The Road to Sisu
SisuStudio was born out of a journey fueled by passion, creativity, and a love for the art of silversmithing, led by founder Madison Carpenter.
Madison’s journey into the world of jewelry began at Indiana University, where she discovered her passion in a metalsmithing and jewelry design class. It was there that she first experienced the magic of turning raw metal into something meaningful and beautiful. Eager to learn more, she continued taking silversmithing classes during her time in Chicago, honing her skills and developing her unique style.
2019
In 2020, Madison decided to take her silversmithing on the road. She embarked on a cross-country adventure in a van, creating jewelry wherever she went, inspired by the diverse landscapes and vibrant communities she encountered. During this time, she launched her first jewelry line, Modern Euphoria, which captured her love for clean, modern designs mixed with the joy of discovery.
By 2022, her travels led her to Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant arts scene and creative spirit. Here, she established Madison Carpenter Jewelry, sharing her handcrafted pieces with the Austin community. Yet, she felt a calling to go beyond creating jewelry—to share the experience and joy of making it with others.
2022
This dream became a reality with the launch of SisuStudio. Madison envisioned a space where people could come together, learn, and create their own meaningful pieces, guided by skilled artisans in a welcoming and supportive environment. Sisu Studio isn’t just about making jewelry; it’s about sharing the experience, connecting with others, and discovering the strength and creativity within yourself—just like Madison did on her journey.
Welcome to SisuStudio, where every creation tells a story, and every piece is a reflection of resilience, passion, and the joy of making.
2025
HOWDY!
I’m Madison Carpenter, the face behind Sisu Studio. My journey into jewelry-making started five years ago when I fell in love with the magic of working with metal and stones during my first metalsmithing class at Indiana University. Since then, jewelry-making has been more than a creative outlet—it’s been my constant companion, even as I traveled the country living the van life.
Yep, for a time, I was crafting my sterling silver treasures on the road! My tiny mobile studio allowed me to blend my love for adventure with my passion for jewelry, drawing inspiration from breathtaking landscapes, Southwestern sunsets, and the ever-changing scenery outside my van windows. Every piece I create tells a story of those travels and the people and places that left their mark on me.
A little about me
I’ve always been drawn to creating things that feel meaningful, timeless, and deeply personal. Turquoise has had my heart for as long as I can remember, and a lot of my work is inspired by the Southwest, vintage heirlooms, and jewelry that feels like it carries a story.
After years of building my jewelry business while traveling and living on the road, I eventually found my way back to Austin where I opened my own silversmithing studio, something that once felt like a distant dream. What started at a tiny workbench has now grown into a space centered around craftsmanship, creativity, and connection.
In a world of fast fashion and mass production, I care deeply about creating handcrafted sterling silver jewelry that is made slowly, intentionally, and designed to last for years to come. From everyday staple pieces to bold statement designs, my goal is always to create jewelry that feels special when you put it on.
SISU STUDIO JEWELRY
Handmade in our studio by our founder and team. Discover the new collection—each piece made with care and creativity.
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Both workshops let you leave with jewelry you created yourself, they’re just completely different processes.
Silversmithing is our signature 3 hour experience where you design a piece using traditional metalsmithing techniques, sterling silver + gemstones with the help of one of our silversmiths.
Silver Clay is a 2-hour, more hands-on sculpting experience where you shape your jewelry from silver clay. Your piece is then fired, transforming it into solid .999 fine silver.
Choose silversmithing if you want gemstones, a more traditional jewelry-making experience or want to create a ring, pendant, bracelet or bolo.
Choose silver clay if you want a more hands-on experience and love organic, sculptural or perfectly imperfect jewelry.
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Yes, workshops are reservation-based. Booking in advance ensures we have a spot ready for you and your group!
Planning something bigger? For groups of 10+, please submit our Private Event Inquiry Form.
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Workshops are designed for ages 13 and up. Adults of all ages are welcome, too—this experience is fun for everyone! We ask any attendees under 18 to be accompanied with an adult.
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Just bring yourself, your creativity, and any design ideas you might have. We’ll provide everything else you need!
