Instructor: Michelle Keller

Michelle Keller
 Biography: Michelle Keller is a Master Metalsmith and the metal arts instructor at Central Oregon Community College. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts with emphasis in metalsmithing in 2008 from Boise State University. She then apprenticed with master goldsmith Mike Rogers of Precious Metal Arts in downtown Boise. She is the owner and founder of Union Studio Metals, her metal arts business. From the beginning, the most important goals of Union Studio Metals have included experimentation with materials, traveling to shows, purchasing stones, bring pets to work, and build a business organically that feels great! Her work has been sold in over 200 stores, galleries, and boutiques nationwide, including Arhaus, Smithsonian Renwick, and the Sundance Catalog. She has attended countless workshops and classes with all the top names in her craft. She believes that education in your craft is the best way to stay humble, manifest fresh ideas, and overcome burn out. When Michelle is not metalsmithing, you can find her walking doggies, traveling the western US, searching for the perfect tiki bar, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Classes by this instructor


Metal Arts Workshop: Ornament Workshop

Learn the fundamentals of metalsmithing in this engaging four-hour workshop! Perfect for beginners, this hands-on class will introduce you to key techniques such as filing, sanding, ring sizing, forming, hammering, soldering, and finishing. We'll begin with a short lecture on the metal arts and important safety practices, followed by a live demonstration. Then, you'll design and create your own ornament. Choose from brass or copper, both included in the class cost. Sterling silver will also be available for in-class purchase if you'd like to upgrade your materials. By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind ornament, crafted entirely by you. No experience necessary, just bring your creativity!
Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 9:00am-1:00pm PST | Bend

Metal Arts Workshop: Spinner Ring

Learn the fundamentals of metalsmithing while creating your very own fidget (spinner) ring! In this hands-on class, you'll explore essential jewelry techniques including filing, sanding, sizing, forming, hammering, finishing, and more. We'll begin with a brief lecture covering safety and an overview of metal arts, followed by step-by-step demonstrations. You'll measure and size your ring, then use torches and hammers to form and solder both the ring band and spinner components. Choose from brass or copper, both included in the class cost. Sterling silver will also be available for in-class purchase if you'd like to upgrade your materials. By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with a unique, handcrafted spinner ring, and a solid introduction to basic metalsmithing skills. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and creativity!
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 9:00am-1:00pm PDT | Bend

Metal Arts Workshop: Textured Ring with Gemstone

Learn the fundamentals of metalsmithing while creating your very own textured ring with gemstone! In this hands-on class, you'll explore essential jewelry techniques including filing, sanding, sizing, forming, hammering, finishing, and more. We'll begin with a brief lecture covering safety and an overview of metal arts, followed by step-by-step demonstrations. You'll measure and size your ring, then use torches and hammers to form and solder your ring. Choose from brass or copper, both included in the class cost. Sterling silver will also be available for in-class purchase if you'd like to upgrade your materials. By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with a unique, handcrafted textured ring with a gemstone, and a solid introduction to basic metalsmithing skills. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and creativity!
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 9:00am-1:00pm PDT | Bend

Metal Arts Workshop: Thick Bands and Stacker Rings

Learn the fundamentals of metalsmithing while creating your very own thick banded and stacker rings! In this hands-on class, you'll explore essential jewelry techniques including filing, sanding, sizing, forming, hammering, finishing, and more. We'll begin with a brief lecture covering safety and an overview of metal arts, followed by step-by-step demonstrations. You'll measure and size your ring, then use torches and hammers to form and solder your rings. Choose from brass or copper, both included in the class cost. Sterling silver will also be available for in-class purchase if you'd like to upgrade your materials. By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with a unique, handcrafted banded and stacker ring set, and a solid introduction to basic metalsmithing skills. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and creativity!
Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 9:00am-1:00pm PST | Bend

Metal Arts: Beginning Jewelry Techniques- Cut Out Bracelet and Stone Set Pendant

In this hands-on, beginner-friendly metalsmithing course for adults, you'll develop essential skills in hand-tool use, soldering, and metal fabrication. Through guided instruction and studio time, you'll complete two personalized projects: a cut-out metal bracelet and a stone-set pendant. Along the way, you'll explore historical and contemporary jewelry practices while learning techniques such as cutting, filing, forming, texturing, and bezel setting. Choose from brass or copper, both included in the class cost. Sterling silver will also be available for in-class purchase if you'd like to upgrade your materials. No experience necessary, just bring your creativity and willingness to learn!
November 5-26, 2025 | 5:00pm-8:00pm PST | Bend

Metal Arts: Beginning Jewelry Techniques-Pendant and Stone Set Ring

In this beginner-friendly metalsmithing course for adults, you'll gain essential skills in hand-tool use, soldering, and metal fabrication. Through guided instruction, you'll create two personalized projects: a custom metal pendant and a stone-set ring. Along the way, you'll explore historical and contemporary jewelry practices while learning techniques such as cutting, filing, forming, texturing, and bezel setting. Choose from brass or copper, both included in the class cost. Sterling silver will also be available for in-class purchase if you'd like to upgrade your materials. No experience necessary, just bring your creativity!
October 3-24, 2025 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend