I love having guest students in my studio. Being in-person allows you to form friendships and connections that last a lifetime. I really do treasure the time with these students and friends.

When you are in my very well equipped studio, you are welcome to ask to use any of the tools or have them demonstrated. This is a great way to try something before you buy it. I love sharing my knowledge and love for tools with students.

The in-person workshop also allows me to customize the curriculum to suit you best. We will fill in the gaps or carry on from where you are. You just have to let me know what you think you want to learn ahead of time.

What’s involved:

1. Book a 3 hour increment of time and reach out to me to book a date. *reach out to book a date first*
2. If you want to stay onsite, let me know and accommodations will be available.
3. I’ll let you know which tools to bring (most of my tools you can use and you can ship whatever you need here and I’ll ship it back to you)
4. Times to start and end are flexible. 3 hours is the minimum but you can purchase more time.

Travel Locations and Accomodations:

Between November and April you can find me in Tucson, AZ and between May and October we are located in Missoula, Montana.

Tucson, AZ:
We are located in the NW area of town close to many golf courses, the mountains and across from restaurants, movie theatres and Barnes and Noble. We have a small separate entrance 400 square foot casita with a queen bed, bathroom, fridge, microwave, full desk, large tv with all the movies. The casita is on ground level.
$120 per night plus taxes

Missoula, MT:
We are located out in East Missoula off the golf course. Walk to play golf or hit balls, down to the river to fish or float, bike, hike or walk. 8 minutes to the university and downtown. The apartment is 860 square feet with a full desk, dining area, living area, full kitchenette, king size luxury bed, bathroom, large tv with all the movies, all accessed from a separate entrance. There are two short sets of stairs.
$150 per night plus taxes

Here is what private in-person students are saying:

“Our private lessons were amazing! I’ve learned so much in 12 hours with you. What a gift❣️ Anyone wanting to up their game should definitely message you. Thank you so much!”
-Carol K.

Tonya is the most knowledgeable, passionate and generous instructor I have ever met. Her shop it so professional yet cozy. Any tool you’ll need for a task, she’s got it! She answered every single question I had. Gave me suggestions about benches and tools and on how to spend my money smartly. She gave me her truthful reviews on equipment.She explained in detail how different torches work. Specially the Swiss torch, which I the one I had questions about. She gave me great advice about my business. And she was willing to connect me with experts to help me succeed as an entrepreneur.

-Claudia

I had the opportunity to take lessons with Tonya and it was nothing short of an amazing experience. She listened to what I wanted to work on, and then added more tools, techniques and information to make it all come together. Her experience fabricating along with her knowledge, make her an excellent teacher. Tonya does a wonderful job explaining things and observes and offers advice. One of my favorite things she taught me was to be se the torch in my left hand. As unnatural as it felt initially, it has really made a-lot of things easier. I can’t thank her enough for being a wonderful resource and giving me the chance to take lessons from her.

-Breana H.

I have taken lots of art and craft classes in my time.  Many, many of these classes have been with Tonya Davidson over the last 30 years and I can attest to the fact that she is, by far, the best instructor I have ever learned from.  Not only does she know her art inside out and upside down, but her dedication to her students is incomparable.  She has the patience of a saint and knows or finds a solution to every problem this bumble handed student has ever thrown at her.

Her teaching and demonstrations always include the best tips, tricks, and tools to assure that her students can have the best outcome possible.  She spends endless trying out new techniques, finding just the right tool or supply, and making sure her instructions and handouts have all the information her students need in order to replicate their project at home and on their own.

Tonya is readily available for follow up, questions, queries, and advice.  She has never let me down when I was stuck on something.

I would not hesitate to recommend Tonya Davidson for any sort of teaching, coaching, or assistance in any jewelry related setting.

Respectfully and happily submitted

-Shirlei D.