This workshop will explore ways of creating 2×2 inch mixed media focal pieces to ultimately use as jewelry objects. Once you’ve completed the “morning creation work,” you’ll choose a favorite piece to “box” in the afternoon and create a wearable presentation frame fabricated from copper and joined without the use of a torch.

Signups: https://www.artandsoulretreat.com/harrisburg-2026/workshops/7056

The Concho: flat or domed, intricately decorated, round or oval metal shallow forms traditionally created by indigenous silversmiths of the desert Southwest as decorative elements for leatherwork and clothing. Ubiquitous, right?  So let’s shake things up, rethink a historical classic, and remix a popular and enduring metal form in a modern, urban, alternative way.

Signups: https://www.artandsoulretreat.com/harrisburg-2026/workshops/7057

Learn how to add a splash of vibrant non-gem color to your jewelry metal! We’ll use Prismacolor colored pencils to create rich and layered color on copper or brass shapes and then create an easy pair of earrings in class.

Signups: https://www.artandsoulretreat.com/harrisburg-2026/workshops/7058

Create a miniature work of wearable art that’s all boxed up in a container made from recycled cookie tin and protected under vintage glass. Bring any completed “Inchie” – a small, square artwork that measures one-inch square – and learn how to fabricate a small jewelry piece that makes a big, bold statement using clever construction techniques like strategic drilling, wire bending, and metal folds or tabs.

Signups: https://www.artandsoulretreat.com/harrisburg-2026/workshops/7059

Coiled wire and colorful beads are the basis of visually exciting jewelry and this workshop draws upon early 19th Century traditional African weaving techniques used by Zulu basket makers. We’ll create a pendant inspired by this art form during this all-day class, and you will also be introduced to dozens of ways to expand your jewelry wire weaving and wrapping repertoire.

Signups: https://www.artandsoulretreat.com/harrisburg-2026/workshops/7060

Devising “new” and inventive versions of this classic brooch object dating back to the Bronze Age is a fun and interesting metalsmithing challenge. All fibulae feature just four parts: the body, the pin, the spring, and the hinge. We will riff on three Classical fibulae formats: Bow, Spectacle and Ring, using a selection of bronze (of course!) wire and sheet metal.

Signups: https://www.makerfestivals.com/beadfest-2026/instructors#HDriggs

TWO DAY WORKSHOP! Thursday and Friday, August 6 & 7

Reimagine jewelry making into something playful, experimental, unexpected, and best of all, inexpensive! In this workshop, you will learn how to use a variety of non-traditional, mixed-media materials combined in unexpected ways.Experiment with paper, plastic, wood, recycled metals, glass, stone, textiles, fibers, ceramic and whatever other materials suit your fancy — to create well-crafted, wearable jewelry objects. If you love it, bring it, as this is not a “duplicate my object” workshop. We will create “exercise” pieces both mornings to warm up and learn essential joining/assemblage techniques, then spend the afternoons boldly creating unique-to-you jewelry objects born from your ideas and brought to life with materials you provide! Free play within a supportive structure is the daily plan, and you’ll try many ways and develop ideas for using your favorite non-traditional materials.

Signups: https://www.makerfestivals.com/beadfest-2026/instructors#HDriggs

Steel has wonderful qualities for creating jewelry: it’s durable, readily available, beautiful when blackened, and best of all, inexpensive! In this workshop we will focus on creating finger rings in the morning and fabricating a cabochon pendant in the afternoon. You will learn how to manipulate this sturdy metal in several ways including coiling, netting and wrapping. We will blacken and seal our creations at the end of the day to prevent rusting - which is about the only downside to this wonderful metal.

Signups: https://www.makerfestivals.com/beadfest-2026/instructors#HDriggs