Foundations of Metalsmithing - core skills to make your own silver jewellery

This multi workshop program will run over 4 Sundays and introduces you to the 5 main skill sets that form the foundation of metalsmithing.

During this program you will learn and practice:

Sawing

Cutting metal with a jewellers saw – putting the saw together, understanding which blade to use, practicing sawing metal shapes.

Filing

Using files to shape your metal – understanding which file to use for the job at hand, practicing your filing technique to smooth and shape edges.

Metalworking

Learning how to shape and texture metal; annealing the metal to make it malleable; adding texture with stamps, hammers, dapping the metal to form domed shapes.

 Soldering

Working with a butane torch to learn how to heat your metal to solder or join metal into your desired shapes. You will learn about using flux to prevent oxidation of metal and using different grades of solder to join the metal and removing oxidation with a pickle solution

Finishing

Once you have fabricated your piece of jewellery there are a range of finishing techniques to choose to complete your piece. Learn to add that special finish with texturing, burnishing, buffing, polishing and patinating.

During the course you will practice on base metals (copper, aluminium or brass In addition to the pieces you make from base metals you will be able to make 2 – 3 pieces from sterling silver – earrings, small pendant, rings or bangle.