About the Course
LEARN HOW TO MAKE THREE DIFFERENT RINGS IN STERLING SILVER USING TECHNIQUES SUCH AS FORGING, SOLDERING, PIERCING WITH A JEWELLERY SAW, FILING AND POLISHING.
This is a fast pace ring making day for beginner jewellers, packed with information, tips and advice to help you make three rings in sterling silver. During this course, you will gain a broad understanding of traditional handmade silver-smithing practices.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Use a range of silversmithing hand tools safely.
Develop skills in forming, annealing, soldering and pickling silver.
Practice metal forming, wire bending and soldering.
Experiment with methods for adding texture and different finishing techniques
Apply techniques learned to make a shaped stackable ring, a textured band and a wishbone ring.
You will be led by Liz in making certain pieces, although there will be opportunities for individual interpretations, to suit your own tastes. All materials for this course are supplied, however you are able to purchase extra silver on the day should you wish to customise pieces or make additional. Tools will be provided but if you have any, feel free to bring your own.
On completion of this course, you may want to enroll in the Beginners' Silver jewellery course or attend 'returners' sessions on an on-going basis.
Some manual dexterity is needed, but individual needs can usually be accomadated. Please get in contact if you wish to discuss your particular requirements. Please be aware the learning studio is not currently wheelchair accessible.
Your Instructor
Liz Taylor
I am the owner of The Silver Bird, an artisan, handmade jewellery business based in a semi-rural village in Cambridgeshire. I specialising in bespoke commissions, and customisable pieces, as well as teaching traditional jewellery making techniques.
I have recently retired from an18 year career as a secondary DT teacher, over which time, I taught taught hundreds of young people how to design and make novel, beautiful products, by exploring material properties and generating unique forms. I have completed a Masters of Education at Cambridge University, focusing on creative idea generation and development. This gave me a particular passion for biomimicry; using and replicating the nature through product design to make unique textures and forms.
I teach silver jewellery making at evening classes in several schools local to Cambridge and have designed my own teaching room to accommodate up to four aspiring silver-smiths.
Jewellery making with silver is easily the most addictive thing I have ever done. And that's before we talk about the enchanting world of gemstones! Whether you are into contemporary or classic pieces, you are learning for pleasure or you want your own career change, I can help you fall in love with the processes and achieve your jewellery-making potential.
Contact me for an informal chat if you'd like more information of what I can offer. I look forward to making with you.