Welcome to My Private Engraving Studio!

I’m thrilled to announce that I’m now offering private engraving instruction in my home studio in Northern California! After teaching my first class last year, I've realized how much I enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills with others.

Class Offerings: I accept one student at a time for sessions ranging from one to four days (if you’re wanting more than 4 days, lets talk), I prefer Mon-Thurs also. My focus is primarily on pneumatic engraving, with occasional hand-push techniques for specific applications. My studio is well-equipped with quality tools, including Lindsay engraving tools, Leica microscopes, turntables, and more.

In addition to my home studio, I also teach a few times a year at Jeff Parkes’ studio in Mesa, Arizona, where I can accommodate larger classes. These sessions tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to keep an eye out for announcements!

Customized Instruction: I believe in the value of tailored instruction, so I prefer to discuss your learning goals before the class. While some techniques may require prior knowledge, I’m happy to review your work and craft a lesson plan that meets your needs. I welcome students of all ages and experience levels—whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, advanced, hobbyist, or professional.

Skills and Techniques Covered:

• Design and composition

• Microscope setup

• Transferring imagery

• Tool making and sharpening

• Preparation of work

• Basic cuts

• Scrollwork and lettering

• Ornamental and decorative cutting

• Bright cut and flare cut techniques

• Background techniques

• Relief and deep relief engraving

• Bulino techniques

• Inlays and sculpting

• Finishing techniques and coloring of metals

• Photography of engraved items

• And much more!

Each skill is covered in-depth, with explanations of the methods I use to achieve specific results. I tend to be meticulous about my methods, often overthinking the processes to achieve specific outcomes, and I'm happy to share the reasons why. The one-on-one setting allows for hands-on instruction, tailored guidance, and plenty of time to work on techniques at your own pace. Some techniques require proficiency at other techniques, like deep relief or sculpting, you should be proficient at normal relief. For some things, I might ask for photos of your work so I can make sure you’ll have the requisite skills in order to accomplish the goals for our time together.

Studio Environment: Classes run from 10 AM to 6 PM, with a lunch break included. You’re welcome to bring your own food (we don’t have a microwave, fyi) and drinks, which you can store in the refrigerator. I can also recommend some great local restaurants. There are plenty of Airbnb and hotel options nearby for your convenience.

Please note: This is a private home shared with my wife and our beloved old dog, so I kindly ask for respectful use of the space.

Pricing Information: Classes are priced at $650 per day, plus any tools you wish to take home (such as gravers, punches, scrapers, etc.). The cost of tools will vary depending on the techniques we cover; for instance, basic engraving might only require two gravers, while deep relief or sculpted work could need multiple tools. You’re also welcome to bring your own tools, I would be happy to provide a tool list for whatever we are going to work on. $200 deposit per day booked (1 day=200, 2 days=400, ect), non-refundable deposit required to reserve dates, if you need to reschedule, I am happy to do so with at-least 2 weeks notice, if an emergency comes up, lets just have a conversation, i’m human and understand. Remaining amount due upon arrival. Cash is always preferred, but I also accept paypal, Venmo, and check.

If you have received instruction from me previously, you will get a reduced rate for private instruction.

I can provide copper as an inlay material, but due to current prices of gold and silver, I ask that you purchase those materials ahead of time, and I’ll guide you on what to get. Please remember to bring a pen and notebook for your notes.

Let’s Connect: If you’re interested in private engraving instruction, please reach out to me to start the conversation. I look forward to helping you enhance your engraving skills!