February 3rd: Pineapple Twist with Alex Boyd
February 3rd: Pineapple Twist with Alex Boyd
This class was inspired by the classic blacksmithing technique known as the pineapple twist where a rod of steel or iron is chiseled and twisted to achieve a surface pattern similar to, you guessed it, a pineapple’s skin. Alex has modified the technique to work at jewelry scale and developed more pattern possibilities as well. We’ll start by making a bunch of different patterns in copper then make a cuff bracelet (or several if you’re fast) in fine silver.
When: February 3rd, 2026: 9am-5pm with 1 hour lunch break
Where: Potter USA, 1949 E Eastland St, Tucson, AZ 85719
Potter USA is equipped with the essentials like benches, soldering equipment, hammers, bench pins, etc. Bringing your own, favorite hand tools for specific classes is encouraged but not required. See project specific tool list below: if you have the items on the list, it’s handy to have your own but the instructors will have multiples for you to borrow as well.
Materials Kit: $60-80 depending on metal prices
3mm square copper wire (all you can eat)
5mm square fine silver wire 7.5 inches long
Project Tool List:
*= Provided by teacher
Rolling mill*
Vice and vicegrips*
Jeweler’s saw with 2/0 blade
Flat file
Sanding stick (coarse, med, and fine)
3M bristle disk (coarse)*
Anvil or bracelet mandrel*
The Fine Print: Workshop registration fees are refundable through January 1st, 2026. Please reach out directly to Alex at alex@alexboydstudio.com to cancel and request a refund. Refunds after January 1st will be issued if your spot can be filled on a case by case basis.
Emerging Artist Scholarship Application: for metalsmiths 25 years of age or under
In an effort to make it easier for younger artists to improve their craft, accepted applicants will receive free registration for one class and a free materials kit. (If you are 25 or under at time of application you’re good to go!)