Our group of 4 went to Nicole's studio to learn how to make stacking rings. It was a great way to spend the day and to learn about working with silver in a short time. This is a hands on experience and Nicole led us through each step, giving clear instruction and encouragement. Nicole is an artist with tons of knowledge and she has the ability to teach and help students get good results. It was a great day! read more

OStudioworks - My new stacking rings! - Art Classes Near Me

Took a 2 day intensive beginning metalworks class. 4 hrs each day and seriously it only felt like I was there 4 hours total. The hours wizzed by and I learned sooooo much. Had a blast and Nicole was super informative and collaborative. Highly recommend and would definitely take another class with her. read more

OStudioworks - Pendants - Art Classes Near Me

Highly recommend booking a class with nicole! She was great very instructive and we got a lot done. It brought a stone to the Bezel setting workshop and she worked with me to create a design and bring my idea to life all while showing me how to complete each step. It was very hands-on and informative. She did a great job of answering all of my questions. I know I had a lot. So if you are debating taking this class or have a special project you want to work on I'd do it! read more

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Nicole's studio is located in the Brewery Artist Lofts (https://www.breweryartistlofts.com ) and she offers beginning and intermediate courses in the making of metal jewelry. I've taken two of her classes, the "Beginning Metalsmithing Intensive" and the "Stacking Rings Workshop." In the Metalsmithing Intensive, Nicole takes you through the basics of working with metal: sawing shapes from sheet metal, creating textures on the surface of metal and soldering metal. She has you begin with relatively inexpensive brass and copper sheet (all provided with the price of the class). After two days of this class, you will have learned a large number of the basics of metal-smithing. And you will find that it's very easy to take these basics and organically build from there. By the time I took the Silver Stacking Rings Workshop, I had become comfortable with sawing metal (sterling silver this time), creating textures and sizing pieces using a variety of techniques. After just three days' worth of classes, I feel like I know the basics of making metal jewelry and am figuring out how to continue to expand them. I'm planning on taking Nicole's class on bezel setting stones even though from what she taught me, I've already learned the basics...I'm just honing my skills at this point. OStudioworks is definitely the first place I'd recommend for anyone who wanted to learn how to make metal jewelry in Los Angeles. Highly recommended. read more

OStudioworks - From the Beginning Metalsmithing Intensive. - Art Classes Near Me

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I've taken the beginning metal smithing class and the ring stacking class with Nicole and I had a great time during both classes. Nicole is really knowledgeable and knows how to make the workshop fun for everyone. I will be taking more classes in the future ! :) read more

Absolutely obsessed! If you're ever thinking about getting into metal work and into jewelry making with metal work, this is your place! Nicole is such a great teacher and an awesome good person! Her workshop and studio are so cool. She's so patient and she really invites you to dream up creative creations. Perfect if you want to go solo, perfect for friends and even couples! Don't sleep on one of her workshops - this is a must do! read more

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I just took Nicole's stacking ring workshop. It was lots of fun. She's a great teacher. My daughters and wife all loved their ring (I gave them one each). I plan to take more workshops from Nicole. read more

Nicole is one of the most patient, detail oriented, and fun humans I've ever met so it was a complete honor to take a 2 day metal smithing class. She walked us through many techniques in stencil making, sawing, soldering, pickling, patina, tumbling and filing. Even for first timers like me, she has the gift of opening up our creative talents no matter how deeply buried because she makes it safe to experiment and her devotion to hands on customized guidance. The items we made were next level beautiful get beyond my expectation of a beginner's intensive. I highly recommend any class or service she offers. read more

If you have ever been interested in metal working and jewlery making but don't know where to start, THIS IS IT. Nicole is an incredible instructor who absolutely kickstarted my passion for creating in metal mediums. I searched around for similar courses and opted to travel about an hour to her because of other testimonials and it could not have been more worth it. I've taken two classes from her so far and will certainly be back. Regardless of your experience level (starting from absolutely none like me) she will meet you where you are and help you achieve your goals while making sure you learn as much as possible. Her space is beautiful and classes are limited in size so you really get 1:1 attention. I've taken both the metal work 2 day intensive and the sterling silver stacking rings courses and they both taught me so much - plus they were an absolute blast. The stacking ring class is a great starter and is very approachable to anyone, so I went with a couple friends and had a great time. The metalworking intensive is longer and more involved, but absolutely the right choice for learning techniques you can continue on your own. She provides amazing instruction for both, as well as extra information to take home on the processes covered, materials suggestions, and how to set up your own home station without a ton of upfront investment. I really don't think you can find a better value for her wealth of knowledge, tools, and materials. On top of all this, reach out to her for private classes, team building, corporate events, etc as she can come to you and help create experiences no one will ever forget! read more

