About this course
Develop designs for chains considering materials and proportion, and experiment with test pieces inspired by a range of historical and contemporary examples. You are encouraged to produce at least one finished piece.Course Description
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.
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, 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
What students need to bring
- Any images for inspiration are welcome. It would be great if, in your own time and well before the course begins, you try to think a little bit about what chains are, where they are used and how they are used. Look around you and do not just concentrate on jewellery. See how chain is used to connect various things together. Observe links or fragments of them. If you can, look at photographs of microscopic particles or organisms, often linked together in what look like endless chains. There are numerous interesting shapes and forms in nature, which repeat themselves. Look at manmade things like iron work, gates, barriers and fences, there are many ideas there for creating interesting links.
- Wherever possible, take pictures or do a sketch. You’ll be surprised at how many times you will come across chains.
- Bring as much of this material as you can and think before you start the course about how you could create an original chain.
- Any tools you already have
- Please note: the shop does not stock gold, but you may want to work with it
Available to buy
- Available from shop:
- Silver sheet and wire in different gauges, as well as a small selection of tube
- Copper and brass sheet and wire
- Silver solders Any tools you already have
Tutors
Daphne Krinos trained at Middlesex University and has been teaching adults for many years at various Colleges, including West Dean since 2005.
Accommodation
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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