Develop one or several designs for a piece of jewellery, which either uses chain as its main feature or incorporates a repeated pattern of links as part of the overall design.
You will learn about a wide variety of examples of chain, historical, functional, commercial and contemporary, through an introductory illustrated talk and by examining test pieces and examples of handmade chain designs.
You will be encouraged to use your own ideas and to design and make your version of a chain. The tutor will help you to take into account materials, proportions, and various metal characteristics, as well as giving you technical guidance throughout.
You may also choose to simply experiment making different kinds of chains as test pieces and models for future projects, but everyone will be encouraged to produce at least one finished piece of jewellery.
Making chains takes the fear out of soldering and repeating a shape and pattern encourages hand skills. The use of tools will become a great deal easier, and the end result can be very rewarding.
Please note: this course is not suitable for complete beginners. Some experience of piercing and soldering is necessary.
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, 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)
Daphne Krinos trained at Middlesex University and has been teaching adults for many years at various Colleges, including West Dean since 2005.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.