Chris Carpenter
Chris is an accomplished jeweller who, having graduated with a BA, furthered his practical skills and style at the Art School in Zurich, studying in the Goldsmiths’ class.
Ref: SLW35843
Hollow forms have something very special about them. They hold a space, a compartment, a partition or a secret. They can be empty, holding nothing, or they can be filled with something personal, or they can be simply a very pleasing object.
There are many shapes that can be made: spheres, cubes, barrels, lenses, tubes and all sorts of abstract forms. They can have textures or be left smooth. They can be closed or slightly open. They can be full of holes or even cage-like.
On the course, the tutor will show how various forms are made. He will demonstrate how he often starts a piece by making a paper or card model of an idea, which is very helpful to work out how to construct the piece. It can be made from one piece of sheet or, inevitably, more sections can be soldered together.
Various soldering techniques will also be demonstrated that will make your jewellery making less frustrating and more confident.
By the end of the course, you will have learnt to develop an idea through planning and constructing with card, through to a hollow-formed piece of your choice, incorporating the use of various soldering techniques where necessary. Your tutor will give you one-to-one tuition to develop your idea through to the successful completion of a final piece.
Please contact the tutor before the start of the course to discuss projects and metal by emailing: [email protected]
The College will provide gilding metal, silver solder, round burrs, drills and borax.
Gilding metal will be provided but if you want to use silver you will need to purchase this 10cm x 10cm and 1mm thick. This can be purchased in advance from a supplier such as Cooksongold Jewellery Making Supplies or HS Walsh and Sons.
Alternatively, the College Shop stocks a range of sheet, wire, rod, tube and findings in set sizes and lengths.
Apron
Protective eyewear (provided by the college, but bring if you prefer to use your own) If you have any tools of your own, please bring them with you (and ensure they are marked with your name).
If you have an idea for a project and require advice about materials, please contact the tutor by emailing: [email protected] before the start of the course.
Available from shop:
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
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)
Chris is an accomplished jeweller who, having graduated with a BA, furthered his practical skills and style at the Art School in Zurich, studying in the Goldsmiths’ class.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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