An awesome place to learn to make jewelry! The studio has every tool imaginable and the enviroment is fun and inspiring!

Fabulous experience taking a class from Dana! She is so experienced, plus funny and patient at the same time. It's a bit scary trying something new, but she took the stress level way way down. I highly recommend taking a class from her! read more

Wonderful studio and classes! I have taken many workshops at Danaca Design over the years. This past weekend I took the enameling class with Keith Lewis and it was amazing! The studio is very organized and has everything you might need with a convenient store for supplies in case you need something else! Whether you want total immersion in jewelry or a weekend workshop, there are several classes year round to chose from. Already looking forward to my next !! Danaca Design is more than a work space, it is a community of creativity and inspiration. read more

I spent this past weekend sawing metals, soldering, playing with an acid cleaner called "Pickle" and pounding things on anvils. My sister likes to learn new things, so my Christmas present to her was a beginning silversmithing class at Danaca Design. It was really well put together--the lectures were hands-on and the instructor told us the chemical reasons behind the different metal reactions. In fact, whenever she taught us something new, Dana always explained why you would choose to do something the way she was teaching us versus another way to accomplish the same thing. read more

Before I was a Navy officer and an accountant, what I really wanted to do after high school was to be a metal and stone artist. I got drafted instead. With great trepidation I joined a jewelry making class last Fall at Danaca design with people old enough to be my children and grandchildren. With skills from high school art class in the early 1960s I figured this was a lost cause and I would flunk out. Instead, it was a wonderful experience and I actually made a few pieces good enough to be in the holiday show. Now I am going back for the mentored study classes and having a great time and making many art friends, something I have missed in the military and business world. read more

Danaca Design - Carnelian pendant I made for my wife at Danaca - Jewelry Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Just started my second class at Danaca. I love taking classes here. The class sizes are small, the instructors are working (talented) artists who seem to really love seeing others learn and learning new things themselves along the way. Play is encouraged, but so is safety. I love getting compliments on the jewelry I've made in class. I plan on taking many more classes at Danaca. Plus if you just want to buy some fantastically cool jewelry and not take a class, they have that too. read more

A great place to go if you are interested in learning how to make jewelry or are an experienced jeweler who needs some work space and access to a lot of equipment. Classes taught by many different artists. A great way to get started or improve your skills. Day and evening hours, weekends also. The studio also offers gallery space to advanced students and artists on a consignment basis. A great place to network and find out about other marketing opportunities. On an $/hourly basis one of the best deals in town. One of the few places in town to find one of a kind art jewelry. reasonably priced. read more

This place is awesome! The location is great and the hands on instruction makes you feel like the only student! The owner is patient and fun especially with beginner jewelers! I will definitely be taking more classes!! read more

I took the jewelry boot camp and I find myself constantly looking at people's jewelry now and thinking "I can make that!" Amazing skill set I learned that I never knew I was capable of! Highly recommend! read more

I have been taking jewelry/metalsmithing classes at Danaca this year and have been just wanting more more more. the teacher/instructors are great at their art and teaching. I have learned so much. It is a wonderful learning environment and everyone is friendly. You come away knowing you can go home and make something from the class you just took and also add to things you already know helping you feel confident. in your art. I can't say enough how impressed I am, and, they sell their beautiful jewelry there as well. Thanks to everyone there for a top rate experience. Melinda read more

Danaca Design is a great little gallery and studio space. It seems small at first, but then you realize there are two other rooms hiding back there! The front area is all gallery and jewelry-making-supply store. The gallery is beautifully curated, with I think mostly artists from the area. The jewelry ranges in price, from the incredibly affordable, to the expensive, but SO worth it. The store offers many unique, handmade tools, locally crafted by artist and tool maker Bill Dawson. I covet the handmade chasing tools every time I go in!! Danaca Design is conveniently located close to and between many different bus routes. The neighborhood is sparse, one of those that is slowly, sadly changing from charming old homes-turned-businesses type, into the prepackaged-feeling mixed use buildings that seem to be popping up everywhere around town. The work space is very organized. Dana has generously provided just about every tool one could possibly need, and she always knows where those tools should go. Dana's well connected in the jewelry scene, knowledgeable and very helpful. She'll run you a tab while you're taking one of the many wonderful classes so you don't have to interrupt your making with the whole checkout process. Pick a tool, tell her what it is, let her write it down, and off you go to more creating! (I needed a scribe, didn't have one at home.) I had been aware of Danaca Design for many years, but only recently decided to ask for a class as a birthday present. (Yay!) I took the Eastern Repousse class with Victoria Lansford. It was a three day intensive workshop which was simple amazing. I loved that most of the first day we had demos, and an introductory project, then the next two days we learned a little bit more, but mostly had time to work, and ask Victoria all the questions we possibly could. Third day was mostly work day, with a short demo. This studio is a great place to take a class, sign up for membership, take some mentored study classes if you need a little more guidance, and learn a bit more about this ancient art. I hope Danaca Design stays around for many, many years to come! read more

