From 2-D to 3-D: Turning Sketches into Jewelry or Small Scale Sculpture

Live from Seattle

On Sunday May 16th at 2PM EST, VAWAA and sculptural jewelry artist, Jesse, will walk us through his creative process, from initial inspiration to final execution, to see how a 2D drawing becomes a small 3D sculpture.

We'll learn how to carry creative inspirations through to design planning, how to choose materials and process for executing a new object in the round after you have a pattern. 

First we'll see how he studies his subject in great detail, from drawings to different images. Next, we'll see how he translates a sketch into a 3D object by using patterns. Then we'll learn about his small-scale sculpting technique and the tools he uses to carve the wooden object. Finally, we'll learn how he makes a sand mold out of the wooden object to cast his final sculpture in bronze. 

By taking a closer look at Jesse's methodology we can gain a great deal of practical and functional wisdom, jumpstarting our creativity. Enabling us to move from creative non-tangible ideas and inspirational sources, to a fabricated 3-dimensional object we can hold in our hands.

This session is ideal for anyone working in small sculpture, creative metal work and jewelry, or wood carving. It will also be perfectly valid and enlightening for anyone working creatively with their hands, interested in learning new techniques and tricks for producing 3-dimensional objects made from either sheet metal, wood, or paper.

All levels are welcome. There will be plenty of time to discuss, ask questions and meet other participants from around the world.

If you are not in EST time zone, be sure to convert the time.

What you'll need

A sketch book or your preferred way to keep notes.


How to join

We'll be hosting this VAWAA Online on Zoom. We'll send the link and details to join via email 1 day and again 30 mins before it begins.


About Jesse

Jesse is an American sculptural jewelry artist and teacher who has lived and worked in Mexico for 13 years. Having a mother who weaves and a father that does woodwork, Jesse started working with his hands at a very early age. He developed a deep interest for intricate metalwork during 3 internships in high school and decided to formally study jewelry and metalsmithing for 7 years. For the past 13 years, he has been teaching around the world and creating artworks with copper, silver, steel, porcelain, bark, plastic, used and repurposed materials. He also creates unique fine handmade tools and equipment that give his work distinction through delicate texture and design. Continuing to be a part of collaborative environments where teaching and learning is always present on some level is very important to him. One of his favorite quotes is “The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.” - Stephen McCranie.

Visit his artist page to learn more about his in-person VAWAA.


Sessions are ticketed to support artists, makers and our small team. If you’re experiencing financial hardship, please reach out. We may have a generous participant who has paid it forward and would ask that you pay the love forward by sharing online sessions with 3 new friends.