Metalsmithing Hot Shop, New Studios Building. PD Rearick.

Summer Workshops

Example charms. Courtesy of Jimena Ríos/Taller Eloi.

Hand-woven coil basket. Photo courtesy of Katie Mongoven.

Stones for jewelry making. Courtesy of Jimena Ríos/Taller Eloi.

Repeat screen printing on fabric. Photo courtesy of Emily Dormier.

2025

Summer Workshops in Metalsmithing and Fiber

Create something unforgettable this summer at Cranbrook Academy of Art! For a rare moment, our world-renowned studios will offer an exclusive chance to create in two of our departments under the guidance of local and Academy artists.

These workshops will immerse you in the art of charm and ring-making, coil basketry, paper sculpture, and screen printing on fabric.

Space is limited, ensuring an intimate, hands-on experience where craftsmanship meets creativity. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to study at Cranbrook.

Read more about each workshop below and use the links to register on Eventbrite.

Workshop Details & Registration

Metalsmithing - Silver Charm Bracelet: Basic Jewelry Techniques to Create Your Own Set of Amulets (3 Days, July 18-20)

Metalsmithing - 2 Silver Rings in 2 Days (2 Days, July 26-27)

Fiber - Hand-Dyed Coil Baskets (3 Days, July 31, August 1-2)

Fiber - Expanded Paper Sculpture (3 Days, August 7-9)

This three-day workshop explores the sculptural potential of paper pulp, blending traditional papier-mâché techniques with contemporary pulp painting applications.

Participants will work with cotton linters, construction paper, and natural pigments to create vibrant, dimensional surfaces on cardboard structures.

Using nichos as a point of inspiration, we will focus on storytelling through form, color, and materiality. The workshop is designed to be flexible for different skill levels, allowing each participant to develop their creative approach to expanded paper sculpture.

By the end of this workshop, participants will take home:

A dry‑and‑ready mixed‑media paper pulp sculpture on their design—complete with dyed pulp layers, construction paper accents, and structural reinforcement—roughly 6–8″ tall (size may vary).

Register on Eventbrite

Instructor: Meli Bandera (CAA MFA Fiber 2024)
Instructor Language: English

Skill Level: This workshop is open to beginners and advanced students, age 18+.
Max. participants: 10

Location: Fiber department of Cranbrook Academy of Art in the New Studios Building.
Parking: Cranbrook Art Museum Parking Lot.

Length: 3 Days, 7 hours each day (August 7-9)
Food/Beverage: Lunch and snacks will be provided during the workshop. The Academy also has water bottle refill stations and vending machines near the Fiber department.

Cost: 450.00 USD*
Materials provided with the cost of the workshop: a variety of materials to create paper pulp, construction paper for accents, and cardboard for structural supports.

Studio Dress/Recommended Accessories: All participants should wear clothing and shoes they don’t mind getting stained or dirty. Comfortable closed-toe shoes, an apron, and a hair tie/bandana are recommended. You may also want to bring:

A small towel or rag for wiping hands
A notebook and pen for jotting ideas

*If the workshop does not meet the minimum participants, it will be cancelled, and any purchases will be fully refunded.

This three-day workshop explores the sculptural potential of paper pulp, blending traditional papier-mâché techniques with contemporary pulp painting applications.

Participants will work with cotton linters, construction paper, and natural pigments to create vibrant, dimensional surfaces on cardboard structures.

By the end of this workshop, participants will take home:

A dry‑and‑ready mixed‑media paper pulp sculpture on their design—complete with dyed pulp layers, construction paper accents, and structural reinforcement—roughly 6–8″ tall (size may vary).

Register on Eventbrite

Instructor: Meli Bandera (CAA MFA Fiber 2024)
Instructor Language: English

Skill Level: This workshop is open to beginners and advanced students, age 18+.
Max. participants: 10

Location: Fiber department of Cranbrook Academy of Art in the New Studios Building.
Parking: Cranbrook Art Museum Parking Lot.

Cost: 450.00 USD*
Materials provided with the cost of the workshop: a variety of materials to create paper pulp, construction paper for accents, and cardboard for structural supports.

A small towel or rag for wiping hands
A notebook and pen for jotting ideas

*If the workshop does not meet the minimum participants, it will be cancelled, and any purchases will be fully refunded.

Fiber - Repeat Screen Printing on Fabric (3 Days, August 14-16) SOLD OUT!!!

Artwork Examples and Casting at Cranbrook

Example charms. Courtesy of Jimena Ríos/Taller Eloi.

Example semi-precious stones for charm-making. Courtesy of Jimena Ríos/Taller Eloi.

Refunds, Safety, Other Policies

Refunds

Refunds will only be issued through Eventbrite if a workshop is cancelled by Cranbrook Academy of Art. Other concerns can be directed to jdyki@cranbrook.edu.

Registration

Workshop registration must be completed via Eventbrite. All participants must register separately to confirm their agreement to Cranbrook’s safety/liability waiver.

Snacks/Water/Allergies

Lunch, snacks, and water will be available during the workshops. When registering on Eventbrite, please include any food preferences and allergies.

Safety and Studio Dress

Metalsmithing – Workshop participants will use equipment such as hand tools, power tools, and torches to complete their work. All participants must dress safely and appropriately while on-site to participate in this workshop. Natural fiber clothing, long pants, and shoes must have closed toes and heels. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetic fabrics are not allowed in the hot shop. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

Fiber – All participants should wear clothing and shoes they don’t mind getting stained or dirty. Comfortable closed-toe shoes, an apron, and a hair tie/bandana are recommended.