Recycling/Reusing your Precious Metals by Nancy Gardner

With the price of precious metals these days, every little piece truly counts. Recycling and reusing your scrap is more important — and more empowering — than ever. In this hands-on workshop, we will begin by exploring the alloying process: how it works and why it matters. Each alloy has its own unique characteristics, carefully formulated for specific purposes and uses. Understanding these differences gives you greater control over your materials and your designs.
Once we’ve covered the fundamentals, we’ll move into preparing your scrap and/or purchased metal for casting into ingots. From there, you’ll transform those ingots into sheet or wire stock in a range of shapes and gauges — creating exactly what you need for your work.

Not only can this process significantly reduce your material costs, it gives you independence in the studio. Imagine needing a 2” piece of 20-gauge round wire to complete a piece — and confidently making it yourself when all you have on hand is 8-gauge square. These are skills that expand both your resourcefulness and your creative possibilities.

Casting grains of fine silver will be available for purchase.
Optional $40 materials “kit” contains 2 crucibles, metal pouring handle, and carbon stick.

Dates: April 11 2026
Times: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Saturday w/ 1 hour lunch break
Level: Some experience helpful
Price:  $255.00
Membership Price: $229.50   (Members can use code MEMBERS10 upon checkout to receive 10% off)
Optional $40 materials “kit” will be available through the instructor containing: 2 crucibles, metal pouring handle, and carbon stick. 
Casting grains of fine silver will be available for purchase through the instructor during the workshop.


About the instructor: 
Nancy Gardner has been fabricating fine art jewelry in silver and gold for over 35 years. She received her BA in metal smithing from Buffalo State College during which she spent a year of independent study at SACI – Studio Arts Center International in Florence, Italy. In 1983, she attended AR•CO, the first independent art school in Lisbon, Portugal, where she finalised her degree and completed a Master Metal Smithing certification. For the two years 2 following graduation she was a metal arts instructor at AR•CO in Lisbon. During her years in Europe, Nancy learned old world techniques from master crafts people and fell in love with the art of metalsmithing.

In 2001, Nancy opened Mendocino Jewelry Studio, Main Street in Mendocino, where she continues to exhibit her original, hand fabricated jewelry along with 12 other prominent local jewelers. Since her arrival to the coast in 1985 Nancy has taught many Jewelry/Metals workshops at the Mendocino Art Center as well as other community colleges and art centers. In 2011 she became coordinator/studio manager of the art center’s Jewelry/Metals department creating a nationally recognized program with renowned instructors from across the country and beyond.


About the Mendocino Art Center:
Nestled on the rugged Northern California coast, the Mendocino Art Center is a historic hub for artists and creatives of all disciplines. With professional studios and sweeping ocean views, it offers an unforgettable setting for focused creative work.