Silver handmade Christmas decoration with Abigail Brown

Jewellery Silversmithing

Ref: S1D12333

Suitable for all £204
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About this course

Make a Christmas decoration from sterling silver to treasure and keep for years to come. Learn a range of silversmithing techniques.

Course Description

Ideal for both beginners and those with some experience in working with metal, make at least one stunning Christmas decoration. By cutting, hammering and manipulating the metal, you can create a stylish Christmas tree or window decoration. You will use sterling silver (included in the course fee) to create a special gift or to keep for your own enjoyment.

During the course, you will be shown how to cut, fold, hammer and roll sheet metal, and to manipulate wire.

Your level of experience and complexity of ideas affects what can be achieved in the time, but you can complete at least one decoration. The techniques are taught through practical demonstrations with the emphasis on encouraging you to have a go and to develop your own ideas.

Timetable

Timetable for one day courses

Students should arrive by 9am for registration.

Classes are from 9.15 - 5pm

Lunch is included.

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course, the College will supply all the materials and tools required to make one silver decoration.

What students need to bring

  • Images of Christmas items – mistletoe, holly, stars, etc.
  • Sketchbook and/or technical notebook
  • Pens, pencils and drawing materials
  • Sensible footwear
  • Apron
  • Practical clothing/apron/footwear should be worn in the workshop at all times, e.g. no long, loose sleeves or dangly jewellery, and long hair must be tied back to avoid catching in machinery or gas flames; shoes should not have high heels or 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.
  • There are basic tool kits for hire from the College Shop, which also stocks a range of tools and consumables, such as: saw blades, drills and abrasive materials. If you have any tools of your own, please bring them with you (and ensure they are marked with your name).
  • The College Shop also stocks a good range of art materials.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Silver for the project will be provided for one decoration. Please note: The College Shop has a good selection of silver available to purchase, but anyone requiring more than 156.25 sq cms (25 sq ins) is advised to purchase it from one of the bullion suppliers listed below. Some bullion suppliers have minimum order levels (e.g. £25). Please ask for your requirements to be checked against this before placing an order. USEFUL ADDRESSES: Silver supplier: Argex Limited 130 Hockley Hill Birmingham B18 5AN Tel: 0121 248 4344 Tools, Precious Metal: Cookson Precious Metals 49 Hatton Garden London EC1N 8YS Tel: 020 7400 6500 Clear and user-friendly website. www.cooksongold.com (If you order online before 1pm, goods are usually sent by special delivery the next day.)

Tutors

Abigail Brown

Abigail Brown has been producing contemporary designs in silverware since graduating from Loughborough University School of Art & Design in 2001. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is widely collected.

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

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