Exploring Steel in Small Scale — A Week-Long Metals Intensive with Sandra Salaices

November 17–21, 2025 | Flame & Form Metals Studio

Steel, a material known for its strength and expressive potential, takes center stage this fall at Flame & Form in Exploring Steel in Small Scale — a one-week intensive workshop led by artist and metalsmith Sandra Salaices.

Though steel is a cornerstone of sculpture, its use in jewelry remains rare and full of unexplored creative possibilities. This immersive workshop invites artists and makers to push those boundaries, learning how to shape, solder, and weld mild steel in a small-scale, jewelry-focused context.

Through hands-on demonstrations, guided exercises, and generous studio time, participants will gain essential techniques for working with a micro torch, building volume with wire, joining both thick and delicate elements, and experimenting with surface finishes and patinas. The course also explores how steel behaves differently from non-ferrous metals, offering insight into how artists can adapt their existing skills.

Afternoons will serve as open studio time for students to develop their own sculptural or wearable pieces with personalized guidance from Sandra. Each day includes a lunch break, with plenty of nearby dining options.

Participants can expect a fast-paced, hands-on environment that encourages experimentation and intuitive making. By the end of the week, students will leave with finished pieces and the confidence to continue exploring steel on their own.

Workshop Details:

• Dates: November 17–21, 2025
  
  

• Instructor: Sandra Salaices
  
  

• Location: Flame & Form Metals Studio
  
  

Skill Level: Basic to Intermediate metalsmithing experience required