Ref: S1D38302
On this practical course, you will make a spoon from silver.
There are three types of spoon that you can make on this course: the caddy spoon, the rat’s tail spoon or the smith’s spoon, depending on your preference and level of experience. You will need to select a spoon and buy the appropriate silver before you attend the course.
The caddy spoon is the simplest spoon to make as it is made from a single sheet of metal. It involves designing, piercing, forming and chasing techniques and allows for greater freedom in design creativity.
The rat’s tail spoon is made from two pieces of metal: the bowl and the stem. Making a rat’s tail spoon is a great introduction to silversmithing as it involves many techniques.
The smith’s spoon is hand forged from a billet (chunky lump) of silver. Using hammers and an anvil, your spoon will be hand wrought and is probably the most challenging spoon of the three to make.
This is a practical course with help given on an individual basis to develop your skills in silversmithing, and with techniques demonstrated according to your needs. You will leave the course with many new skills and a beautiful silver spoon.
The silver used on this course is NOT included in the course fee. You will need to purchase silver to complete your project. This can be purchased in advance from a supplier.
You will need to purchase the silver to complete your project. This can be purchased in advance from a supplier.
The Caddy Spoon The caddy spoon offers the greatest opportunity for creativity. Made from a single sheet of silver, a basic spoon shape can be easily formed. Freedom to create just about any design subject can be applied. Order: 1mm or 0.8mm Sterling silver sheet - approximately 100mm x60mm Weight: 62g
The Rat’s Tail Spoon A silver spoon made from two elements: the bowl and shaft. Order: 80mm of 4mm square silver wire (shaft) and 45 X 35mm of 1mm silver sheet (bowl of spoon) Weight: 26g
The Smith’s Spoon Made from a single ‘billet’ of silver, the smith’s spoon is entirely hand forged on the anvil using a selection of specialist hammers. Order: 10mm square bar x 40mm Weight: 38g
Please note: Some bullion suppliers have minimum order levels, e.g. £25 – please ask for your requirements to be checked against this before placing an order.
Recommended bullion suppliers: Argex Ltd Birmingham or Cookson Precious Metals
Available from shop:
Some silver can be purchased from the College Shop, which stocks a range of sheet, wire, rod, tube and findings. These will be available in set sizes and lengths, suitable for a wide range of projects.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals. Please tie hair back, if long.
Student registration: 9.15am - 9.30am
Course teaching: 9.30am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.30am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm
Teaching finishes: 5pm
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Julian Stephens has been a practicing silversmith and jeweller for the past 25 years. He has taught at Pruden and Smith in Ditchling and then at his own workshop in Brighton where he has run his own successful goldsmithing business since 2003. He is a member of the British Jewellers Association.
Our Foundation Degree in Metalwork will enhance your employment prospects, give you the skills to set up as a self-employed craftsperson or allow you to continue to higher education. Encompassing both silversmithing and blacksmithing, you will learn practical skills, material properties, placing your work in a broader context and historic metalworking techniques. Find out more
