In this course students explored the fundamental techniques of metalsmithing and jewelry to express themselves. Each student worked with fire, saws (and a lot of broken blades!), and careful attention to detail as they explored some of the oldest processes related to creating and adorning ourselves in this material. Students first explored design parameters and sawing, filing, and drilling as they created a customized miniature rocking chair - a seat of their own for the table - out of flat sheet metal. They then learned how to size, anneal, shape, and solder a pair of customized rings with ornaments and developed an understanding of the torch and how to safely and effectively work in the broader metals and jewelry studio. Lastly with their culmination of skills they constructed hollow keep-sake boxes fit for their rings and oxidized through specific chemical reactions. Metalwork is a time and labor intensive process: the more time you spend carrying for these pieces as they are made, the more precious they become. Each student worked with inspiring dedication and perseverance in this difficult and new material and is walking away with skills and objects to be proud of - and to show off!