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September 2023 by Michael Rodriguez
I've taken several classes already, including the Cloisonné class, which was awesome! James is a great teacher, and has a lot of knowledge. Before coming here, I was mostly self-taught, having done engraving, stone-setting, and casting, among other things. Classes here will speed up your learning curve; James and his guest instructors will teach you techniques you can't learn from a Youtube video or out of a book. Highly recommended.
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June 2023 by Joel McFadden
Amazing classes
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November 2021 by kathy lake
I learned more in a week than I had in a year. Can’t wait to go back.
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May 2021 by Jacki Johnson King
Jimmy is a great teacher and he has a great team. Someone is always at your elbow to answer questions. Lots of tools, tips, techniques, your 2 day class is jammed with knowledge.
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May 2021 by J Maslany
A master at the craft (cloisonne enamel and metalsmithing) , learn from him while you can. Jewelry classes for all levels. Worth the trip, time, and price.
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May 2021 by Joyce C.
I took a beginners jewelry class at the James Carter Studio this past weekend. This was by far, the best Art or hobby class I have ever taken. James encourages each participant to go beyond what you're comfortable with. With a class of five, he has two assistants, plus himself, to walk around and assist you if you need help. He is a great teacher who enjoys teaching! When I got home last night with the ring I had made ,my husband was ''AMAZED" with the craftmanship and beauty of it. I was a little amazed myself! I've taken a few crafty type jewelry classes but, save your money until you can take a class here. James Carter's classes are "top shelf" and worth every dime. As well as being a great teacher, you leave there thinking you've met a good friend. I can't wait to take another class.
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August 2020 by Damien Dillenschneider
Had the pleasure of meeting the staff and seeing the shop today. Was thoroughly impressed by both the design and quality of the jewelry being produced. As well as the artists taste in gemstones. Plus the staff were very polite and accommodating. Highly recommend this place!
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November 2019 by Deborah G.
My first experience with James Carter Studio class was in January 2018. I had ZERO experience with metalsmithing. I didn't even know what a torch was nor how to turn it on. My first class was a 4 day enameling class. It involved an enormous amount of technique, information, patience and hands-on teaching . In spite of all of this, James was a phenomenal teacher. At the end of the class, I had a wonderful piece that I had created and was proud of. I am now hooked! I have taken other classes for general and specific metalsmithing techniques. I would recommend this studio for learning any type of metalsmithing, regardless of your skill level. It is definitely worth the extra $$ for one-on-one classes with him, if you want to fine tune a particular technique .
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July 2019 by Evelyn Renay
Fabulous teacher! Very friendly environment and just flat out fun!
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July 2019 by Wendy Bergamin
Having completed a class with James I can honestly say that he is a terrific teacher who makes sure that you come away feeling inspired to make more beautiful things. Truly a teacher who cares.
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March 2019 by Catherine Spry
James is a great teacher. It's worth coming just to watch him work. I've been several times for different topics and always left with a tremendous amount of knowledge, news skills and new friends. He's a dear and funny guy. The studio is well equipped, is well located near food, hotels and shops within walking distance.
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March 2019 by Penny Miller
I had so much fun in the ring class! I made two beautiful rings, and learned a lot of techniques that I can use in any of the metal work I do (I am still quite the beginner, having only done some online training, and trial and error on my own). James started with a short demo, and then assisted each student to make those techniques work. He shared great tips and stories. When the project wasn't coming together as I expected, he taught me how to come up with new solutions to make it work, and ensured that I was doing things right. During breaks, he answered my many questions on things that I had worked on outside of class and helped me figure out new ways to do things. It is a pleasure to learn from such an accomplished artist. I left inspired to take all of that information and to go make wonderful new things!
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January 2019 by Robert Simmons
I have taken several classes, Jim is a great teacher with a very well equipped studio. Highly recommended!
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December 2018 by Carole F.
I first heard about the James Carter Studio in Carrboro from my metal smithing instructor in Seattle. His studio is located in a historic mill building blocks away from University of North Carolina (lots to see and do nearby...good food too). What a find! James is truly a talented artist and has natural gift for teaching. He's more than excited to share his skill and knowledge acquired over his lifetime. You can feel his enthusiasm in giving what he's learned...resulting in the successful creations of his indebted students. I happen to be one of them! James can teach you anything you want to learn...and he combines it with patience and humor. I can't wait to take another class from him!
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November 2018 by Barbara L.
In October of 2018, I flew from Northern California to Carrboro, North Carolina to attend a five-day class with James Carter at his studio. The entire trip was an unexpected and most treasured gift from my dearest friend. I have been designing jewelry for about 10 years. James' class shattered all of my previous notions and routines of jewelry design. Not only did I walk away with 4 beautifully designed pieces of actual "wearable art", all were made using newly learned techniques. These new techniques as well as the resources and skills introduced to me by James, have been instrumental in providing the tools necessary to make a footprint in a very competitive industry. The lessons were predicated on photos sent to James of designs I wanted to learn. From these few photos, everything just expanded to unexpected levels, from designing unusual and moveable bails, intriguing rivets, mixing metals like fine silver, brass, sterling and copper, learning what the heck a Foredom flex shaft is and how to use it, working with a bona fide torch actually connected to tanks of oxygen and butane (vs. my go to torch mainly used for Crème Brí»lée), learning the art of bezel making, to being introduced to all kinds of equipment and concepts James has collected and learned throughout his vast career. Since completing this class, my mind continues to run on inspiration overload. One suggestion, to compensate for this brain binge, would be an instruction sheet including blank pages for note taking. Some kind of written prompt to refresh the names of the specific tools used and their uses, the gauges and descriptions of wire and when to employ each (half hard, half round, dead soft, etc.), when to use fine silver vs. sterling (whether wire or sheet), jeweler saw blade sizes and which to use when, when to employ all of the different solders (hard, medium, easy), etc. James has vast experience in teaching. He is clear, easy- to-understand, patient, doesn't move at a snail's pace yet doesn't rush; he will share his depth of knowledge and pass on tips and tricks gained over many years of study and practice. Bottom line; It is important to me to note this 5 star rating is a well thought out choice, the first I've ever given, it was consciously made based on these simple facts; I use James' lessons everyday and have created my best work ever since his instruction. If anyone has questions or would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact me. My name is Barbara LeFiell, my email address is
[email protected].
