Solii+Mi / Learn / Susan Lenart

The Art of Making

There is something extraordinary about gathering around a workbench, surrounded by tools, materials, ideas, and people who share the desire to create.

These workshops are an invitation to explore metalsmithing beyond traditional boundaries, to follow your curiosity, and to discover what becomes possible when you allow yourself to experiment.

Explore 2027 Workshops

In-person workshops with Susan Lenart

Susan Lenart working in her jewelry studio

A Different Way of Learning

Come with curiosity. Leave with possibility.

I have spent much of my life exploring the relationship between materials, technique, and the stories we carry. What continues to excite me is not simply learning how to make something, but discovering all the unexpected directions a material can take us.

In my workshops, I share the techniques I have developed through decades of working with metal, stones, found objects, and unconventional materials.

But technique is only the beginning. What matters most is how you take what you learn and make it entirely your own.

Lakewood, Ohio / 2027

Upcoming Workshops

Two intimate five-day experiences devoted to experimentation, meaningful materials, and developing a personal approach to metalsmithing.

March 3–7, 2027 / Lakewood, Ohio

The Gathered Object

Nontraditional Stone Settings + Hollow Forms

An exploration of stones, fragments, found materials, and personal relics. Discover unconventional setting techniques that transform the ordinary and overlooked into meaningful, sculptural jewelry.

Learn to approach materials with curiosity, build dimensional forms, and create settings that respond to the individual character of each object.

Explore This Workshop

May 26–30, 2027 / Lakewood, Ohio

Ceremonial Bindings

The Art of Prong Setting + Architectural Settings

An intuitive approach to prong setting in which wire, handmade prongs, scrap metal, and cold connections become part of the visible structure of the jewelry.

Rather than hiding the mechanics, we allow them to become part of the design, crossing, wrapping, binding, and holding stones, fragments, and found objects in unexpected ways.

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Beyond Technique

What Happens in the Studio

The studio becomes a place to experiment, ask questions, make mistakes, and discover new possibilities. We work with our hands, exchange ideas, and learn from the unexpected. The goal is never for everyone to leave with the same piece of jewelry. It is for everyone to leave with something that belongs to them.

Explore Materials

Work with metal, gemstones, fragments, and unexpected objects while learning to recognize the creative potential within each material.

Develop Your Language

Move beyond following instructions and begin making decisions that reflect your own instincts, interests, and artistic direction.

Learn Together

Experience the energy of working alongside other makers, sharing discoveries, and seeing how differently each person approaches the same techniques.

Before You Arrive

A Few Things to Know

Where are the workshops held?

Both 2027 workshops take place in Lakewood, Ohio. Full studio location and arrival information will be provided to registered students.

How long is each workshop?

Each workshop takes place over five days, giving us time to explore techniques, experiment, and develop individual pieces of work.

Do I need previous experience?

Please review the individual workshop description for recommended experience and prerequisites. Each class focuses on a different group of techniques.

What materials should I bring?

Workshop-specific material and tool information will be provided in the registration details.

How do I register?

Select the workshop that interests you above to view its full description and registration information.

An Invitation from Susan

Come make something you didn't know was possible.

Bring your curiosity, your ideas, and your willingness to experiment. The rest is something we discover together.

View Upcoming Workshops