Courses

This course will assist students to create jewellery objects using Cuttlebone casting.  Students will learn how to carve a direct pour mold, pour molten metal, and finish their jewellery. Beginning with simple  pewter casting students have more opportunity to fully understand the process, they will then begin roducing pieces in silver or gold. This technique produces immediate unique results allowing students the freedom to experiment and explore ideas. Pewter and two cuttlebone are included in the registration fee. Silver and gold are available for purchase or you can bring you old gold or silver to re‑use.

Lost Wax Casting has long been in use for creating jewellery.  Since the ancient Egyptians first created this technique it has become a science striving for jewellery perfection.  In these classes the students will learn basic wax carving methods as wells as casting procedures including investing, burnout, casting the metal, cleaning casting and molding for production casting.  The aim of this class is to introduce to the students the technique of wax carving, to give exposure to casting techniques, and to create finished pieces of jewellery.  Students will have the opportunity to design and create a ring, and a brooche or pendant. From concept to final creation, the design and production using lost-wax-casting is an excellent beginning for students to explore jewellery making.

This course will assist students to communicate their jewellery concepts through the use of counter sketches, black and white renderings and colour renderings.  Students will be taught drawing fundamentals as they pertain to jewellery rendering, stone rendering and design exercises to help in client consultations.  The first five classes focus on black and white drawing and designing.  The last three classes introduce gold tones and coloured stones. This is a beginning class for those who have little or no jewellery rendering skills.  Jewellery Rendering 201 further explores the rendering process including two-point perspective, advanced gem rendering, overlays and further designing and communicative skills.

This course will assist students to communicate their jewellery concepts through the use of counter sketches, renderings and colour renderings.  Students will be taught rendering with colour as they pertain to jewellery rendering, stone rendering and design exercises to help in client consultations.  The first two classes review what was taught in Rendering 101 and further assist in  drawing and designing.  The last six classes introduce gold tones and coloured stones using various painting techniques.  Jewellery Rendering 201 further explores the rendering process including two-point perspective, advanced gem rendering, overlays and further designing and communicative skills such as orthographic drawing.

This one day course is meant to expand the repertoire of jewellery students as well as professional jewellers. You will begin with simple multi-wire, 3-12 strand, braids which will teach basic techniques of creating an even and tight braid.  Then you will be taught flat braiding, braiding with half-round wire, and braiding with twists.  After a short lunch break we will explore basket weaves and a few of the complex twists used in braided rings.  During this class you will be shown the techniques used in most braids though finding the wire diameter that pleases you most is left to you to explore on your own.  Some silver wire will be available for sale for those who wish to use silver instead of the craft wire and copper wire supplied.  ½ round wires will only be available in limited quantities.  Students are welcome to bring their own wire.  Gold and Platinum wire will not be available.

This course is meant for those who have had some exposure to making jewellery, either in the form of structured classes or through personal exploration.  The course assists student in creating designs that are production oriented.  Often small modifications to a design can decrease their production time without significantly altering the feel of the design.  The students are then assisted in the production of their ideas and are helped with presentation to increase sale ability. This course is limited to five students only.  People interested should reserve space immediately.  Due to the importance of back ground information it is mandatory for potential student to speak with the instructor prior to enrollment and acceptance into this course.