The Closest Silversmithing Workshop to Eugene — Just 2 Hours Away
If you live in the Eugene-Springfield area, our silversmithing studio on the Oregon Coast is closer than you think. SilverSmithingClass.com is located at Saunders Lake in North Bend — a straight two-hour drive west on Highway 126 through the Coast Range, then south on 101. It’s an easy day trip or a perfect excuse for a weekend on the coast.
Eugene has a few metalsmithing options — the UO Craft Center offers workshops and Fuse Jewelry Collective runs classes in town. Both are good programs. But if you want to learn silversmithing intensively in a single weekend, walk out with finished jewelry, and work one-on-one with an instructor who’s taught thousands of students over 35 years, that’s what we do.
Why Eugene Students Love This Class
Two hours door to door. Leave Eugene Saturday morning, take the class Saturday and Sunday, drive home Sunday evening. No need for overnight lodging unless you want to extend your trip — and the coast is hard to leave.
Finished jewelry in one weekend. Our 12-hour beginning class covers silver soldering, bezel setting, stone mounting, and polishing — and you leave with a completed sterling silver pendant. Not a practice piece. A real piece of wearable jewelry.
Only 5-6 students per class. David Lee Smith works with each student individually throughout the entire two days. When you need help, you don’t wait — he’s right there.
No supplies to buy beforehand. We provide every tool you’ll need during class. Just show up ready to learn.
Getting Here from Eugene
By car (2 hours): Take Highway 126 west from Eugene through Veneta and Mapleton to Florence on the coast, then Highway 101 south through Reedsport to North Bend. The drive through the Coast Range is beautiful — winding through fir forests along the Siuslaw River.
Eugene is also the nearest airport for out-of-town students. If you have friends or family flying in to take the class with you, Eugene Airport (EUG) is the closest commercial airport to our studio. From the airport, it’s a 2-hour rental car drive. Flights into Eugene typically operate Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Classes That Fit a Weekend Trip from Eugene
Beginning Silversmithing — Two full days of hands-on instruction. Silver soldering, bezel setting, stone mounting, polishing. Create a finished sterling silver pendant. $399, all tools provided, no experience required.
Hammered Silver Earrings — Just 4 hours. Learn texturing techniques, go home with four pairs of fine silver earrings. A perfect half-day trip from Eugene.
Intermediate Rings & Bracelets — After the beginning class, come back and create an interchangeable bracelet and double split band ring. $399.
Looking for an immersive experience? The 5-Day Bracelet Retreat includes lodging, meals, and a complete tool set. Create four unique bracelets using cuttlefish bone casting and freeform wire work.
Make a Weekend of It
The southern Oregon Coast between Florence and Bandon has some of the best scenery, food, and outdoor activities in the state. Heceta Head Lighthouse, the Oregon Dunes, Shore Acres State Park, and fresh Dungeness crab at local seafood spots are all within easy reach. Check our Planning Your Trip page for lodging and activity recommendations.
Ready to sign up? Register for the Beginning Silversmithing class →
Don’t see a date that works? Subscribe to our schedule list to get notified when new dates are posted.
Questions? Call Dave at 916-548-7361 or email Dave@SilverSmithingClass.com.