Study with a Real Master

From Beginner Workshops to Professional Seminars
Discover jewelry training tailored to your needs

Are you a talented beginner, an ambitious amateur, a student of jewelry arts or an experienced jeweler seeking refinement of your trade? You will find expert knowledge, guidance and dedicated support with Master Goldsmith Martinus. Working in his well-equipped professional studio on Salt Spring Island, acquire traditional European techniques and enjoy friendly, personalized coaching. Treat yourself to learning opportunities tailored to your needs.

Beginner Workshops

Weekend courses for beginners to advanced hobby jewelers—grow your skills.

  • The Ring as a Sculpture
  • The Chain as a Rhythm
  • Secrets of Bead Making
  • Special Projects

» View Photo Gallery

Professional Studies

Weekend seminars in fine jewelry making—exploring, tweaking, refining

  • The Perfect Setting
  • Chasing
  • Model-Making
  • Clasp-Making
  • Hinging
  • Platinum
  • Trouble Shooting
  • Your Own Projects

» View Photo Gallery

Discover the Fine Art of Jewelry Making

With Martinus’ training you will find the answers to all your questions. His support will expertly guide you throughout your projects. Our limit of only two students per weekend course makes a big difference to your learning. In the studio’s quiet, professional atmosphere you can focus well and benefit from each others’ learning experience.

Instructor’s Qualification
In 1980, after eight years of rigorous training, Martinus graduated from the highly regarded German Institute of Goldsmith Arts in Hanau. He achieved a traditional Master Goldsmith Degree and received the Grand Training Qualification for all levels in his craft.  Read about Exhibitions, Awards, Patents and more in our Profile section.

Training Options

Weekend Training
Fall 2009 and Spring 2010

Based on demand the following weekends are offered for Beginner and Amateur Workshops or Professional Seminars at any performance level. We will pair students with similar skills or matching interests.

Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 weekend availability:

Mar. 13 - 14, 2010
Mar. 27 - 28, 2010
Apr. 24 - 25, 2010

All subjects and levels are priced at $290 for 14 hours of instruction. A deposit of $50 is required to reserve your space which will be deducted from the fee later.

For more details on availability, bookings or further inquiries see our Inquiry and Application Form or email Martinus.

Once you have taken a weekend course, Monday evening studio time for practicing is available year round. Apprenticeships and long-term studies are also options for professionals.  Ask for details!

We offer Gift Certificates for all courses.

FAQS

Materials (silver, gold, gemstones, etc):
Martinus can provide most of what you would need for your projects at cost, please let us know in advance. You are also welcome to bring your own materials. 

What should I bring?
Bring a pencil and paper or sketch book for recording ideas and taking notes. You might want to bring pictures, drawings and your own sketches and a camera so you can document the interesting stages of your work. Don’t forget your glasses if you need them!

Is there Public Transport?
Ferry and bus service are available. Check our links for more information.

How safe are the tools?
We will instruct you in safety standards for all tools and equipment used in the courses. Although the risk of personal injury when making jewelry is low, each student must take responsibility for his/her own safety during the course. You will be required to sign a waiver when you arrive at the course.

What if I have health problems?
In case you have difficulties with your hands, arms, back or eye sight, please inform Martinus before your class begins to make sure we approach your projects with respect and plan realistically.

Where can I stay?
Salt Spring Island offers a wide variety of B&B’s and hotels to choose from starting from $40 and up. Finding affordable private accommodation is rare, but if you let us know your accommodation needs, we can help you find the right place. Check our links for more information.

About this Website & Thanks to Students

Martinus on the Photo Galleries

I am proud of my students’ ideas, passion and achievements and I want to show the freedom they have to express themselves fully at my studio. When all my attention is needed to help with their projects my camera is often not at hand. Therefore, the pictures and explanations you find in each of our photo galleries, though taken chronologically, don’t represent the entire process of making each piece. For example, some aspects of Hinging and Platinum classes are specialized and students often work on solutions rather than on finished pieces. When I am short of photos, I sometimes demonstrate what is possible through images of my own work.

Ideas and Trust
Please be assured that your ideas are respected and protected. In return, Martinus expects you to have the same respect for other students’ work.


Thanks to my students who gave permission for me to share their work and images here. If you don’t find yourself well represented, I apologize; be assured it has nothing to do with the quality of your pieces. It is more likely that I don’t have good quality photographs taken in your class. Thank you all for your generosity assisting other students to understand more about the process and helping me to demonstrate my teaching and mentoring approach.

-Martinus- 

How Martin Ebbers became Martinus, read our Profile section.

For specific information see Beginner Workshops or Professional Studies, or contact Martinus at 250.538.1730 directly for a conversation before your class, or email martinus@saltspring.com