Introduction to hammer forging techniques for jewellery and silversmithing with Stuart Jenkins

Jewellery Silversmithing

Ref: SLW31640

Location: West Dean
£489
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About this course

Learn the principles of hammer forging to manipulate metal and how each technique can be applied, whether for jewellery or silversmithing applications. The techniques learnt will be used to make a final wrist torque/bracelet piece in sterling silver.

Course Description

For this course, you will be taken through the principles of hammer forging to manipulate metal and how each technique can be applied, whether for jewellery or silversmithing applications.

Exploring the metal’s natural malleable properties, you will experiment and discover ways to push metal to the shapes required. Initially using copper wire and rod, these techniques can be practised until an understanding of the process is achieved. These techniques will be used in a final wrist torque/ bracelet piece in sterling silver.

The main aims will be to gain an understanding of metal’s malleable and plasticine nature, learning to hammer forge to a desired shape and silhouette, and also reading when the metal becomes work hardened, and how to release those stresses in the metal through the annealing process, so it can be continually worked.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course, the College will supply 1.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm copper round wire, 6mm sterling silver round wire and emery paper.

What students need to bring

  • Sketchbook and/or technical notebook
  • Pens, pencils and drawing materials
  • Practical clothing/apron/footwear for use in the workshop at all time, e.g. no long loose sleeves or dangly jewellery, and long hair must be tied back to avoid it catching in machinery or gas flames; sensible sturdy shoes with no open toes.

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Silver can be purchased from the College Shop, which stocks a range of sheet, wire, rod, tube and findings. These will be available in set sizes and lengths, suitable for a wide range of projects.
  • Ths shop also stocks a good variety of art and craft materials, including sketchbooks, paper, pencils, etc.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Tutor supervision required at all times.

Tutors

Stuart Jenkins

Stuart Jenkins's background is in both fine art and silversmithing.  He was introduced to the world of silversmithing and jewellery making by a local leading British silversmith, Michael Bolton.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Interested in a career in metalwork?

Our Foundation Degree in Metalwork will enhance your employment prospects, give you the skills to set up as a self-employed craftsperson or allow you to continue to higher education. Encompassing both silversmithing and blacksmithing, you will learn practical skills, material properties, placing your work in a broader context and historic metalworking techniques. Find out more