Developing creative silversmithing

Programme overview

This is a very practical hands-on course. There will be live and recorded demonstrations by your tutor which cover the relevant techniques and design ideas. You will look at the work of well-known contemporary and classic artist makers to develop design ideas of your own.  You will spend a lot of time on practical work, building up your skill level to design and make jewellery or fine products of your own. You will also be involved in deciding which topics will be covered on the course. The course will also include essential health and safety for silversmithing. You will learn all about sterling silver, gold, copper and brass that are used in the industry.

Programme content

On this course you will learn a number of silversmithing skills and jewellery making techniques. This course is taught by a professional artist and is a very practical and hands. There
will be live and recorded demonstrations by your tutor which cover the relevant techniques and design ideas to enable you to create your own unique jewellery.

This course is aimed at intermediate to advanced level jeweller silversmiths but please ask to speak to the tutor if you are unsure the course is for you.  Learners on the course tend to choose their own specialism which the tutor will support and develop with technical and design advice.

Enamel work is an important part of the course and we will explore some elements of this wonderful art form using vitreous enamel which is fired in a kiln. For most classes there will be a short demonstration at the beginning followed by plenty of "making" time for you to develop the technique to your own design ideas. The tutor will be there for support and to give you feedback each week.  We will explore Intermediate/advanced level stone setting techniques so you can design, make and set a stone at a higher level. We will look at forming metal with a planishing press, anticlastic raising and more.

This course will be delivered by a fully qualified silversmithing tutor with several decades of
professional experience within the industry.

Who this course is for

If you would like to learn silversmithing and improve your wellbeing this is the course for you. Some small experience of silversmithing would be very helpful.

Experience and knowledge needed

Some small experience of silversmithing would be very helpful. For example, be able to cut sheet metal, anneal to soften and complete a basic solder joint with a small blow torch.

Materials and equipment

Please ask the tutor for a list of the equipment you will need which is available as a PDF we can email or message to you.

Your tutor will provide a small bag of essentials such as saw blades, drill bits, flux and solder to get you started. This will cost you £8.00. In addition to this you will need to pay for your materials such as sheet and/or wire metals such as sterling silver, copper, bronze or gold and gemstones. You tutor can often supply these at cost price or will be able to tell you what to buy and where from. We provide the larger equipment you will need to take part in the course. Please ask to see the list of tools we suggest you buy for the course.

Assessment

You will be assessed very informally. This will be done in conversation with your tutor on a regular basis and will also be written on your weekly individual learner plan journal. Feedback and ways to improve your work will be given very regularly and positively.

Accreditation 

This course is not accredited. 

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