WORKSHOP: Charms + Ornaments Workshop with Zahra Almajidi [MOD2026]

Presented in conjunction with Zahra Almajidi’s Detroit Month of Design 2026 exhibition, Casting The Net, this intimate hands-on workshop invites participants to explore an accessible and playful approach to working with metal.

Using thin brass foil, participants will learn techniques for embossing, forming, and drawing to create their own charms and decorative ornaments. Finished pieces can be transformed into wearable jewelry using simple chains and jump rings or displayed as small works of art. Zahra will also introduce participants to drawing directly on metal using gesso and colored pencils.

Designed for beginners and experienced makers alike, the workshop requires no previous metalworking or jewelry-making experience. All materials are provided, and participants will leave with several finished pieces.

Participants are encouraged to bring reference images of patterns, shapes, symbols, or objects to use as inspiration.

Attendees will instructed how to make embossed brass foil charms and ornaments that can be worn as jewelry or displayed on the wall. This is a simple, accessible way to create decorative objects out of metal foil, and participants will be able to walk away with several pieces. There will also be a chance to learn how to draw on metal using gesso and colored pencils.

*Participants are asked to bring reference images of patterns, shapes, and objects as inspiration for their charms and/or ornaments.

MATERIALS:  Brass foil sheets, simple chain, jump rings, pliers, stylus for forming/drawing on foil, felt sheets, scissors, gesso, brushes, colored pencils.

# of participants: 8-10 MAX

No previous metal working/jewelry making skills required.

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