Gemstones and Cabochons – Oh My!

Barb Solem2023, Metals Week

We had a question from one of our beautiful Metals Week students about Susan’s workshop and specifically what gemstones and/or cabs to bring to class. Here’s our reply: Have you checked out Susan’s shop page on her website? She has many curated gemstones available there. You can purchase them, or get a good idea of what she herself uses in … Read More

Did you know you can ship your tools and supplies ahead?

Barb Solem2023, Metals Week, shipping

Are you worried about the hassle of checking your tools on the plane? We hand carry all of our precious gemstones, cabochons, metal and wire  with us on the plane. Don’t tempt anyone to steal any of those expensive items in your checked luggage. Having said that, we do, however, check our tools and let them travel with cargo and … Read More

8.27.2023 UPDATE

Barb Solem2023, Metals Week

Instructor: Susan Lenart Class: Sacred Objects: Totems and Talismans – Creating Personal Sacred Objects Date of Class: September 11, 2023 – September 15, 2023 Time: 9:00 am until 4:00 pm daily Level: Advanced Beginner – students should have experience with creating and soldering*** (see note below) Students will work on symbolism with their own shapes + small hollow forms and  attachments . Susan is bringing in … Read More

What should I pack to wear?

Barb Solem2022, Metals Week, what to wear to class

The good news is our monsoon season will have ended by the time you arrive in the Phoenix metropolitan area in mid-September. The not-so-good-news is it’s still pretty warm for us in September. Temperatures can still range in the nineties (ahhh – but it’s a dry heat!), and the sun shines for an average of 11 hours each day. Our … Read More

Workshop Schedule of Events

Barb Solem2022, Metals Week, schedule of events

It’s a simple schedule no matter if you’re in Ace’s first or second session or Nicole’s one-and-only session. ARRIVAL AT STUDIO: 8:45 AM MORNING SESSION: 9:00 AM – NOON *LUNCH: NOON – 1 PM AFTERNOON SESSION: 1 PM – 4 PM DINNER OUTING: 4 PM – 6 PM Notes *We will choose a different local restaurant to order from each … Read More

If you have the questions, we have the answers!

Barb Solem2022, Metals Week

We would like to answer a few questions that have arisen by Vivi Magoo Metals Week students in hopes this helps you with anything you’ve been wondering about! What does the kit fee include?  The kit fee includes use of the instructor’s, Vivi Magoo’s and the studio’s equipment and tools. Can I bring these items myself? In order to keep … Read More

Your Health and Safety are Important to Us

Barb Solem2022, General Information, Metals Week

We take your physical health very seriously, and that is why we have adopted guidelines for keeping you as safe and sound as we possibly can while at Metals Week. YOUR SAFETY AND HEALTH ARE OUR TOP PRIORITY To set your mind at ease, we want you to know we constantly monitor events associated with Covid and its variants.  We … Read More

Ship Your Tools Ahead of Time to the Studio

Barb Solem2022, Metals Week, shipping

Are You Worried About TSA or the hassle of checking your tools on the plane? Would you rather not have to worry about lugging your tools to-and-from your hotel? If you’re worried about checking your beloved tools on the airplane, or if you just simply don’t want the hassle of toting them, maybe we can offer help. We invite you … Read More

Getting From Here to There?

Barb Solem2022, Metals Week, Transportation

Urban Metal Studio 33 S Sycamore, Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85202   If you’re flying in and don’t want to rent a vehicle, we suggest a ride share from the airport to your hotel. It’s convenient and not too pricey. Uber Lyft   If you are staying at one of the recommended hotels and you don’t want to rent a … Read More

Supplies and Tools

Barb Solem2022, Metals Week, supplies lists

Many of our students have asked us to help streamline the process of gathering supplies for class, and we have come up with a way we think will work for you. If there are any tools, supplies, etc. you need/want to purchase, we have an idea and hopefully a solution to gathering them that will work for you. Mario and … Read More