Meta'l Jewelry Studio:

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Meta'l Jewelry Studio! Located at 3206 Harrelson Street in Las Cruces, NM (in the yellow warehouse building at Harrelson & Bell), we offer metalsmithing classes, open studio hours, and a creative community for makers of all experience levels.

Below are answers to common questions regarding studio policies, classes, and memberships.

Classes & Studio Guidelines

1. What do I need to bring to class?

Closed-toed shoes are a must and non-negotiable, regardless of the weather. We provide all necessary tools, equipment, and materials needed to complete your class project. You are welcome to bring a covered beverage or water bottle (we also have a purified water dispenser on-site and Picacho Coffee Roasters right down the street). Optional personal safety gear (aprons, masks, safety glasses, and latex gloves) is provided, though you may bring your own magnification or protective gear if you prefer. Its encouraged to bring a notebook and pencil for notetaking.

2. Are there clothing restrictions?

Yes, strictly for safety reasons:

Footwear: Closed-toed shoes are required at all times to protect against dropped tools or hot materials.
Hair: Long hair must be tied back securely.
Attire & Accessories: Please avoid loose sleeves, hanging ties, long scarves, or dangling jewelry that could catch in rotating equipment or brush near torches.

3. What information is covered during class, and are handouts provided?

Every class begins with a brief safety orientation and studio tour before diving into hands-on techniques (such as sawing, filing, soldering, texturing, and stone setting). Technique overview handouts or reference materials are sometimes provided, but should not be expected.

4. Can I bring my own materials to help lower the price of a class?

Class fees are all-inclusive and cover all specialized materials, tools, and instruction needed for that session's project. For Open Studio hours or advanced independent work, members and returning students are welcome to work with their own approved metals and stones.

5. What if I want to make something other than the featured design in a Make-and-Take class?

We encourage thinking outside the box and wanting to expand on a vision! While Make-and-Take workshops follow a set curriculum to ensure everyone finishes within the allotted time, we're glad to offer extra studio time outside of class for a fee determined by the instructor. If you'd like to expand on your vision for a project, please ask your instructor during the first half of your class if you anticipate wanting to go this route.

6. What is your cancellation policy?

Due to limited seating, once a class is booked and paid for, registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we can place you on the registration list for the next time the class is offered, or arrange a 1-on-1 rescheduled session for a $35 rescheduling fee.

7. I am a person with a disability who needs help in class. Am I still able to take classes?

Yes! Our classes are inclusive and we encourage diversity in our studio. We are proud to offer spaces within existing classes or private instruction to individuals with disabilities. We welcome staff or family members seeking to assist their individual during class at no additional cost. Furthermore, we work with team members on the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver to access funding that may help with taking classes at Meta'l Jewelry Studio. Please reach out to our founder, Sephra Reyes, for more information and accommodations.

Studio Access & Guests

8. Where do I park when visiting or attending class?

Street parking along Harrelson Street is common and safe. Parking along the building on Bell Street, or in the empty lot across from Harrelson Street is also acceptable. Please note that Meta'l Jewelry Studio cannot be liable for damage to vehicles or personal property.

9. Can I bring my kids to the studio during my class?

Due to high-heat torches, sharp tools, and chemical pickling stations, unregistered children are not permitted in the teaching area during general adult workshops. (Note: We host special STEM Outreach workshops for youth and families in partnership with NMSU!)

10. For STEM Classes, can I drop my child off?

Students ages 15–18 may attend on their own, provided a parent or guardian signs their liability waiver before class begins. Students ages 14 and under MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian during class. Please note that we do not provide transportation to or from homes.

11. Can I bring a guest to watch or hang out during class?

To keep our workshop focused, comfortable, and within safe seating limits, studio instruction and hands-on workspace are reserved exclusively for registered participants. Guests are welcome to drop in briefly for a few minutes to observe or snap photos, provided it does not interrupt class flow.

Memberships & Studio Access

12. What is included in my membership, and how much does it cost?

Membership provides access to our studio tools, heavy equipment (rolling mills, pickle pots, soldering stations, polishing machines, hydraulic presses), and community events.

Standard Membership: $65.00 / month
Student & Senior Membership: $40.00 / month (Seniors 60+ and students up to 1 year post-graduation)
Benefits include:
- Access to 60+ hours per month of Open Studio monitor hours.
- Basic tool and specialty equipment access.
- Member discounts on select classes and workshops.
- Invitations to members-only events, pop-up sales, and studio showcases.

13. Do I need to complete a beginner workshop first before applying for an Open Studio membership?

Membership at Meta'l Jewelry Studio is designed for folks with prior knowledge to work on an independent basis. We do require that a prospective member have prior knowledge of basic metalsmithing techniques before signing on with us as a member. Often, a beginner's class with us will suffice, as we cover several foundational techniques, studio safety, and basic tool handling.

14. How do I become a member?

Submit an application online at metaljewelrystudio.com/general-9. Once received, we'll schedule a brief introductory appointment with founder and lead instructor Sephra Reyes for a quick safety orientation, tool clearance assessment, and studio tour.

15. Can I teach a class at Meta'l Jewelry Studio?

We have a core group of instructors who teach at Meta'l Jewelry Studio, bringing years of academic instruction and expertise to our classes, and we are always open to adding to our team. If you have an interest in teaching, please reach out to us at metaljewelrystudio@gmail.com with your class idea, CV, and photos of your work to start the conversation about teaching with us!

Supplies & Gift Certificates

16. Do you sell metal or consumables?

We will eventually have our own in-studio store where students will be able to purchase consumables like copper, brass, bronze, silver, solder, saw blades, etc. For now, we kindly direct folks to Mas Art in Las Cruces, NM for materials like sheet copper and brass, silver solder, saw blades, and beginner tools OR to Rio Grande Jewelry Supply (riogrande.com) for all types of materials and tools, often delivered within 2–3 days. If you need guidance on what to purchase for your next project, we are always happy to offer our insight!

17. Can I gift a class to someone?

Yes! Gift certificates can be purchased online as instant e-gift cards or in-person (hard copies available by appointment with Sephra).

Valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.
Covers tuition, tools, and all materials for the selected class.
Non-refundable and redeemable online or in person.