The final two days of my Art Week were spent at a silversmithing course. I’ve been meaning to get around to going on a silversmithing course for more than ten years, and now I’m really cross with myself that I didn’t do it sooner. Silversmithing is brilliant!
On the first day we made silver rings using different profiles of wire. On the second day we were given a quick demonstration of stone setting, so I set one of my rings with this lovely rose quartz. I’m absolutely thrilled to bits with this, and you can expect to see me wearing it pretty much all the time from now on.
My main project was this pendant. The leaf is silver sheet, textured with wire to make the veins, and then hammered gently over dome punches to give it a bit of shape. The acorn is made from copper and brass, and also gently domed. I’ve since brushed the brass part of the acorn, to give it a satin texture. I’m now pretty handy with a piercing saw and a needle file, although my hammering skills definitely have room for improvement!
I already have quite a few of the necessary tools for making jewellery, so I’m currently contemplating buying a few more. A bench clamp, a ring mandrel, a piercing saw and a few bits and pieces to allow me to do soldering… I can feel a few more pretty rings coming on!
There are quite a few silversmithing evening classes local to me, although apparently it’s quite a challenge to find one that actually has any available places. I’ll definitely be looking around to see whether I can squeeze myself onto a course. There’s so much to learn, and I can’t wait!
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