Took a class with Cynthia Toops, micro mosaics and it was honestly one of the best classes I've ever taken. The price was very reasonable, the teacher amazingly generous with her talent and time. I hope to take many more classes there. And the facility was great! It was comfortable and very well equipped!! read more

Danaca Design - I made this pee wee Herman piece. It wasn't quite up to snuff, but, it was fun to do and I can't wait to do another! - Jewelry Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I am new to soldering and really pretty new to jewelry making in general so I was fairly nervous about attending the Soldering Essentials class. I loved it! Dana is very friendly and approachable. The other students in the class all had more experience than I did but made me feel welcome. They were all very helpful when it came time to practice soldering. The space is comfortable, safe and organized. Dana is extremely knowledgeable and patient. I did need to buy some supplies at the end of the day and at no time did I experience any sales pressure. It was very honest and professional. I walked out of Soldering Essentials more educated, inspired and excited. I would highly recommend taking classes at Danaca. read more

Dana Cassara knows her stuff; I can't say enough good things about this teaching studio and the wonderful people that run it. I learned everything I know about making jewelry and metalsmithing here, and I started from scratch. The instructors are top notch and often visiting from out of state. The other artists that use the studio space are all warm and lovely creative people. The studio, the gallery, the equipment and the general atmosphere are all fabulous. If you are looking to purchase handcrafted jewelry as a gift, stones for making jewelry, tools for making jewelry, or you want to take a class, this is the best place in the Puget Sound. read more

I really liked taking a class from Dana. It was super informative and the classmates were great.

I recently took the beginning ring making class and was so thrilled with the results. Dana was a patient, hands on, helpful instructor who is definitely the expert in her field. With her guidance she led all 10 of us to successful ring making and we all walked out of the class with two gorgeous rings. I can't wait to take more classes from her! read more

I've taken 3 classes + independent studies at Danaca and plan to keep taking more! This last class was Intermediate Stone Setting and it was really fun. Jennifer is an engaging instructor and has a ton of knowledge, so it was worth taking the class just to get all of her little tips and tricks (not to mention learning a bunch of cool settings). We went through a lot of material, so it's important to actually do the examples after each class. Dana does a great job bringing in top-notch jewelers to teach interesting classes, and puts a lot of effort into constantly expanding the resources available in the workshop. I strongly recommend taking classes at Danaca. read more

I attended the beginner jewelry series Rings class this past weekend. It was awesome!!! I had previously taken the beginner series class before and loved it so much that I had to go back! This time I convinced my boyfriend to go along with me. I had to twist his arm a bit, mostly because of the cost, but he agreed to join me. I love the class because you can go in with no experience at all and leave with a beautiful product that you created. Dana is an easy going, fun, and very informative teacher. She walks you through the different skills and techniques that you to create your work of art and then let's you apply that knowledge with whatever creative ideas you may have. If you have no idea what to do, she has samples to boost your imagination. If you have something different in mind, she can instruct you on how to achieve your vision. The class is small enough so you feel you get personal attention and the workshop is big enough so that you don't feel crowded. She has every tool you could need and gives you helpful tips and guidance from her years of experience. On the first day we made each other a band and on the second day we made a bezel set stone ring. We are both so proud of our creations! I love my rings!!! Ohh and, we both agree, it is absolutely worth the registration fee. read more

See all

Cuttlebone casting class with Jennifer Stenhouse was a blast! Great teacher, great setting.

I recently took a class with Dana. She is patient and fun to work with. She really made the experience pleasurable, and I loved the fact that you can explore metalsmithing as a one time novice or serious student. I'll definitely be back to take more advanced courses. read more

Terrific studio and classes! So great to have many metal smithing supplies you might need on hand in the shop too. I've taken many classes here and they are always informative and fun! Learned so much from Dana and all the instructors. It's a great creative space! read more

As always, Danaca Design has the best classes and great staff. I've been there for the Mentored Studio as well, and it's a great place to go to create and learn. read more

We are really lucky in Seattle to have such an amazing metal smithing and jewelry school. I have been taking classes here for only a little while now but I really love the teachers and the general environment ...but more than anything I love the things I've made. I went into Barney's downtown to peek at jewelry the other day and all the sales assistants were asking me who made my earrings, where did I get them etc. this was such a great feeling since I was the one who made them. I am really happy with the skill set I've picked up in such a short time. I have been taking classes so far by various instructors there and have loved everyone so I'm gonna keep going on. This is one of those places I wish I knew about along time ago but I am happy I finally found them. A fantastic place full of fantastic creative people. It will sound corny but it's very, very true... My life has felt so much more complete since I have been taking classes and doing mentored study at Danaca Design. I am finally becoming the creative person I always wanted to be....that's a really good feeling : ) - Parking Downtown Seattle...$12 - Great earrings that look like eight hundred dollar pieces of jewelry ....$65 - All the sales assistants in the jewelry dept.of Barney's oogling over your earrings (that you made) ............priceless read more

