Erika Broas Returns to Touchstone to Lead Metals & Jewelry Workshop
This June, metalsmith Erika Broas returns to Touchstone Center for Crafts to lead a five-day workshop in the Small Metals Studio, guiding participants through advanced techniques in ring fabrication. A former intern turned instructor, Erika brings a unique blend of technical expertise and community-building to the classroom.
JUNE 16-20 | 5-DAYS (MON-FRI)
Elevated Ring Fabrication
Instructor: Erika Broas
Intermediate Level
“Erika’s teaching style truly democratizes metal arts for all students,” said Beth Staley, a past participant in two workshops. “Excellent at providing a foundation that builds common ground for seasoned and aspiring metalsmiths, all while inspiring the growth edges that take students into the zone where new design discoveries and technical wins are possible.”
The upcoming workshop, Elevated Ring Fabrication, focuses on creating rings that reflect both technical skill and thoughtful design. Participants will learn to hammer-set stones in thick bezels, manipulate heavy ring shanks, and master flex-shaft finishing techniques developed while working as an assistant goldsmith.
“Metal is a fascinating material that can be manipulated like clay, sculpted like wood, and fused like glass,” Erika said. “Sharing tips and tricks that are hard to get as a hobby-level or self-taught smith is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.”
Design principles are central to Erika’s approach. Participants are encouraged to look closely at flow—repeating shapes, curves, and angles to create cohesion between the ring form and the focal stone. “No detail goes unconsidered. Investigation, intention, and patience all come into play.”
In addition to strong technical instruction, Erika is known for fostering a supportive and creative classroom culture. “Erika cultivates such a great classroom community,” Staley said. “While taking two of these workshops, I loved making some of my favorite pieces and some of my favorite Touchstone memories.”
Erika first discovered Touchstone in 2016, when a friend was interning in the Small Metals Studio. A few years later, Erika followed suit, spending two seasons as Touchstone’s Small Metals Intern. “The studio really started to feel like home,” Erika said. “Going back to teach is rewarding in so many ways—I get to revisit favorite places and utilize the wonderful Metals Studio.”
Outside the studio, Erika speaks fondly of the full campus experience: mid-day dips in the creek, cooking over the fire, and listening to thunderstorms roll through the mountains.
This workshop offers the chance to build technical skills, deepen a design practice, and become part of a supportive learning community. Early registration is encouraged.
Elevated Ring Fabrication
JUNE 16-20 | 5-DAYS (MON-FRI)
Instructor: Erika Broas
Intermediate Level
Develop your personal design sense as we take an all-encompassing look at rings – how to design, compose, create unique stone settings, and imbue them with meaning. Utilizing group discussions followed by individualized guidance, you will design a ring using specific design constraints, and we will cover the steps necessary to build it. Techniques covered will include precision sawing and filing, forging, soldering, flexshaft tips and tricks, hammer-setting stones in thick bezels, and finishing. Participants are encouraged to explore and challenge themselves. Don’t forget to bring magnification – 2X optivisors and/or a 10x loupe are strongly recommended!