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so torn about this review. EVERYONE loves Nicole and i think she and i just didn't connect. in the two day class i wanted to get comfortable with my soldering skills. in 8 hours i soldered 5 pieces- but each time Nicole took the torch out of my hand to complete the job. (i wasn't waving it around or doing anything dangerous). i spent the bulk of two days sawing. which i can say i'm pretty good at now. she spoke to me like i was 7 years old and at one point told me I had too much energy. i truly felt so uncomfortable the first day- i almost did not return for the second day. 3 stars because i learned some good tricks for sawing. 0 stars for adjusting your teaching style to your students who are a little different. i'm sure she is fine with most paying clients- just not me. Too bad- it was an expensive way to waste 2 days. read more

Nicole is a wonderful teacher - kind, knowledgeable, and patient. From the moment we arrived till the moment class ended, Nicole did everything she could to help us understand and apply a variety of jewelry-making techniques. The result is we left with all of the skills needed to begin our journey as creators, as well as a number of beautiful pieces! I couldn't be happier with my investment in this class, and look forward to the next ! read more

OStudioworks - Image of handmade jewelry - Art Classes Near Me

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Nicole is great! From the moment I booked and received an email from her I knew it would be a wonderful experience. I've taken two of her classes so far, intro & stacking rings! I'm already signed up for her bezel setting class! She has wonderful energy and helps you every step of the way while also giving ample room for you to try on your own. She even took the time to help me select some beginner tools so I can practice at home. Overall a wonderful experience. If you have ever had an interest in metal smithing jewelry she's the one! read more

A great intro to metalsmith and creating your own jewelry. Nicole was knowledgeable, engaging and fun to be around. You're clearly learning from a master of her trade and being able to work hands on with her was a pleasure. In the intro class you learn several techniques such as metal sawing, metal stamping, adding texture, soldering, filing and sanding, antiquing and several others. It was enough to get excited and feeling confident in wanting to do more. I recommend this class for an individual or as a group. Would be fun to get like minded friends together and see what you can create. Best part is, you end the 2 day workshop with a few of your own pieces! read more

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I took the 2-day metalsmithing intensive with Nicole, spending 4hrs/day in her studio. It was just me and another girl so an intimate, hands-on experience which was priceless. This was a totally new experience for me but Nicole's instructions and advice offered a lot of guidance and assurance to the process and 4hrs went by in a flash. I really enjoyed the sawing process and LOVE the 4 pendants I created and went home with. A truly memorable, rewarding experience for anyone who has interest or curiosity in jewelry making. I want to go back to take the stacking ring class too! read more

OStudioworks - Custom pendant. - Art Classes Near Me

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I have learned so much in the workshops here and acquired a new passion in life. Nicole is a great instructor, very knowledgeable, and fun to be around. I made the turquoise and stacking rings in her workshop, and took what I learned to make the rest of the rings in these photos on my own! How fun! read more

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I received the first class I did at Ostudioworks as a birthday present, and it was a really thoughtful gift. So if you know someone crafty who has mentioned they would like to get into jewelry, do it. They will come away with knowledge and some confidence to move forward with their dreams. I first took the beginner metalsmithing workshop and I liked it so much that I signed up for the bezelsetting class. I could probably take both again and learn even more skills. In working in Nicole's space, I felt I was given clear guidelines and a lot of support with each step. She has clearly taught this many times and has thought about realistic pacing and project size. The point of the course is to learn skills and she encourages people to try new techniques and use the plethora of tools she has available. This felt as if I was in a treasure trove of different playthings that I got to try out with the safety of working with someone who knew how to use them. I think I had a couple of moments where I felt like maybe my end result wouldn't work out, but then remembered that I was purely there to learn a new skill and let my perfectionism and expectations go sit in the corner. I think Nicole is very thoughtful about what each person is working toward. I really felt like I was supported and routed for, while also being challenged. And that felt great as a student. She worked with me and truly helped me understand how the materials worked. Also, I really love the projects I walked away. Still wearing the ring I set. read more

