Spring Bling Introductory Jewellery Making

In this introductory course you will experience the use of a range of jewellery tools and techniques in a friendly and relaxed environment. Your experienced tutor will guide you through a range of techniques for basic introductory jewellery making. You will have the opportunity to learn different styles and design ideas.

This class is the perfect weekend experience. Presented throughout September, you will experience The Bench 8 week term in just 4 days! Our smaller classes and longer course modules, allow you to learn more advanced fundamentals of jewellery making and are able to quickly move forward into our other available classes.

ABOUT THE COURSE

Prerequisite
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Course Objectives
You will be guided through the following techniques over the first few weeks:

Sawing/piercing - Become proficient in setting up and using the jeweller's piercing saw to cut metal to size.

Annealing, texturing and shaping - You will gain an understanding in how to gently heat your metal to soften it, allowing you to then decorate and shape your metal. You will learn how to measure a ring size; form, shape and use a hand held oxy/gas torch to solder your silver.

Reticulation, granulation, doming and jewellery findings – You will become able to bring rich depth to your pieces with ancient metallurgic knowledge and 3 Dimensional shapes. You will have the opportunity to learn how to make your own catches, earring hooks and jump-rings.

Finishing - You will acquire a knowledge of how to file and polish your finished design and introduce colour to your work using patination techniques.

Course Outcomes
Each course begins with short, structured technical exercises and then fabricating, decorating and joining will be demonstrated. You will learn the basic skills needed to create your own pendant, earrings or decorative component, a sterling silver ring and the remaining time can be used to add to your completed ring or create your own simple design using your new skills. Everyone should complete at least one piece of jewellery.

Discussion between tutor and the students as a group and as individuals will take place to guide you to improve your skills.

What’s Included
A take home starter kit is supplied for your initial projects and a small selection of precious metals and base metals for your remaining designs.

The Tutor: Linda Blair
Linda Blair has been making jewellery since completing Jewellery and Object Design at the Design Centre Enmore over 15 years ago. Linda also further developed her skills and has completed Jewellery Manufacture Certificate at TAFE.

Linda’s practice includes exhibition and wearable pieces incorporating enamel.

Linda has taught beginners and specialist courses and particularly enjoys introducing beginners to jewellery techniques.