Mary Fritsche

Jewelry Fabrication Instructor

Beginning students will learn basic technique and use of tools for creating their own jewelry with detailed step by step demonstrations, followed by lots of hands on practice time. Skills covered will include sawing, filing, drilling, doming, forging, forming, surface textures, soldering, and bezel set stones. Students will continue to work on individual projects with an emphasis on technical problem solving and mastering new skills. Students advance at their own pace; instruction is individualized as you progress to more complex design and construction techniques. Beginning tool kit is available for rent for first time students.

A Little About Mary

I began my journey to metalsmith 12 years ago, starting with metal clay classes in McKinney, as well as taking multiple drawing courses. I discovered metal clay and began searching for ways to expand my skills in this area, signing up for metal clay classes at the Dallas Craft Guild.  Shortly afterwards, I saw the metalsmith studios in an adjacent room and was intrigued, so began courses and have enjoyed learning and expanding my skills over the years. Most of my work outside of the Craft Guild is creating custom pieces for clients, where we work together developing a concept and turn the design into reality.  I also have a website where I have been selling metalsmith art pieces, since 2019. 

I love working with multiple metal types, mixing media and appreciate the technical side of metal. I enjoy sharing the skills I have learned over the years with others which has made me realize the importance of teaching beginner students’ critical techniques, such as soldering, forming, folding, rivets and other fundamental techniques of metalsmith.