About Rhiannon

Making has always been a part of who I am.

I’m Rhiannon, a jewelry artist and teacher who has been making things with my hands for as long as I can remember.

I’ve always been drawn to the process of taking something raw and turning it into something beautiful. There’s something deeply satisfying about starting with a piece of metal, a stone, a few tools, and an idea — and slowly watching something emerge that didn't exist before.

Jewelry eventually became the place where all of those things came together for me: creativity, problem-solving, working with my hands, and the simple joy of making.

I’ve been teaching jewelry making workshops for the past eight years, but teaching has been part of my life for much longer. I have a background in Early Childhood Education and Psychology and spent many years working with children and young people, including teaching dance. I think that experience shaped the way I teach jewelry more than I realized at the time.

I learned early on that people learn best when they feel comfortable enough to experiment.

When they aren't afraid of getting it wrong.

When there is room to ask questions, try something again, laugh at the inevitable mistakes, and discover that they are capable of more than they thought.

That is the kind of environment I try to create in every workshop.

More Than Just Making Jewelry

When someone comes into one of my workshops, I don't want them to simply leave with a finished piece of jewelry.

Of course, I want you to leave wearing something you love. But I'm even more interested in the feeling that comes with making it yourself.

That little moment of disbelief when you look down and realize:

I MADE THIS.

There is confidence in that moment.

There is curiosity.

There is a reminder that you can learn something new, work through something difficult, and create something beautiful with your own two hands.

And I think we need more of those moments.

My workshops are intentionally small because I want to actually know the people sitting around my table. I want to be able to see when someone needs a little extra help, celebrate when something finally clicks, and encourage students to trust themselves as they work.

We talk. We laugh. We make mistakes. We figure things out.

And yes, we make jewelry.

But somewhere along the way, something else usually happens too.

People surprise themselves.

My Jewelry Journey

Over the years, jewelry making has grown from something I loved into a significant part of my creative life. I've designed and made jewelry, taught hundreds of students, led workshops, and even built and operated my own brick-and-mortar jewelry store.

I've worked with students who had never touched a jewelry tool before and with experienced makers who wanted to learn a new technique. Every person brings something different to the workbench, and that's one of my favorite parts of teaching.

There isn't one right way to be creative.

There isn't one kind of person who gets to call themselves a maker.

You don't have to consider yourself an artist.

You don't have to be “good at” making things.

You just have to be willing to sit down, pick up the tools, and see what happens.

Two Places I Call Home

These days, I split my time between the Monterey Bay area of California and the Bahías of Huatulco in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Both places have become deeply woven into my creative life. The colors, textures, landscapes, people, and handmade traditions of both California and Oaxaca continually find their way into the way I see and make things.

So my workshops travel with me too.

Wherever I am, I love creating spaces where people can slow down for a few hours, get their hands dirty, learn something new, and make something that is entirely their own.

Come Make Something With Me

Whether you've been dreaming about learning jewelry making for years or simply saw a workshop that looked fun, you are welcome at my workbench.

You don't need to know exactly what you're doing.

That's what the workshop is for.

I'll be there to guide you, answer questions, help when you get stuck, and give you the space to discover what you can make.

And hopefully, by the end of the day, you'll look down at what you've created and get to experience one of my favorite feelings in the world:

I MADE THIS.

A smiling woman with a bun hairstyle, wearing a striped shirt and mustard yellow cardigan, is holding jewelry tools in a workshop with tools and materials in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Not at all! Many of my workshops are designed for complete beginners. You don't need to know how to use the tools or have any previous jewelry-making experience. I'll guide you through each step and be there to help along the way.

    If a workshop does require previous experience, I'll make that clear in the workshop description.

  • Come anyway.

    You don't need to consider yourself an artist to make jewelry. You don't need to know exactly what you want to make or feel particularly creative when you walk through the door.

    Part of the fun is discovering what happens once you start.

  • Each workshop has a specific project or technique you'll work with, and you'll find the details on the individual workshop page.

    You'll leave with a finished piece (or pieces) of jewelry that you made yourself — along with new skills you can continue exploring at home.

  • Yes! Your workshop registration includes the tools and equipment you'll need to complete the project, as well as the materials specified in the individual workshop description.

    If there are any additional materials you may want to purchase, I'll let you know ahead of time.

  • Mostly, just yourself!

    I'll provide the tools and materials needed for the workshop. I'll include any additional recommendations — such as bringing a pair of glasses if you need them for close-up work — in your workshop confirmation.

    Come prepared to get your hands a little dirty and have some fun.

  • Comfortable clothes that you don't mind working in are best.

    For workshops involving a torch or other heat, you'll need to wear natural-fiber clothing with closed-toe shoes and have long hair tied back.

    I'll provide specific safety information before we begin.

  • Yes! Private workshops can be a fun option for birthdays, celebrations, girls' weekends, team gatherings, or simply a group of friends who want to make something together.

    [Add Private Workshops link]

  • I currently teach workshops in the Monterey Bay area of California and in the Bahías of Huatulco, Oaxaca.

    The specific location will always be listed on the individual workshop page.

  • Absolutely — if the workshop is listed as beginner-friendly.

    Learning to use a torch can feel intimidating at first, but I'll walk you through it step by step and show you how to work safely and confidently.

  • I intentionally keep my workshops small, typically a group of 6.

    Small classes allow me to spend meaningful one-on-one time with each student, answer questions as they come up, and make sure everyone feels supported at the workbench.

    It's one of the things I value most about teaching.

  • Absolutely!

    You don't need to come with a friend or know anyone else in the class. Some of my favorite workshop experiences happen when people arrive on their own and end up connecting with the other makers around the table.

    Of course, you're always welcome to bring a friend, too.

  • Absolutely. If you loved a workshop and want to make another piece, you're welcome to join again when it's offered.

    You may also find that taking a workshop a second time gives you the chance to slow down, experiment, and build confidence with the techniques.

  • Because workshops are kept small, cancellations can have a big impact.

    You can find the complete cancellation and refund policy [here].

    If something unexpected comes up, please reach out as soon as possible. I'm always happy to see what options might be available within the policy.

  • That's usually possible!

    If you're unable to attend, you may send someone in your place, provided you let me know ahead of time so I can update the registration information.

  • Because jewelry making involves tools, equipment, and demonstrations, arriving on time is important. Some techniques build on what we cover earlier in the workshop, so arriving late may mean missing an important part of the process.

    If you know you're running late, please contact me as soon as possible.

  • Some workshops are wonderful for teens, while others involve more advanced tools or techniques.

    I ask that all teens start a the Stacking Ring Workshop or they can join for the Intensive Course

  • That's what I'm here for!

    You are never expected to figure everything out on your own. I'll demonstrate each technique, check in with you throughout the workshop, and offer one-on-one guidance whenever you need it.

    And sometimes getting stuck is actually where the best learning happens.