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Jewellery and Silversmithing

Jewellery: Exploring Materials

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

This short workshop-based course enables you to explore the possibilities of three-dimensional design through creating jewellery using accessible materials. Time will be spent experimenting with low-tech construction and joining methods including knotting/ macramé techniques, wire work, image transfer and laminating techniques.

After establishing a confident language with the materials, you will be encouraged to use this developmental work as a starting point for making a wearable piece of jewellery; from brooches to necklaces using processes which can easily be made in a non-specialist workshop.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

Previous experience of jewellery required.

Special Information

Materials you will need to bring to the first class:

  • Glasses if you need them for close up work

In addition to the course fee, students are expected to provide the following list of indicative tools, materials and equipment:

  • Apron (optional)

  • Sketchbook (optional)

  • Pencils / drawing equipment

Content of Course

Over the weeks the course will cover:

1. Introduction to basic knotting techniques.

2. How to do a simple wrap knot.

3. How to do a half hitch knot.

4. How to do a spiral knot.

5. How to do a square knot.

6. How to French knit.

7. How to make wire work earrings.

8. How to use hand / needle files.

9. How to use a jewellers saw.

10. How to use jewellery findings (cord ends, brooch backs, earring posts, etc).

11. How to use lazertran for image transfers onto different materials.

12. How to use laminating techniques.

13. How to use shrink plastic.

14. How to use leather punches and rivets.

15. Each student will work on their own individual projects with one-to-one discussion with the tutor.

Teaching method(s)

The teaching will be based and delivered in a specialist art studio and will typically include a range of practical exercises, introductions to techniques, processes and concepts, and set projects which lead to more focused and personal exploration. Over the course, students’ progress will be monitored and supported by the tutor. Teaching will include looking at books, practical demonstrations, one to one tuition, group discussions and critiques. A small amount of independent study is encouraged and will be directed by the tutor.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and confidence in making jewellery with specific hand/bench tools and low-tech connections and processes;

  • Make a collection of jewellery pieces using non-precious materials;

  • Show a developed understanding of the design process for small-scale wearable jewellery by experimenting with sketches, tests and samples and producing finished piece(s).

Sources

Core Readings

  • Gale E. and Little A. 2000, Teach Yourself Jewellery Making, Hodder Headline Ltd., 2000.

  • McCreight, T. 1991, The Complete Metalsmith – An Illustrated Handbook, Davis Publications Inc.

  • MacDonald, J. 2009, Jewellery from Recycled Materials, A & C Black Publishers Ltd.

  • MacGrath, J. 2007, Jewellery Making: A Complete course for beginners, Apple Press.

  • Murphy, K. 2009, Non-precious Jewellery: Methods and techniques (design & make), A & C Black Publishers Ltd.

Web Sources

www.craftscotland.org

www.craftscouncil.org.uk/craft-directory

www.photostore.org.uk

www.whoswhoingoldandsilver.co.uk

Class Handouts

Course information will be provided on enrolment and further hand-outs may be provided during the course.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.