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 August 15-19 2018 with 2 new workshops!

​We are excited to be welcoming Award wining goldsmith and international instructor Michael David Sturlin for a 7th annual Visiting Artist Workshop in August 2018. 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.  

​Design Development August 15-17
Clasps, Links, & Closures August 18-19

Here's what Michael has to say about his Design Development Workshop!

Michael David Sturlin: Design Development AND Clasps, Links, & Closures--August 15-19, 2018

$1,350.00
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Take BOTH of Michael David Sturlin's Visiting Artist Workshops at Studio JSD and SAVE! 

Design Development with Michael David Sturlin--August 15-17, 9am-5pm ​

$840.00
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Bring forth your personal jewelry identity in an intensive three day workshop with an award winning goldsmith and jewelry designer. In Michael’s words:

I teach a process of design origination, refinement and extension to create work in series and explore design in depth. Working in groups and series promotes jewelry with strong cohesive content, which accelerates artistic maturity. ​

In this workshop I help you identify the underlying characteristics and essence of new work you want to explore or existing work you want to take further. I show you how to assess with objectivity that enables you to focus in on the strongest characteristic and develop the most promising features in a logical and efficient way. Starting ideas are explored with simple sketches and drawings. Those are followed by 3-D paper and foil models. The models are followed by more elaborate maquettes and prototypes as proof of concept exercises.

As you develop your design portfolio I offer guidance on the various tool and technique options to create the body of work. My objective is for the attendees to come away with well-developed original design concept(s) accompanied by solid plans for executable series of jewelry. This includes evaluating the time and resources it will take to create the work.

This workshop is open to all levels. Highly developed drawing skills are not essential for success in this experience. Your drawing will become far more comfortable and improved during our time together. What is most important as a requirement is the willingness to grow and expand and step beyond your comfort zone. ​

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

Clasps Links and Closures with Michael David Sturlin--August 18-19, 9am-5pm

$560.00
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The distinction of well-made clasps and findings is in the design and details; simplicity, beauty, and functionality.
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This two day applied technique workshop focuses on finesse and the finishing touch of creating purposeful handmade elements to complete and compliment your jewelry designs.  
This class provides an overview of tools and techniques for making finely finished components directly in metal. Utilizing skills of forging, forming, bending, shaping, filing, sawing, piercing, carving and soldering, students construct samples of clasps, bails, findings, links, cones, endcaps, attachments and connectors in copper and silver.

Instruction includes tips on practicality of design, functionality, making multiples, developing and refining production process, along with useful information on studio organization and bench tips from a professional goldsmith.

Project examples include: shepherd’s hook and eye clasp, S clasp, omega clasp, toggle clasps, pierced sheet clasp, intersecting clasp, domed sheet bail, forged wire bail, carved decorative bail, figure 8 links, straight chain links, serpentine links, assorted jump rings, connectors, cones end caps and terminations.
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. Reserve your seat here via PayPal or call the studio at 616-607-2470.

Michael's gentle demeanor, technical expertise, and vast knowledge make his classes hugely popular and his traveling schedule very busy.  Register today 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