Jewellery, enamelling and cold connections

Programme overview

On this course you will explore a number of different jewellery making skills. We will discuss the type of jewellery work that interests you during the first session and build up a plan for the rest of the course. We will work in a number of different media such as metals and enamels.

You will learn to make your own fastenings, so your jewellery is truly unique. Cold connections are really on trend at the moment and we will explore how to use this in jewellery to create multi-layered work with several types of metal and other materials such as resins and paper.

Enamel work is an important part of the course and we will explore some elements of the wonderful art form using Vitreous enamel which is fired in a kiln. You will begin with simple sifted enamel work then develop skills, Sgraffito, using sifting screens etc. More advanced techniques such as cloisonné, wet process and painting enamel will be explored too.

The course will be extremely practical and hands-on. For most classes there will be a short demonstration at the beginning followed by plenty of "practical making" time for you to develop the technique to do your own design.

This is a mixed ability course where everyone welcome.

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

Programme content

Each session will begin with a technical demonstration and then we may explore a well known practitioner or artist.

There will be plenty of benchwork time to explore these techniques and ideas with lots of tutor support.

Health and safety is embedded throughout. You will learn the basic techniques of jewellery making using wire, resins and much more. You will learn how to work with vitreous enamel to produce a linked bracelet to your own design using Sgraffito combined with other enamelling techniques that are suitable for your level of expertise.

You will work with mixed media. You will create your own fastenings so your work is truly unique.

Exploring art and design is a particularly important part of the course so you can develop your own style of design. We will look at the work of different jewellers and enamel artists to derive your own designs from external sources.

Google Classroom is used to store all course material and is available to view 24/7. It's content includes videos of your tutor demonstrating techniques and insights into the work of other artists to help with design ideas. Handouts about techniques and health and safety are also available.

Who this course is for

For people with an interest in designing and making their own jewellery or decorative art. I would also be suitable for anyone who is interested in developing skills in a different art form. You can come as a complete beginner and build up from the basics, or as a more experienced jewellery maker/enameller and explore more advanced techniques. Enamel can be used to make jewellery and small decorative panels on copper sheet.

You can come as a complete beginner and build up from the basics, or as a more experienced jewellery maker/enameller and explore more advanced techniques. Enamel can be used to make jewellery and small decorative panels on copper sheet.

For short periods of time, you will need to wear an FFP level 3 mask (provided out of the initial materials fee).

The group is very friendly, and everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace with tutor and peer support. Your tutor will enable you to work on projects and techniques of interest to you.

Experience and knowledge needed

No experience required. 

Materials and equipment

There is a materials charge of £30. All materials will be provided from the one off £30 materials payment at the start of each term.

Assessment

Your tutor will carry out very regular, informal assessments of your work. Feedback will be given to help you develop knowledge and skills to improve your work. You will set your own personal goals, and your tutor will give regular written feedback on those too.

Accreditation 

This course is not accredited. 

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