Learn ways of creating pattern through mixed-metal fusing, by a lateral layering of wires, rods or pieces of sheet. The possibilities of these techniques can lend themselves to many different styles, whether geometric or organic, abstract or representational.

You will create several small samples, and also consider how these processes could be incorporated into your design work, in either silversmithing or jewellery. The samples made will include several different types of patterns and patinas. You may wish to form your metal samples into three-dimensional objects before patinating. You will be shown how to create various patterns then encouraged to look at your research materials and work with the tutor to develop the techniques towards your own personal style and ideas.

After the course, you will be well prepared to continue making the types of patterned metal sheets demonstrated, and to experiment further on your own. There is a huge amount of potential to explore the different ways of creating patterns, the chemicals used to colour the metals, and the eventual applications of these experiments into finished pieces.

Your tutor has developed this fusing technique after learning Mokume Gane at West Dean College with tutor Alistair McCallum. She spent several years, including a Masters Degree, refining and progressing her technique, leading to a distinctive pallet of patterns and colours which are recognisably related to, but also distinct from, the original Mokume Gane.

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 until 9pm, 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)

Included

• Some materials are provided by the college, including: some powders, soldering solution, antiquing fluid and chemicals needed for the course.

What students need to bring

• Please bring sketchbooks with your research materials e.g. drawing, photography, painting, collage, etc. You will be using this imagery to develop patterns for your metalwork samples created during the course. You may also wish to work on designs for pieces you intend to make after completing this course. Please bring some imagery of your previous work, in order to help with design plans, by considering the new techniques in relation to existing pieces and themes.
• An apron
• Hair tie, if your hair is long
• Please also bring if you have any of the following:
• Basic hand tools e.g. a selection of pliers and snips, piercing saw and blades, files (including needle files)
• Things needed for soldering e.g. brush, tweezers
• Workshop consumables, such as flux and sandpaper (or purchase from the college shop)

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• A good variety of art and craft supplies including drawing materials, sandpaper, flux, some base and precious metal.
• 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.
• For any materials you need to purchase from the shop, we suggest you do so during the first morning of your course, after having discussed with your tutor.
• Available from tutor:
• On this course, the tutor will supply some of the materials, including some base and precious metal and attachments for the pendant drill. This charge should be paid to the tutor before the end of the course by cash or cheque. The amount depends on the type and quantity of metal used. For your initial samples, this will be between £40 to £80. It is then up to you which metals you wish to use for further samples or pieces, and on what scale (and whether to purchase materials from the tutor, the shop or to bring along your own).

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toed shoes or sandals