This is the perfect class for anyone who is new to metal working and wants a gentle introduction to the basic tools and techniques required to make simple metal jewellery. Caroline Brogden is a jewellery designer/maker based in Yorkshire. She uses traditional silversmithing skills to recreate her own range of jewellery and small scale sculptural flowers.
You will learn how to use a saw to cut simple shapes from silver – circles/teardrops etc. Then, using a range of different hammers, you will explore how to create different textures on the metal surface. Once you have some basic techniques, you will have the choice of making either a ring or bangle in copper. Once you have worked through the process in copper and feel confident, you will have the chance to replicate the design in silver. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can create a small charm to be added onto your copper bangle by saw piercing out a design of your own and adding texture.
– learn how to cut/measure and file silver accurately
– learn about annealing, forming and soldering silver
– try out different texture finishes
– learn about finishing, sanding and polishing your pieces
Please note that there is a materials charge of £20 for this workshop, payable to the tutor on the day. Please note this is a slight increase from the charge indicated in our leaflet as there has been a significant increase in the cost of silver since publication. Also, depending on your choice of design the material charge may increase due to the quantity of silver required. Caroline will advise on the day.
Click the title below to find out if there is anything you need to bring on the day.
What to expect
Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all. We provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors and the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
We encourage you to arrive at 9.30am. This will allow time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning workshops at 10am. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a delicious homemade 2 course lunch. There will be a further afternoon break with tea or coffee and cake. All food and refreshments are included in the price of your workshop.
The finish time given is a target. There are occasions when the session may overrun so do let us know if you need to be away promptly.
We aim for your day to be a real treat. You could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make sure we provide a day where you will be looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
What you’ll need to bring with you
Please come in comfortable old clothes and sturdy shoes (toes must be covered). You will be using hammers, files, acid and flames so please ensure you are suitably dressed.
The class is likely to get very noisy at times so please bring ear plugs if you think you will need them. There will be a few pairs of ear protectors available as well.
