Jewellery Making - Level One

Course content

Term one will revolve around the project ‘Surface Decoration and Texture' and will be an exploration of mark making and roller printing, to allow you to make interesting jewellery from simple ideas.

You will learn everything needed to allow you to make a basic pendant or earrings (more advanced students can choose what to make), using general techniques such as cutting, filing, annealing, soldering and drilling metal, and specific skills such as rolling, hammering, and if possible, etching metal.

You will build skills gradually during the first half of the course, learning about basic skills as necessary and specific skills such as rolling, hammering, and maybe etching. During this period, you will also be researching textures and surface decoration and designing your work, practicing skills and making test pieces and notes about the techniques, and thinking how you can use them in their projects. During the second half of the course, you will be working on making items for your own project and specific work will be informed by your research, your skill level, and discussions with the tutor.

Teaching

There will be discussions, demonstrations, and practice in all the techniques needed to make the finished piece(s). You will be expected to use a sketch/inspiration book to make design drawings, do research, collect photos, do drawings, make test pieces, collect handouts and make notes. The tutor and the technician are on hand to guide you in their tests, practical work, and choice of project.

Please note that some new students will start each term. If you are a continuing student, your tutor may take some time inducting new students at the start of the term, although projects are set up for you to work on with the support of the technician.