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In our signature silversmithing workshop you’ll spend 3 hours designing and creating your own custom sterling silver jewelry.
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Our expert silversmiths will guide you through each step, ensuring you leave with a piece you’re proud of.
You’ll craft around 30% of your jewelry, while your silversmith will handle the other 70%.
Here’s Why:
Our trained silversmiths ensure professional-quality results.
We want you to love the final product.
Sterling silver is costly, so minimizing waste is essential.
Some steps require special tools and expertise to keep everything safe.
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Workshop base cost pricing starts at $95–125, depending on the piece you choose, plus the cost of your selected gemstone & any optional details you choose to add on.
Most guests spend between $155–275 per piece, including their gemstone.
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In our workshops you can choose to make a ring, pendant, bracelet, or bolo tie. We also offer stacker ring add ons to any workshop.
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You’ll be working with professional-grade sterling silver and high-quality gemstones—the same materials you’d find at a jeweler.
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Yes, you can bring your own gemstone, but it must be a cabochon cut (flat on the bottom with rounded edges). Upon arrival please show your silversmith the stone so they can determine if it can be used in class. There is a $15 setting fee for using your own stone.
Please note: We cannot work with heirloom gems or stones with sentimental value, as there is always a risk of damage during the setting process.
General FAQ
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In our signature silversmithing workshop you’ll spend 3 hours designing and creating your own custom sterling silver jewelry.
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Choose to create a ring, pendant, bracelet or bolo tie. You’ll pick your piece, gemstone and design details when you arrive.
No need to decide before booking!
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Your reservation holds your spot, you’ll pay for your finished jewelry at the studio.
Base pricing starts at $95–$125 depending on the piece you choose. Gemstones and optional design upgrades are additional.
Most finished pieces range from $155–$275.
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You’ll craft around 30% of your jewelry, while your silversmith will handle the other 70%.
Here’s Why:
Our trained silversmiths ensure professional-quality results.
We want you to love the final product.
Sterling silver is costly, so minimizing waste is essential.
Some steps require special tools and expertise to keep everything safe.
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We use professional-grade sterling silver and high-quality natural gemstones, the same materials used in traditional jewelry making.
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Yes, you can bring your own gemstone, but it must be a cabochon cut (flat on the bottom with rounded edges). Upon arrival please show your silversmith the stone so they can determine if it can be used in class. There is a $15 setting fee for using your own stone.
Please note: We cannot work with heirloom gems or stones with sentimental value, as there is always a risk of damage during the setting process.
Signature Silversmithing FAQ
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Approximately 2 hours.
You’ll design, shape, refine, fire + finish your jewelry during your workshop and leave with your finished piece the same day.
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You can create a ring or pendant using your 7g of silver clay.
We’ll have plenty of inspiration available, and your instructor will walk you through techniques for creating a piece you love.
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Silver Clay Workshops are $185 per person.
Your workshop price includes your silver clay, materials, tools, firing + finished jewelry.
Your card is held when you reserve your workshop and payment is collected at checkout after your class.
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Silver clay is made from microscopic particles of pure silver mixed with an organic binder and water, which makes it workable almost like traditional clay.
Once your piece is completely dry, it is fired. The binder burns away and the silver particles fuse together, leaving you with solid .999 fine silver jewelry.
Basically: it starts like clay and ends as real silver.
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Very!
Unlike our traditional silversmithing workshop, silver clay allows you to personally shape and form most of your piece from beginning to end.
Your instructor will demonstrate techniques, help with sizing and construction, check your piece before firing and guide you through finishing.
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We provide a selection of small stones that are safe to fire with silver clay.
Because not every gemstone can withstand the firing process, outside gemstones cannot be used in Silver Clay Workshops.
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Silver clay is a handmade, sculptural process and that’s part of what makes it fun.
Your finished piece may have subtle organic textures, variations or imperfections that make it completely one-of-a-kind.
We’ll teach you our recommended techniques for the most reliable results while still giving you room to experiment and make the piece your own.
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Not exactly.
Our traditional silversmithing workshops use sterling silver (.925).
Silver clay fires into fine silver (.999), meaning the finished piece is 99.9% pure silver.
Silver Clay FAQ
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