Forest Floor Silversmithing Workshop and Kayaking Adventure in Bayfield, WI

What? Forest Floor Silversmithing Workshop and Kayaking Adventure
When? August 6-11, 2024
Where? Bayfield, WI in Lissa Flemming’s gorgeous studio
My philosophy? There is nothing that cannot be done. Together, let's push all of the limits!

This workshop is a 5-day intensive with an additional half-day kayaking adventure on Lake Superior.

Students will learn a wide variety of techniques, including fusing, piercing and sawing, soldering multiple joints on one piece, texturing and carving, forming and more. Demonstrations will include pieces that resemble what you might find on the forest floor, including ferns, lichen, decaying branches, beetles and list goes on...

Five-day intensives give students an understanding of what is involved to work full-time as a silversmith.The cost of this workshop will include:

5 days of training and interaction
1 3x3" sheet of 22 gauge sterling silver
1 3x3" sheet of 24 gauge sterling silver
1 5 ft 16 gauge sterling silver wire
1 5 ft wire of 18 gauge sterling silver
1 3 ft wire of 20 gauge sterling silver
Sterling silver scrap
Silver solder
One half-day of guided kayaking
Five catered lunches by Chef Lars

Should you require additional materials, please be sure to bring them with you to the workshop. You will find everything you need at Rio Grande. Lissa and I will also have additional materials to purchase at wholesale cost, should you need.

All tools and equipment are included. **didn’t we talk about them bringing their own saw blades, solder and something else??**

Lissa's studio space is well ventilated. However, I encourage you to bring your own eye/mouth/finger protection. For those students with long hair, be sure to tie it back when working with the torch.

Please note that I do not give students specific projects to complete. I offer many different demonstrations throughout the day, so you're welcome to copy my demonstrations or take the techniques to incorporate into your own designs. I encourage you to explore your own artistic expression.

We will be paddling in tandem kayaks with Trek and Trail on the Meyers Sea Caves Lite adventure. Please check their website (https://trek-trail.com/sea-caves-tours/) for more information- but we did the trip during this year’s workshop and it was FANTASTIC.

Course Prerequisites include:
Preferably you will have experience working with a propane/O2 torch system and a solid grasp of silversmithing basics.

To Register
The cost for this 5-day intensive is $1,250.
Once I have received your payment, your space will be confirmed.
This workshop is first come, first serve. Space is limited.

Cancellation Policy:
25% of fee is considered non-refundable in cases of withdrawal for all students up to 30 days of the workshop. In other words, think carefully before reserving your spot!
Course fee is non-refundable within 30 days of the workshop unless I am able to fill the student's spot, in which case #1 above still applies.
If I cancel a class then 100% of your fee will be reimbursed.

Lodging:

Our favorite AirBnBs:
New rental in the heart of Bayfield (4 blocks away)
Cozy downtown flat with historic views (next door)
Turtle yurts (just outside of Bayfield)

Camping Options:
Apostle Islands Area Campground
Dalrymple City Campground

Inns & B&Bs:
The Bayfield Inn
The Pinhurst Inn
St. James Social Boutique Hotel and Social Lounge
Sea Gull Bay Motel
Wild Rice Retreat
Woodside Cottages
The Queen’s View

For more information on the area and lodging please check the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Board (bayfield.org). There is so much to do in this area that it might be worth coming early or staying a few days afterwards to hike, explore and get out to an island.

Airports:
Minneapolis St Paul (4 hour drive)
Duluth (2 hour drive)