Jewellery

What will the course Cover?

Learn the essential skills to design and create your own unique, wearable jewellery using a variety of metalwork techniques. You’ll learn how to cut, drill, hammer, solder and polish metal to produce pieces with a professional finish. This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those returning to develop their skills further. Beading projects are also available for those interested.

Who is this course for?

Beginners and intermediate learners. Each term introduces different techniques through guided projects, but learners are supported individually, so you can start at any time of the year. Your tutor will adapt to your experience and creative goals. Core techniques will be piercing, filing, soldering, polishing and using pliers. Surface texturing and 3D shaping techniques can be introduced as appropriate to your experience level.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to start this course?

No previous experience is required. This course is recommended for beginners or those who want to develop their skills

What should I be able to do by the end of the course?

By the end of the course, you will have developed the confidence to use basic hand tools safely and effectively to create simple metal jewellery. You will be able to apply key techniques such as sawing, filing, soldering and polishing, and may also explore decorative processes like texturing, enamelling or fusing gold foil, depending on the focus of the term. Through guided projects, you will complete finished pieces and begin to develop your own creative ideas with support from your tutor. The course will give you a solid foundation to build on in future classes or independent practice.

How is the course organised?

This practical course focuses on learning through making. Sessions begin with tutor-led demonstrations, followed by time to experiment and develop your own designs. Support includes group discussions, visual handouts, and one-to-one guidance.

What extra study or practice is expected outside of the class?

To gain the maximum benefit practice the topics covered during the class each week. Research in books, magazines and on websites will also support your progress.

How will my progress be assessed?

Progress is assessed informally through one-to-one discussions with the tutor, group feedback, and self-reflection, which may be recorded in your sketchbook or Individual Learning Plan (ILP).

What can I expect to go on to after this course?

You may continue in similar courses to further develop your skills, including Jewellery – intermediate.

Are there any other costs and what do I need to bring?

The workshop is fully equipped with hand tools and machinery. Consumables such as saw blades, emery paper, solder, and small amounts of base metals are available. If you wish to use precious metals, gemstones, or large quantities of materials, you’ll need to supply these yourself. The tutor can assist with sourcing and ordering.

What support is available?

Help with literacy or numeracy is available through the basic education programme and the ESOL programme offers help for speakers of other languages. Additional support can be provided for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Details of all available support can be found on our website (hfals.co.uk), in the Guide and the Student handbook, or from teaching or Reception staff.

Tutor - Wendy De Reus

Wendy De Reus is a qualified Goldsmith/ Jewellery designer and maker and holds a Post Graduate Degree in teaching Art & Design. For the past 15 years she has enjoyed teaching children and adults in schools, after-school clubs, community centres, adult education and workshops for her own company. Her own work is very varied; she says “I like to use various materials like silver, beads and recycled materials which I turn into unique pieces of jewellery and art work. With the passion I have for jewellery making I like to help others explore their creativity in a relaxed and informal environment.”