Jewellery making – beginners with Laila Smith

Jewellery

Ref: SSW30050

Location: West Dean
£311
Print
Book now

Places available

About this course

This course is a short weekend with a timetable variation: 10am-5pm on Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday.

Learn how to create beautiful and unique pieces of silver jewellery. Explore a variety of jewellery making techniques through demonstrations and exercises that show you how to bring your jewellery designs to life in silver.

Course Description

You will start by making a beautiful silver textured ring. This step-by-step project will introduce you to the essential jewellery making skills of mark-making, forming, soldering and filing, as well as how to finish a ring.

Once you have completed your ring, you will move onto a second project of your choosing, in consultation with your tutor; this could be a necklace, bracelet, earrings or even another ring in a complimentary design. There will be ample time for the tutor to help you and discuss your ideas.

Day one - Saturday 10am – 5pm:

- Watch and take part in demonstrations of various techniques to make a textured silver ring

- Experience making your own simple ring

- Learn cutting out techniques and start your individual project

Day two - Sunday 9am – 4pm:

- Continue and finish your project with support from the tutor

- Take part in an informal display of work and discussion of everyone’s achievements on the course

Please note: this course will not cover stone setting. Please sign up to a dedicated stone setting course for working with gems and stones.

Timetable

Timetable for 2 day, short weekend courses

Saturday, session one: 10am-1pm & 2-5pm. Please arrive by 9.45am.

Sunday, session two: 9am-1pm & 2-4pm.

Lunch and tea/coffee is included.

Course Materials

Included

  • All materials will be provided by the College: silver sheet 40 x 25 x 0.6mm, copper sheet 110 x 50mm, round silver wire 2.5mm, hard solder and wet and dry sandpaper.

What students need to bring

  • Any jewellery or beading tools, if you have them
  • An apron

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Additional materials can be purchased from the shop, including copper sheet and wire, silver solder, saw blades, abrasive paper and drill bits.
  • The College Shop stocks a range of silver sheet, wire, rod, tube and findings. These will be available in set sizes and lengths, suitable for a wide range of projects.
  • Available from tutor:
  • Silver earring findings
  • Jump rings

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toed shoes or sandals. Long hair needs to be tied back.

Tutors

Laila Smith

Laila Smith is a studio jeweller and tutor. Her mathematically inspired geometric jewellery is sold across the UK. She trained at Manchester Metropolitan University and then undertook a 15 month Fellowship in The Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. She has 17 years teaching experience, both in further, higher education and leisure classes.

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