My partner and I took Nicole's Metalsmithing Intensive class, which spanned two days. We were completely new to the world of metalsmithing, and Nicole was an incredibly patient, passionate, and knowledgeable teacher throughout the learning process. She walked our group through the entire process of creating a piece--from learning how to saw metal, to design considerations, texturing, soldering, polishing, and even taking the extra bit of time required for the patina. She worked with each of us one-on-one to help produce the best outcome for our ideas. Overall, the experience, which included spending time in Nicole's unique and whimsical art studio, was nothing short of magical. We left with some respectable beginner pieces and a strong desire to continue with the craft. We will definitely be back to take the bezel setting class! Thank you Nicole!! read more

OStudioworks - Art nouveau inspired flower, circle dome pendant, 'temple of wisdom' pendant my partner made - Art Classes Near Me

Nicole is an amazing teacher!! I took her ring stacking workshop and it was truly a great experience. She is very knowledgable and patient, and I left with three rings that I am super proud of!! read more

I just took Nicole's beginning metalsmith two day intensive, and I am hooked! Nicole does such an amazing job explaining all the steps and the reasons behind each one. She really makes the whole experience fun while still being educational. You leave there feeling much more confident using all the tools. Nicole also makes sure you are armed with great information on where to go purchase all the necessary items to create your own studio at home. I highly recommend this class for anyone interested in learning the basics of metalsmithing - even if you are just a creative person looking for a fun experience. This is something to check out! Not only is it a fun filled two days, you walk out of there with a few beautiful handmade jewelry pieces. :) read more

I took the beginning intensive workshop a couple of weeks ago and ahead a fabulous time! Nicole was patient and a great teacher. She gave the exact right amount of instruction while still letting the students explore their own creative side. I ended up making four pieces of jewelry that I have been wearing almost daily. Highly recommend this workshop! read more

OStudioworks - Art Classes Near Me

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I signed up for the metal smithing classes because I'm looking to start making and selling my own jewelry, and this is exactly what I expected and precisely what I needed. I have very basic levels of skills, and Nicole was able to see and adapt the learning to my particular skills, direct me to the proper technique, all while making complete sense and letting me do most of the work, and therefore learning. Overall the class is not only fun but extensive. You'll quickly get to a point where you can enjoy bringing your creations to life. I will definitely be signing up for other classes! I highly recommend it! read more

Always wanted to try making my own metal jewelry but had zero experience. Nicole was the absolute best. She is super nice, supportive and helpful, as well as very knowledgable. She keeps her classes small to be sure that everyone gets the instruction they need to work on their pieces. I was able to make 3 unique pieces in a short 2-day (8 hour total) beginner course, and with Nicole's guidance, all my pieces came out great! I can't wait to take another one of her classes. Very highly recommended. read more

OStudioworks - The 3 pieces I made: cooper and brass. - Art Classes Near Me

Such a great experience. Nicole is cool, encouraging, easy to talk to, and fun. I had never made any jewelry before and had serious insecurities about my ability to create with my hands, yet came out of the workshop with several pieces of jewelry I'm proud of. If you are curious about this class, I highly recommend it. You will come out of it feeling better about yourself. read more

OStudioworks - Art Classes Near Me

My sister and I went to Nicole's metalsmith beginner's class and we couldn't be happier!! We've never done anything like this and the process was really great, fun and interactive!! We were able to get our hands dirty and Nicole was absolutely amazing with us. Thank you so much Nicole we had such a blast! Would highly recommend this experience. read more

OStudioworks - Art Classes Near Me

Nicole is such a wonderful teacher. She really watches you and makes sure you're not creating bad habits. She gets a great read on the class and let's everyone excel at their own levels. I hope to take more of her classes. Cannot recommend her enough. read more

Nicole is an excellent teacher. The intensive workshop provided the perfect balance of hands on learning and thorough explanations. Highly recommend. read more

Ostudioworks is amazing! Nicole is extremely helpful. She has a wonderful energy that is illuminating as an instructor. She makes you feel so confident and you can't help but want to make something very interesting. Nicole's workshop is filled with all kinds of inspiration as she makes her own pieces on site. read more

See this cool piece?? This was from One awesome, informative, action packed (intensive) workshop with Nicole! She let us use all the tools, patient with us as saw blades broke, let us experience the thrills of making balls (trust me, it's strangely thrilling). It was so fun and informative, I'm sending a friend for a workshop as a gift, and will be coming back myself! Thanks Nicole!! read more

