How to Get the Most out of My Workshops

Thanks for asking about my workshops. My goal is to provide the very best learning experience for your students! I have taught hundreds of metalsmithing workshops to thousands of students of all skill levels. Along the way I have learned a few things that really make a difference in my ability to deliver a stellar class. If it seems picky, trust me, there is a reason (and a long story that I’m finally able to laugh about to go with it).

Workshop Topics
Because I only book a very limited number of workshops each year, I book way in advance. If we can agree on dates, we can book. You can select the topic later, based on what your students want and what will be most likely to fill. I market my workshops too, so most of my workshops end up with a waiting list. Many people travel from outside the host city, so please be prepared to help students with resources for lodging, etc.

You can find the full list of my workshop topics here

Maximum class size: 12 + a teacher’s assistant
Minimum class size: whatever works for your studio

Studio Requirements

This torch type and camera/TV are absolute musts!

1. Air/Acetylene Torches Only! – No other torch types. No exceptions.
   1 air/acetylene torch per each 4 students. – So if there are 12 students in the class, we need 3 torches + 1 for my demo bench if at all possible. The students learn much more if they can see me solder on camera.
   1. Goss brand + #3 tips
      OR
   2. Smith brand + #1 tips
2. Camera system with large screen for demonstrations
   OR
   Large TV/monitor with an HDMI out. I can use my iPad as the camera.
3. For Eastern Repousse or Russian Filigree sturdy tables may work better than jewelers benches. If you have jewelers benches only, then chairs that go up and down to accommodate the height will make students much happier.

Cost

1. I charge a flat per teaching day rate for a full day (7-8 hours) of instruction. No charge for travel days. Please contact me for the rate.
2. Reimbursement for travel and accommodations.
   1. This includes airfare from Atlanta, GA. I will book it, preferably on Southwest. If you’re shopping fares for your budget, there is an additional $50 roundtrip fee on Southwest for me to board early aka ‘Earlybird.’ This is mandatory in order to get on board with my tools and not get stuck in a middle seat. Not optional.
   2. I am happy to stay with a non smoking host.
      1. Kids and fur kids are great however see #2!!!
      2. If there’s more than 1 cat in the house, and the cat has ever been in the guest room, we’ll need to figure out something else.
      3. I need a private bath, preferably en suite.
      4. If the mattress is ‘firm’ I probably won’t sleep the whole time, which, trust me, is bad for your students.
      5. Hotels are ok if they are extremely quiet.
      6. I don’t camp, and I’m too old for those thin mattresses in a dorm.
      7. AirB&B is fine as long as the place is vetted, and I can see the booking at least 2 weeks before I arrive.
   3. Locations farther than 3.5 hours from Atlanta by car require that I fly.
   4. I prefer not to drive while I’m there.
      1. My first choice would be to ride to the studio with a host or student. This must be in a car where no one ever smokes! I have asthma, and it takes .05 seconds for second-hand smoke to trigger a migraine. Sadly, this is no joke. I can’t even be in a car in which someone has smoked out the window, unless you want me to spend the workshop time lying in the dark on the floor of the office, bathroom, or tool closet. (Is that a new delrin anticlastic stake? No, it’s Victoria in the fetal position.)
      2. 1. If it’s best that I rent a car to get around, I can, if reimbursed for a ‘full size.’
   5. Food
      1. I’m deeply grateful if at least most of the food is covered by the hosts.
      2. I’m an omnivore and seek out farm-to-table options.
      3. I have a bizarre, life-threatening allergy to hibiscus and red food dyes (yes, I carry epi-pens). No cherries, exotic salads, or multi-flavored teas.
      4. I bring my own tea bags for hot tea. Skim or 2% milk much appreciated. (Organic gets you a giant gold star!)
      5. I don’t eat a big breakfast before teaching.
      6. For lunch, carbs are the best fuel for me to give it my all to the very end of class. Soups, sandwiches, or pastas are good. Please no fast food.
      7. Dinner out with students is awesome. Ditto dinner in with hosts.

Supplies, Workshop Description, and Images

I provide all of these things well in advance.

I’ll send the supply list in a spreadsheet with links to examples. Please don’t send the supply list back to me in another format for confirmation about amounts or substitution of brands. If you alter it, we may both miss important things. If you format the info for your website, please have someone double check that everything is there.

Please copy me on all email correspondence with students regarding supplies!

I work hard to keep costs down and list any tools/supplies that may be shared. If I put it on the list that each student needs something, then trust me: these are things that cannot be shared during class or it will slow the class down to a snail’s pace.

I ship most of this ahead so I don’t have to worry about it getting lost on a flight.

1. What I bring:
   1. This depends on the topic. Whatever it is I bring extra.
      1. For Russian Filigree I provide enough solder for all the students during class (no charge).
      2. For Eastern Repousse I provide tools sets for use during class (no charge) that students can purchase afterwards if they choose.
      3. Copious handouts for each class.
      4. My own hand tools with which to demonstrate
      5. Metal for my own demonstrations
      6. Extra of everything in case something happens and in case students wish to purchase my products in person
      7. Examples in all stages of the technique/projects
      8. Finished artwork for sale and for inspiration.
   2. What I DON’T bring:
      1. No extra metal for purchase
      2. No extra metal for free
      3. I do not provide kits
      4. I do bring flex shafts, torch parts, or other large equipment
      5. I do not bring pre-made Russian Filigree wire (other than for my own demos) unless prior arrangement has been made in writing. The students will make this in the Russian Filigree class. It’s vital they learn how!
2. Kits
   Many studios like to offer their students materials kits or have the tools they need already in the studio. This is great, but please understand this is not a service I provide. I bring (ship ahead) whatever is listed in the supply list that I promise to bring. Please make sure kits are divided well in advance of my arrival. I do not cut the metal or divide any other part of the kits. This includes the required plasticine for Eastern Repousse.

Rio Grande’s website allows metal orders to be split so you don’t have to divide each type of sheet or wire for each student. Please take advantage of this option.

Thanks for reading all of this through. If you have any questions, please let me know. victoria@victorialansford.com