King Bee Workshop
Guest Instruction & Workshops
kingbee@kingbeeworkshop.com
@kingbeeworkshop
Tempe, Arizona

Chet Felkins is a working jeweler and metalsmithing educator based in the Phoenix metro. When asked to launch a beginner fabrication program at Mesa Arts Center, he developed and brought his own curriculum and teaching style — determining what foundational skills matter most and how to sequence them into a coherent learning experience. His classes consistently sell out across beginner and intermediate levels, bringing hundreds of students through the bench.

His teaching approach is rooted in fundamentals — building the technical vocabulary and muscle memory that turn a single class into a lasting practice. He's available for single-day workshops, multi-day intensives, multi-week series, and make-and-take formats.

What I Teach
Intro to Fabrication
A complete beginner's foundation: sawing, filing, forming, soldering, and basic finishing. Students leave with real skills, not just a souvenir.
Multi-week series · Full-day intensive (minimum)
Sawing Clinic
Sawing is one of the most fundamental jewelry skills and nearly everyone's least favorite — because no one ever takes the time to teach it properly. This clinic focuses on ergonomics, equipment, and individual coaching to finally embrace the most avoided skill on the bench.
3–4 hour skills clinic
Stacker Cuffs / Rings
Students fabricate and solder a set of wearable stacking cuffs or rings in sterling or copper. Satisfying to wear home the same day.
3–4 hour workshop · Timing scales with group size
Simple Cabochon Ring / Cuff
A project-based introduction to fabrication fundamentals. Students learn to construct and solder bezel settings for rings or cuffs, then set their own stone — walking away with a finished piece and the skills behind it.
Full-day workshop
Sand Casting
Sand casting is one of metalsmithing's oldest techniques — and one of its best teachers. Not every pour works out, and that's the point. Students learn to read what went wrong, make adjustments, and try again. You lose nothing and gain experience every time.
Full-day workshop · Half-day make & take
Hydraulic Press Basics
Introduction to die forming with a hydraulic press — creating dimensional forms and textures from flat sheet. Best suited for venues with press access.
Half-day make & take · Full-day · Requires press access

Formats

Class Size

6–10 students preferred.
Larger groups considered depending on format and venue setup.

Materials & Setup

Flexible on materials sourcing and tool requirements. Happy to work within your venue's existing equipment and safety setup.