4 Bracelet Retreat on the Lake

5-Day Bracelet Retreat on Saunders Lake

Includes Beginning Silversmithing — No Prior Experience Needed

Whether you’re brand new to metalwork or already comfortable at the bench, this 5-day intensive retreat has a place for you. First-timers start with the fundamentals on Day 1 while experienced silversmiths jump straight into an advanced project.

Hosted in my private lakeside studio in North Bend, Oregon, this retreat combines hands-on instruction, creative exploration, and a whole lot of fun over five packed days.

How the Week Unfolds

Day 1 (Saturday): Beginners dive into our core silversmithing curriculum — learn silver soldering basics and complete a contemporary or Southwestern-style pendant or single-band ring. Returning students start an independent project right away.

Day 2 (Sunday): Group consultation. We’ll review what each participant wants to create and map out the project sequence for the rest of the week.

Days 3–5: Focused studio time building your chosen bracelet projects with one-on-one guidance.

Bracelet Projects You Can Create

Depending on your skill level and pace, choose from any of the following (watch the demonstration videos below each description):

Three-Wire Heavy Sterling Cuff with Cabochon

Built from 10-gauge square wire, this substantial bracelet features a bezel-set cabochon as the centerpiece. You can incorporate twisted square, triangle, or half-round wire accents. Works beautifully in both contemporary and Southwestern styles — and it’s consistently one of the strongest sellers when paired with an eye-catching stone.

Labradorite Asymmetrical Sterling Silver Three-Wire Cuff Bracelet

Freeform Wave Wire Cuff

A more advanced project with endless creative possibilities for focal points and wire arrangements. The key challenge is mastering heat control — soldering the wire ends without melting them requires precision. Every one of these turns out unique, and they never fail to get compliments.

Freeform Wave Sterling Silver Wire Bracelet

Heavy Sterling Cuff with Pearl or Cabochon

Start with 20-gauge sterling sheet and shape it through hammering, folding, edge coining, and crushing. Cultured pearls are ideal because of their low profile, but mounted cabochons work just as well. The techniques produce a weighty, professional piece — and no two ever look the same.

Heavy Sterling Silver Cuff with Pearl and Arrow Embellishment

Cuttlefish Bone Cast Cuff — Walking Liberty Silver Dollar

Carve your bracelet shape directly into cuttlefish bone, then pour molten silver to create the band. You’ll make two matching side pieces (expect a few pours to get them right), then solder everything to a silver coin focal point. Dozens of .999 fine silver bullion coins are available — Walking Liberty, Chinese Zodiac, Maple Leaf, and more (approximately $35 each from dealers like Kitco). Let me know if you’d like me to source the coin for you.

Cuttlefish Bone Cast Bracelet with Walking Liberty Silver Dollar

Straw Cast Bracelet

One of the most challenging and rewarding projects in the retreat. Multiple silver pours create organic shapes that you assemble like a puzzle, then solder together. Add a crystal point, cabochon, or other focal element. Requires 2–4 ounces of fine silver and extensive soldering work — the results are truly one of a kind.

Organic Straw Cast Silver Bracelet

Pine Needle or Straw Cast Pendant

Pour 3+ ounces of fine silver into organic molds — remelt and repour until you get a shape you love. Embed crystal points or cubic zirconia during casting, or set stones afterward. The technique also works for bracelets, rings, and earrings.

Custom Projects

Have something specific in mind that isn’t listed here? Call me at 916-548-7361 and we’ll talk through whether it fits into the retreat schedule.

What’s Included in Your Retreat

• All tools provided during the retreat — bring nothing but yourself
• A complete set of silversmithing tools to take home (valued at over $500)
• Full access to our 22-hour streaming video library: Beginning Silversmithing + Intermediate Rings & Bracelets — viewable on any device
• Approximately $300 in sterling and fine silver materials (additional materials purchased in class as needed)
• The combined value of tools, streaming access, and materials exceeds $1,050

Tip: Bring a few of your favorite cabochons for the bracelet projects — it makes the finished pieces even more personal.

All-Inclusive Retreat Package

• Comfortable lodging at the Itty Bitty Inn in North Bend or a local Airbnb
• Meals: continental breakfast, soup & sandwich lunch, and catered dinner daily
• Local transportation and airport shuttle service
• 5 full days of studio instruction

Airport: Fly into Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) in North Bend — shuttle service included. For a scenic road trip, consider flying into Eugene (EUG) and renting a car for the 2-hour coastal drive.

Class size: Limited to 5 students for personalized, one-on-one attention.

Questions? Call Dave at 916-548-7361 or email Dave@SilverSmithingClass.com.