Beginners Silver- 10 weeks
Wednesday Evening class 5.00pm -7.00pm
Course Description
This comprehensive beginner's course will give you a broad understanding of traditional handmade silver-smithing practices. You will have the opportunity make a range of pieces including rings, pendants, stud and drop earrings. Learning outcomes: By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Use a range of silversmithing hand tools and machines materials safely. Develop skills in forming, annealing, soldering and pickling silver. Practice metal forming, wire bending, soldering, rolling and rub-over stone setting techniques. Experiment with methods for adding texture and different finishing techniques Apply techniques learned to make items of silver jewellery including rings, stud and drop earrings, and pendants. Understand elements of jewellery design and bring your own creative flair to projects. You will be led in making certain pieces, although there will be opportunities for individual interpretations, to suit your own tastes. There are therefore no materials fee included in the cost of the course – you can purchase silver from the tutor/you will be advised where to order from. The costs will be about £25-30 per term, depending on what you make. Tools will be provided but if you have any, feel free to bring your own. On completion of this course, you may want to progress onto a forthcoming 'Returner's Silver Jewellery sessions, which will be on an on-going basis. Some manual dexterity is needed, but individual needs can usually be accommodated. Please get in contact if you wish to discuss your particular requirements. Please be aware the learning studio is not currently wheelchair accessible.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your booking within 14 days of confirming your place without charge (provided your course hasn't started).
About the Tutor
My name is 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 have 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.