First I took a basic silversmithing class, then I took a class on making silver rings, then I was hooked for life. Dana, the owner, is fabulous and teaches the basic class herself. Lots of other great designers teach other classes - whatever you want to know about working metals. The storefont gallery is full of beautiful jewelry and they will design unique one of a kind pieces for you or teach you how to make jewelry yourself. This bright, welcoming place at the north end of the Ave is on the U District Art Walk. Don't miss it. read more

This is a cute, super complete jewelry studio. They just have every tool possible for you to use for your personal projects which are supervised by amazing instructors. Ever wanted to learn a new technique? They have a class for it for sure, or and intermediate class or an advanced class. The people there are the best, always looking to help and share their knowledge in the most friendly way. read more

The classes and workshops are worth every penny, especially when visiting artists are featured. Great space for learning, meeting fellow artists, and Dana and her staff couldn't be more welcoming. Anyone wanting to learn new skills or improve on others should sign up. read more

I took my first ever jewelry making/metal class last weekend and had a blast. I'm totally hooked. Dana was a great teacher, easy going & very helpful. I felt very at home in the studio. My class was a beginning ring class. I love rings and was so excited that I left after two days with two beautiful rings that I would have easily bought from a store but I made them! I will definitely be back for more. read more

Dana is a great teacher who is able to make technical information easy to digest. It's always put in a greater context so you understand why you're doing something. She also does it with humor and generosity. The one-day ring class was great. It's an information-packed day with an introduction to many tools--mallets, stamping tools, buffing machine, patinas, etc.--and basic soldering. This is a good class to get a little of everything and walk out with your very own ring. I think I'm hooked. read more

I have been taking beginning jewelry classes at different places for the last 2 months and I must admit Dana's class has been the best so far. She is witty and fun to learn from. Her classes are well structured and she helps along the way. I am definitely planning to go back for more classes in the future or at least have some mentored independent study with her. Strongly recommending! read more

There is no doubt Dana is an accomplished artist and this talent shines through with her teaching. She is patient, helpful and her demonstrations make it all look so easy. Where it might not come so easy as a student (me), Dana is right there to further instruct, be so helpful and kind and in the end, make you feel like you can really do this. It has been a pleasure to be in her class and anyone thinking of learning about creating jewelery, this is the place to be!!!! read more

My husband gave me the beginning jewelry (pin and pendant) class as a gift and it was an awesome experience. Dana is super knowledgeable and helpful and has a clear and often funny way of explaining concepts and the principles behind them. When I needed help or had a question she was encouraging and totally nonjudgmental. It was really clear that it's important to her that everyone have a positive experience and not get hung up on it being perfect in order to learn something new and have fun. I would take more classes from her in a heartbeat! read more

I ventured from SF to Seattle to take the week long immersion class with Dana and it was wonderful! The place is just right - has everything you need but is very low key and comfortable. Dana has the patience of a saint and is super knowledgeable, plus I met some great people in the class. I'd highly recommend Danaca Designs and I plan to take more classes in the future! read more

AWESOME classes!!!!! Great range of skilled artists. Wonderful positive atmosphere.

Just finished an amazing weeklong intensive jewelrymaking course at Danaca Design. I learned a ridiculous number of things: sawing, hammering, soldering, making a bezel and setting a stone, and a bunch of other things I'd never even heard of before (annealing, dapping, roll pressing). The workshop is a tidy, well-stocked, welcoming place. And the instructor/owner, Dana -- there are no words for how terrific she is. She is truly knowledgeable and skilled, but unlike some talented artists, she is also a gifted teacher, able to convey her knowledge with clarity and warmth. Dana is also a great support for students as they do hands-on projects; when I didn't need her, she let me do my thing, but when I was terrified of using the soldering torch, she patiently and encouragingly guided me through the process. I am totally delighted to have discovered this place! read more

Danaca is a great place to get started with your jewelry skills, extend them, or even just go for a special one-off! I've taken 4 different classes with 3 great instructors. The supply shop offers a discount while you are taking a class. There is work time in the studio if taking a multi-week class. And the sweet gallery has lots of artisan-made jewelry to adorn and/or inspire you. read more

I love this studio. Danaca Design is a great place to hone your metal smithing skills. I've taken several workshops here and I am in the mentored study also. Everyone is friendly and helpful. They have a good selection of tools and materials for sale and beautiful jewelry too in the gallery. read more

It's a great place to take jewelry-making classes. Dana is a terrific teacher, with invaluable knowledge and experience. I took a ring-making class there, and it was so much fun, let alone results - 4 beautiful rings made in just two days of classes. read more

I recently took a class called "skin deep: surface treatment for jewelers". I've taken quite a few classes at Danaca Design over the last few years, and this one was no exception to the excellence I've experienced with every one! The instructor for this class, Ken Bova, was wonderful- skilled, thoughtful, funny, patient and a fantastic teacher! I came away from the class itching to try lots of new things! I really recommend taking any class at Danaca Designs, since every one I've taken there has been fantastic!!! read more