Week One June 1-5

BASIC METAL ENGRAVING

This course provides an introduction to the core skills used in metal engraving with GRS equipment. Students will work with a range of practice plates in different metals and designs to develop control, consistency, and tool handling techniques. This class also includes instruction and hands-on practice in basic wire inlay, transferring designs onto metal, shading, and background techniques.

Participants will learn how to set up and use the tools, prepare gravers, execute foundational cuts, and apply techniques consistently and effectively. This course is intended for first-time engravers or those preparing for more advanced training. Course content may vary slightly depending on the instructor.

OBJECTIVES

• Correct setup of GRS equipment
• Operation of common classroom tools
• Tool sharpening, theory, and geometry
• Surface preparation for engraving
• Artwork layout and design principles
• Design transfer techniques
• Proper use of workholding fixtures and devices
• Business practices and pricing work (varies by instructor)
• Engraving scrolls, borders, letters, and numbers
• Shading techniques and background treatment
• Basics of metal inlay

CLASS PROJECTS

• Practice plates of varying metals
• Steel practice grip cap
• Steel practice floor plate
• Brass key tag

Week Two-Three June 8-12 | June 15-19

In weeks two and three, Lee Griffiths will guide you as you reinforce what you learned in the basic course. He will review your work and provide constructive feedback that you can use to develop your skills further.

Week Four June 22-26

Scroll Design & Engraving

This course provides mid-level training in the core skills used in scroll design and shading. Using a variety of practice plates on multiple types of metal, students will learn how to dissect complex scroll designs into more manageable, easy-to-understand parts. This course will also provide hands-on training and instruction in scroll anatomy and terminology, creating balance within your scrollwork, and design transfer techniques.

Participants will learn how to set up and use the tools, prepare gravers, execute foundational cuts, and apply techniques consistently and effectively. This course is intended for engravers who have some experience engraving and know how to create common graver geometries.

OBJECTIVES

• Proper scroll design & shading techniques
• Breakdown & study other engravers work to understand the foundation for proper scroll design
• Design, layout, and transfer solutions
• Create a balanced design and composition
• Create depth & enhance contrast
• Learn about background removal and treatments,
• Scroll anatomy & terminology
• Using intertwined & overlapped scrolls, leaf shapes, folds, flowers & borders

CLASS PROJECTS

• Knives

Optional Week June 29-July 2

Optional week due to Independence Day holiday. The classroom will be open for regular hours June 29-July 2 for those who wish to remain in Emporia and work in the studio.

Week Five-Six July 6-10 | July 13-17

During weeks five and six, you will continue refining and practicing what you have learned so far.

Week Seven July 20-24

Lettering for Engravers

This course provides an in-depth look at the fundamental skills used in lettering. Students will work with a range of practice plates in different metals and designs to develop control, consistency, and tool handling techniques. The focus of this course is the design, layout, and execution of lettering, including standard and highly decorative styles. This course offers hands-on practice and instruction in design transfer techniques, shading, texturing, and inside ring engraving. Time permitting, students may be able to explore other areas of lettering for jewelry engraving.

Participants will learn how to set up and use the tools, prepare gravers, execute foundational cuts, and apply techniques consistently and effectively. This course is intended for engravers who have experience engraving and know proper tool sharpening.

OBJECTIVES

• Overview of tools used in this course
• How graver shape and geometry affect lettering
• Alignment, spacing, and layout of letters
• Shading and texturing letters
• Using technology to assist layout
• Workholding techniques, fixtures, and materials
• Applying serif and sans-serif letters
• Transfer techniques
• Lettering: Bright Cut Script, Ribbon-Cut Script, Leaf Script, Block, Roman, and Micro
•  Inside Ring Engraving
• Monograms

CLASS PROJECTS

• Brass and steel practice plates
• Brass practice rings

Week Eight July 27-31

Begin to integrate all the techniques you have learned throughout the program.

Week Nine August 3-7

During the last week of the program, you’ll work with your instructor to design and create a capstone project that showcases your new skills and reflects your goals. Your work on this project will be the culmination of everything you have learned during your study and provide you with a valuable portfolio piece.

No prerequisites

Deposit and Payment:
Total fee: $9,500 (includes all course materials)

• A deposit of $2,500 is required to guarantee enrollment and reserve your seat in the program.
• Incremental payments are accepted at any time by contacting GRS.
• The final balance must be paid in full by April 30, 2026

Cancellation Policy:

• • On or before Thursday, April 30, 2026::
    • You may cancel your reservation and receive a refund of 50% of the deposit. Any additional payments (pre-payments) will be refunded in full.
  • On or after May 1, 2026:
    • The full deposit is forfeited. Any additional payments (pre-payments) will be refunded in full.
  • After Thursday, May 28, 2026:
    • Cancellations are not accepted. Failure to attend the program will be considered a no-show, resulting in the forfeiture of 100% of the total balance.

For questions or assistance, please contact GRS at 800-835-3519, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.