You will learn how to make torch fired beads using vitreous enamel in a variety of different shapes and colours, which will lead to the design and making of wearable jewellery.

Colour coordination and assembly of beads made are facilitated by a large selection of findings and natural mineral or freshwater pearls to make personal creations. You will learn how to measure, judge colour balance and make a good quality product that is practical and functional, as well as beautiful.

During the length of the course, you will also learn the skills of correcting beads and reshaping the metal for repair processes, if necessary, and you will gain an understanding of enamel in a number of different forms. This will include decorating the beads.

By the end of the course, you will have fired a variety of beads to your choice of size and colour and strung the beads together to make a piece of jewellery of your own design.

Included

• On this course the College will supply the gas cylinders to fire the beads.

What students need to bring

• Pencils for sketching and a notebook to write down combinations of enamels

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• A good variety of art and craft materials

Available from tutor:

• On this course, the tutor will supply all of the materials you will need to make your bespoke jewellery, including all beads, enamels, etc. This cost needs to be individually paid to the tutor, as no two students will use the same amount of supplies. Please be aware that the cost will vary according to what materials you choose to buy. As a guide, some students pay an average of £65/£70, but others pay more if they need a lot of materials.

You can purchase the following from the tutor:

• Copper beads
• Enamels
• Findings
• Spacers
• Pearls or natural beads
• Bead caps
• All stringing requirements, clasps and ear wire hooks for earrings. These are mostly inexpensive gold plated; silver is available if preferred.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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