Studio JSD is committed to offering the safest, most conducive learning environment for students and the best teaching environment for our instructors. Because we care about helping you reach your greatest potential in our classroom, we limit the class size to only 10 students.  That means more one on one teaching time for you and less time waiting for your questions to be addressed.  That also means a great value for your personal and financial investments. 
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​Michael David Sturlin returns to
Studio JSD in August 2019!

​​We are excited to be welcoming Award wining goldsmith and international instructor Michael David Sturlin for a 8th annual Visiting Artist Workshop in August 2019. The relationship Studio JSD has developed with Michael over the years has been rewarding both personally and professionally, and we are honored that he is willing to share his time and expertise with us for another fabulous session.  

Mastering the Jeweler's Saw with Michael David Sturlin--August 13-15, 2019, 9am-5pm

$780.00
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The jeweler's saw is one of the most functional and versatile tools on the goldsmith's bench--skilled use of the saw is an essential fundamental skill for jewelry makers. This class provides expert instruction in sawing and piercing techniques under the direction of a master goldsmith as students learn to perfect their skills with tool and technique.

Sawing and piercing are more than just a way to cut metal; the techniques of sawing and piercing open up great opportunities for creativity, technical virtuosity, and elaborate design in jewelry making. Because it requires so little equipment, this technique is truly an application of minimalism in the studio.  

Participants begin with a series of practical exercises sawing lines, shapes, cutouts, patterns, decorative borders, and repetitive elements. As students refine their skill and increase confidence they move forward to more complex applications, learning several methods to transfer images from paper and layout precise designs directly on metal. The final project for this class is a silver pendant featuring a pierced and lifted prong setting for a cabochon gemstone.

This intensive workshop is suitable for all levels; no prior metalsmithing experience is required. Class fee includes 3 days of instruction, all necessary supplies, and a metals kit providing silver, copper, and brass to complete projects; students will need to bring a cabochon of their choice (any shape, not larger than 25x25mm) for final project. A student tool list will be sent to students prior to class.

Reserve your seat here via PayPal or call the studio at 616-607-2470. Payment arrangements available.

Forged Rings with Michael David Sturlin--August 16-18, 2019, 9am-5pm ​

$780.00
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Forged Rings Master Class - Form and Fluency with Hand and Hammer

This three day intensive applied technique workshop focuses on transformative sculpture with the simplest of tools – the goldsmith's hammer. Work alongside a master goldsmith and cultivate a new range of expression as you learn the subtleties and finesse of hammer on metal.

Workshop instruction covers preparation of hammers and proper use of tools and technique for the processes of forging, forming, bending, shaping, cold working, hardening and annealing precious metal. Practical exercises are fabricated in copper and final projects in silver.

Suitable for all levels, no prior metalsmithing experience is required. Class fee includes 3 days of instruction, all necessary class supplies, and a metals kit with copper and silver wire to complete projects. A student tool list will be sent to registered students.

​Reserve your seat here via PayPal or call the studio at 616-607-2470. Payment arrangements available.

Michael's gentle demeanor, technical expertise, and vast knowledge make his classes hugely popular and his traveling schedule very busy.  Register early to reserve your seat

Here is what past students have said: “Thank you so much for the wonderful session these past two days. I could hardly wait to get home and continue with my sanding, filing and sawing! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"  
Michael David Sturlin's involvement with precious metals began in 1970.  His 40 year career as a studio jewelry artist, educator, writer, industry consultant and award winning goldsmith includes recognition from the World Gold Council, the American Jewelry Design Council, and Jewelers of America New Designers Gallery. 

Michael's internationally acclaimed jewelry focusing on minimalism in
precious metal has been published in 85 magazine articles and is featured in the books MASTERS:GOLD, Crocheted Wire Jewelry, and Good Bones: The Elements and Principles of Design for Jewelry Makers. 

Faculty member of the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts and popular visiting guest artist and conference presenter, Michael shares his expertise and insight with students at every level from beginner to accomplished professional.

"With developed skill comes confidence, which is the pathway to talent, which opens the gate to real and satisfying creative expression. It takes commitment, discipline, and the honest willingness to do the work to find the path and get to the gate and open it, because there is no other way to get there."
-Michael David Sturlin

Follow Michael's blog  HERE

For Grand Haven travel information visit
Visiting Artist Policies: Full refunds -$35 administrative fee will be given if cancellations are received up to 60 days prior to the workshop date.  Due to prior artist travel arrangements and class material purchases, cancellations after that date can only be reimbursed if we can fill your seat. 

​If the class has sold out and you'd still like to join us, please contact the studio to be placed on a waitlist. We will call you if there's a cancellation.
​616-607-2470