I'm only leaving one star because she was knowledgeable of jewelry making and techniques. Right off the bat, I showed up about 30 minutes before class was supposed to start parked outside and was reading the news on my phone, she came outside and confronted me and did not want me upsetting her neighbors and got frustrated the way I parked and the time. As soon as class had started, I noticed right away that if she had to reiterate herself, repeat herself or if you ask any questions As far as her techniques are methods, she got very frustrated very quickly. Gave me several rude comments, very passive aggressive statements. She did not like the rate at which I moved or worked, she was constantly mentioning that, she would snatch things out of my hand. She would tell me just put it down and back away. It didn't matter if I work too slow, or if I work too fast. She was complaining and muttering little comments to herself. I was working the entire time next to a kitty litter box which the cat came and used several times. Literally the smell of a ammonia and cat feces was in my nose the entire time I was working. This is not a patient, kind, warm person. This is somebody who gets frustrated easily and in my opinion I would have chose someone else to be my teacher. In her defense, she was knowledgeable of techniques and jewelry making. I did feel like I left with more knowledge that I came with. But I was upset for days with the way I was treated while I was there. read more

My friend and I wanted to gain a basic understanding of metalsmithing so we signed up for metalsmithing with Nicole. The class was that and so much more. Nicole delivers an abundance of knowledge and information about jewelry making in a fun and exciting way. Her passion and love for her craft is truly inspiring. read more

I took a metalsmithing intensive here and it was amazing. I got so much hands on experience with all the knowledge I needed to come home and start creating things myself. I highly recommend this class to beginners or anyone else. I feel like I really have solid understanding of the very basics and now I can come back to deepen my learning read more

OStudioworks - I made the cuff and ring in my first class! - Art Classes Near Me

I took a class with Nicole in 2014, and the information she shared has stayed with me until today. She inspired me to get my own equipment and start practicing on my own. She was clear and patient, and I felt comfortable asking all my questions. Thanks Nicole! read more

OStudioworks - Her beautiful loft studio space - Art Classes Near Me

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1st time working with metals and Nicole was great. Great instruction, patience and lots of ideas to get your creativity rolling. Wanted to make a cuff and finished with a stunning cuff and a ring. Looking forward to doing more metal work. read more

OStudioworks - copper cuff with patina and brass ring with dollop of a bead - Art Classes Near Me

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Nicole is a fun and entertaining teacher of metalsmithing magic! I had a wonderful time learning and creating my own little pieces of art (Ring Stacking Workshop). She really helps you to understand technique and best practices for manipulating metals. 10/10 would come back again to gain more creativity HP! read more

Nicole is an amazing teacher! Not only impressed with my instruction but beyond enchanted with the finished product of my lesson can't wait to learn more from her! read more

I had a great time learning from Nicole! It was my very first time doing anything like this and she was great! It was hands-on which I love! You get right in there and start making jewelry! Can't wait to take another class! read more

This class was absolutely amazing! I had some very specific things I wanted to learn (Have never done metal jewelry work before!) and Nicole set me up with a private lesson and was AMAZING! Not only was she super patient and understanding, she was also great to learn from, extremely thorough, and genuinely cared about what my goals for this lesson were. I highly suggest you visit her if you want to learn about metal work or jewelry creation. I can't wait to take my next class! read more

Nicole is THE BEST!!! I had such a wonder experience in her studio. She is knowledgeable, patient, fun, and informative. I kind of can't believe what I was able to make in just 2 short days with her. I have been looking for a jewelry class for ever and could never commit to anything long term like a city college has to offer. This was intensive but perfect. I feel comfortable and confident coming out of it and ready to go! Also watching YouTube videos that are a little more advanced make so much more sense now that I have a foundation from Nicole. I highly recommend her!! Here is the piece I made on my stubby lil finger! I mined the crystal from Pala Mine- shout out to them too!! read more

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In short, the metalsmithing intensive two-day workshop was such a success that I booked Nicole for a private party I am throwing for my husband! All the previous reviews captured why I loved the class, and Nicole. Besides her vast knowledge, she is a supportive and encouraging teacher. I feel like I now have the skills to justify spending a bunch of money so I can pursue metalsmithing as a serious hobby. I look forward to taking more classes with Nicole to improve the skills I now have and learn new ones. I love the two pieces of jewelry I came away with, and wear them proudly. Do yourself a favor and book a class,-or three!!! read more

I took the metal smithing intensive, a 2 day course. Nicole was a patient and helpful teacher. She really knows her craft and I walked away with everything I need to start basic metal smithing and soldering at home. I look forward to learning more from her in the future. read more