Ref: SLW35990
The aim of this course is to develop ideas for interesting decorative beads or small hollow forms that may be incorporated into jewellery. You should produce several interesting and unique hollow beads or containers using forming and construction processes in silver or base metal, possibly incorporating another material. Decorative techniques such as turning, etching, roller printing and oxidising can be used.
The principal material used on this course is silver but, depending on your ideas and inclinations, other materials may be incorporated, for example, copper, brass, steel, exotic hardwoods, acrylic, light collecting acrylic rod, soapstone, slate or silk. There will be a selection of materials available to use but you are welcome to bring your own.
The first evening will include a presentation looking at images of decorative beads and small hollow forms, along with samples, and we will look at different ways to construct hollow forms.
You will be encouraged to spend some time on the first morning thinking and experimenting with materials, drawing or making models while the tutor spends time with you individually looking at the suitability of your ideas and advising on the best way to proceed to realise your designs. There will be inspirational material and samples available to help if you are unsure about what you would like to make. The course continues with individual help and encouragement offered where needed, finishing with a review of the work produced.
Available from shop: Copper sheet and wire, brass sheet and wire, silver sheet and wire Silver, copper and brass can be purchased from the College Shop, which stocks a range of sheet, wire, rod, tube and findings. These will be available in set sizes and lengths suitable for a wide range of projects.
Available from tutor: There may be a small charge for materials brought by the tutor if students wish to use them. The tutor will supply some of the materials including wood, acrylic, soapstone, light collecting acrylic, slate, silk and steel.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toed shoes or sandals.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required
Sarah graduated Brighton Polytechnic in 1981 and has combined her studio practice as a jeweller with teaching part time. A member of The Designer Jewellers Group, she has exhibited at the Barbican Arts Centre (London) for the last twenty eight years. In 2000 Sarah was invited to write an introduction to Jewellery for Crowood Press and she features in several youtube videos. Sarah's work can be seen on Facebook and Instagram.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Our Foundation Degree in Metalwork will enhance your employment prospects, give you the skills to set up as a self-employed craftsperson or allow you to continue to higher education. Encompassing both silversmithing and blacksmithing, you will learn practical skills, material properties, placing your work in a broader context and historic metalworking techniques. Find out more
