The Fine Art of Jewelry Making
Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced
Weekend Jewelry Classes on Saltspring Island
Design high quality jewelry for yourself or create an exciting gift for someone special! Learn to create jewelry professionally with Martinus, an established European goldsmith who has earned international recognition and awards for his designs.
Maximum class size is two students.
Martinus offers you the perfect training environment. His one to one approach helps develop superior skills while also focusing on the enjoyment of your own creativity. The relaxed atmosphere and quiet setting of this professional work studio near Moats Park and Ganges sets the stage for your study.
For additional information about the instructor or the studio, please see Profile section.
How Do You Start?
Our Martinus Weekend Classes - Beginner Level
14 hours of intensive skill and creativity development in one of three exceptional choices:
1. The Ring as a Sculpture
2. The Chain as a Rhythm
Learn how to use appropriate tools for either of the above courses and get to know the techniques and processes involved, including: soldering, sawing, filing, sanding and polishing. Learn while working on a practical project of your choosing.
3. Introduction to Forging Jewelry
Real hands-on training!
In this forging course, Martinus introduces you to an ancient, though timeless, technique and new ways of using it. You will experience the malleable nature of metal! You will create unique rings, elegant bangles, exciting brooches or eye-catching earrings. You will become familiar with how metal behaves and transforms. Here we will begin to integrate the different metal characteristics into your creations and find exciting possibilities emerging. This course will teach you to work in the moment, using the metal’s pliability to expand your creative expression.
View a slide show of beginners.
Sign up soon. Each course limited to 2 students only!
Courses, Fees, Schedule
Sign up for our special introductory offer! Only $260 for two days (regular price $290) for any of the beginning level courses: The Ring as a Sculpture or The Chain as a Rhythm or Introduction to Forging. Fees include training materials, (copper and brass). Projects in silver: students are welcome to use their own materials or the studio can supply silver at approximately $10 - $50 extra, as needed. Accommodation and food are not included in course fees.
| Introductory Courses | Dates Sat/Sun |
2 Days | Materials: |
| The Ring as a Sculpture | Every 2nd and 4th weekend | $260 | Copper and brass free! Silver approx. $10-$20 as needed. |
| The Chain as a Rhythm | Every 2nd and 4th weekend |
$260 | Copper and brass free! Silver approx. $10-$40 as needed. |
| Introduction to Forging Jewelry | Every 3rd weekend |
$260 | Copper and brass free! Silver approx. $20-$50 as needed. |
Personal training is also available on week days at $145 per day, subject to instructor availability. Please call for dates!
Intermediate & Advanced Training
After your successful completion of the beginner level course, there is no doubt you will be inspired to sign up for more. These great follow-up weekend courses can also be arranged during the week, subject to instructor availability. Reservations are on a first come first serve basis:
Intermediate Classes on Rings, Chains and Forging
Boost your skill level with intermediate jewelry-making courses on rings, chains, and the forging technique. Gain confidence in the use of tools and discover a new elegance to enhance your jewelry’s desirability.
Weekend 14 h – CDN $ 260
Advanced Classes on Rings, Chains and Forging
Refine your knowledge in advanced courses and take your skill to the next level. Find your own nuance of style and prepare yourself for the professional jewelry market. These classes focus on the finer aspects of the art of jewelry-making by building on the skill-base of our previous classes.
Weekend 14 h – CDN $ 260
Ready to get started?
Return the online Application Form by post or fax. Email or call Martinus for more information and receive a personal confirmation of your booking!
Martinus Training
145 Seaview Avenue
Ganges, Saltspring Island BC
V8K 2V8 CanadaTel: 250 538 1730
Fax: 250 538 1734
Email: martinus@saltspring.com
Additional Information
What do I have to bring with me?
Bring a pencil as well as paper or sketch book for sketching ideas and note taking. Also bring pictures, drawings and/or your own sketches, if desired.
Where can I stay?
The Island offers a wide variety of B&B’s and hotels to choose from. Prices range from $40 and up. Let us know your accommodation needs and we can help find the right place for you!
Instruction on tools
You will receive appropriate instruction for safety standards on all tools and equipment used in the courses, as well as for possibilities in the design process. Though the risk of personal injury in jewelry-making is low, each student should take responsibility for his/her own safety during the course of study.
New Technical Courses Coming Soon ~
These specialized courses on the following subjects focus on the particulars of jewelry-making, furthering your understanding of this multi-faceted craft. Previous experience or one of our Martinus Courses is required.
Weekend 14 h – CDN $ 290
• Chasing and Pressing Techniques
• Basics of the Casting Process
• Casting in Cuttle Fish and Wax Carving
• Perfect Settings
New Design Concept Courses Coming Soon ~
Created to compliment your technical abilities, these courses will marry your creativity with a solid grounding in the principles of the design process. Here we will balance the practical and conceptual by using a variety of distinctive techniques. You will be connecting with a deeper understanding of your individual creative practice and discover the unique pattern and personality in your designs. Previous experience or one of our Martinus Courses is required.
Weekend 14 h – CDN $ 290
• Major Steps in Creativity: 2 Dimensional Tracing and Mirroring
• The Way into 3 Dimensions: The Material Collage
• 3D Work with Plaster, Plasticine and Clay
• 3D Drawing: 1 Point and 2 Point Perspectives.
Please feel free to call Martinus for more information and to schedule your further training: 1.250.538.1730
