Mixxer Community Makerspace

Date/Time: June 8 - June 12, 2026; 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Age Range: This course is for rising 6th -12th grade youth

Step into the world of metalworking with a modern twist. In this hands-on class, students will learn how to create custom jewelry using base metal clay—a unique material that can be shaped like clay and transformed into solid metal through heat.

Working with experienced instruction, participants will explore the full process from start to finish. Students will learn how to form, texture, carve, and refine their designs while the material is in its clay state. They’ll also be introduced to essential tools and techniques used in jewelry making, including shaping, detailing, sanding, and finishing.

As the clay is fired, designs are transformed into durable metal pieces. Students will then complete the finishing process by polishing and assembling their jewelry into wearable art.

Throughout the class, participants will build foundational jewelry-making skills while gaining an understanding of how material properties, design choices, and craftsmanship come together.

By the end of the session, each student will walk away with one or more unique, handcrafted metal jewelry pieces—and the skills to continue exploring the art of jewelry making.

Instructor Bio: Bonnie Toney’s passion has been creating beautiful things since she was first able to hold a pencil and paintbrush. She got interested in gems and jewelry in elementary school, and sold her first pair of earrings at age 11. A lifelong learner with diverse interests, Bonnie has pursued many types of artistic expression, and it’s not unusual to find several different disciplines contributing to a single piece. Bonnie ran a successful facepainting business for 20 years, in addition to teaching, creating her own art, and raising a family.   A move to North Carolina in 2013 gave Bonnie the chance to spread her wings artistically, pursuing both traditional metalsmithing and metal clay with vigor. She is currently an instructor at Sawtooth School for Visual Art in Winston-Salem and has taught students of all ages at various venues in the Piedmont Triad. Her work is available at multiple locations in the area, including the Sawtooth Gallery in Winston-Salem, the Southwinds Gallery in Kernersville, and the GreenHill Center for NC Art Gallery in Greensboro. Bonnie was the Featured Artist in the Summer 2024 issue of Metal Clay Today. She is also an enthusiastic participant and exhibitor in the Arts & Health at Duke program. Follow Bonnie on social media to see more of her work and her techniques.   “I find inspiration in nature, and in artistic traditions like Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts movement. Elegance of line speaks to me, and I find the interplay of light and color fascinating. I find joy in the creative process, and I love to help others find their joy.”