, answer questions, refine techniques, troubleshoot projects, and help you move in the direction that's right for you.
More Than a Class
Throughout the course, we'll also welcome guest instructors, artists, makers, and professionals from the jewelry and metalsmithing field for special demonstrations, conversations, and opportunities to learn from people working in different areas of the craft.
BENCHWORK is designed to give you something a traditional class often can't: TIME. Time to learn. Time to practice. Time to experiment. Time to ask questions. And time to develop your skills with experienced metalsmiths there to guide you.
From foundational metalsmithing skills to advanced techniques, BENCHWORK is about more than learning how to make jewelry—it's about becoming a more confident, capable, and thoughtful metalsmith.
6 weeks. 14 hours of instruction each week. Unlimited Open studio access. 4 hours of private mentorship. Guest artists/speakers/ demos/and industry insight.
Come to the bench. Put in the time. See what you can make.
SPACE IS LIMITED TO JUST 8 PARTICIPANTS. RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW!
Skills to be taught include: Soldering, hinges, die forming, ingots, drawing wire & sheet, stone setting, wax work, casting, and more!
$2400 plus $200 tools and materials kit
*A $600 deposit will be taken upon initial signup. Payment plans are available for remainder. Funds must be paid in full 2 weeks prior to the start of course.