Jewellery from found objects and recycled materials

Learn ways to process and convert found objects and recycled materials. Combine with traditional metalsmithing techniques to make personal and unusual items of jewellery. For all abilities. Some materials included.

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Key course information

Dates
20/11/11 - 04/12/11

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
3 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £135^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VV963

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

This short course is for anyone wanting to make jewellery with “Found Objects” and other recycled materials combined with traditional metal-smithing and jewellery making techniques. You will design and make a piece of jewellery using a variety of skills you will learn and you will have the opportunity to experiment using alternative techniques, this will include group demonstrations, time to practice and produce jewellery and to develop these skills.

What topics will we cover?

Beginners: you will learn some basic metal-smithing & jewellery making skills such as annealing, wirework and piercing, as well as alternative techniques including lamination, gilding and cold joins.

Intermediate/Advanced: You will learn more challenging techniques such as inlay of metals into other materials and experimenting with plastics and synthetics. In addition you will build upon the traditional jewellery and metal smithing skills you already have; this could include tube riveting, fusing, reticulation and granulation.

There will be group demonstrations, access to one-to-one advice from the tutor when needed as well as time to practice and produce jewellery using these techniques.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Cut and form sheet metal and wire.
- Anneal, texture and manipulate metal.
- Have an understanding of cold joins and choose the best one for a project.
- Experiment with recycled and alternative materials including plastics and synthetics.
- Design and make a personal piece of jewellery utilizing found objects and using skills you have learnt.
- Be aware of and work to the health and safety guidelines for working with both traditional and recycled materials.

As an intermediate / advanced student, in addition to the above by the end of the course you should be able to:
- Combine alternative & recycled materials into a unique design.
- Have an understanding of how to incorporate more advanced construction techniques.
- Incorporate more advanced surface finishes such as fusing, reticulation and granulation.
- Achieve a high standard of design and craftsmanship.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is for all levels; from people new to this field to people with experience and the skills you need will be taught throughout.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, handouts and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Math skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught through demonstrations, samples and photographic examples of jewellery that show how these skills have been implemented. You will be given technical notes and support and advice as to how your work can be developed. You can expect to be taught as a group, but with individual tuition where required. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

City Lit provides almost all the basic tools and equipment you will need for jewellery making. City Lit will also provide some basic materials in reasonable quantities, such as base metals (copper, gilding metal, etc.) and other materials (paper, laminating sheet, etc.) chemicals (pickle, borax, etc.) and sundries (polishing compound, etc.).

However, all precious metals (silver, gold, etc.), stones, and other materials you need for your specific projects must be provided by you.

Also, as this class uses recycled materials and other found objects students are requested to bring some of these materials to the class with them and a list is included below of all the materials that may be used. As the materials are recycled and many can be found in the home there will be minimum costs involved.

Suggested recycled materials
As this class uses recycled materials and other found objects it is requested that students bring along some of the following items to experiment with:
• tea tins / cans - graphic prints work well, bottoms of drink cans make excellent broach bases
- telephone wire
- old coins,
- old keys
- old silver spoons and forks
- cardboard rolls
- fabric / wool scraps
- old jewellery (pendants, earrings, badges, broaches, medals)
- hardwood off cuts, driftwood (which can be cut to size)
- bottle caps
- game pieces, bingo tokens checkers, dice, dominoes
- beach glass, river pebbles (if less than 7-8 mm thick), marbles, shells, feathers
- corks
- pressed flowers and petals, maps, old currency, postcards (to be laminated)
- buttons
- tape measures
- beads and drop pendants from chandeliers
- fishing flies and lures (with hooks removed)
- washers, springs, swivels, electrical connectors, circuit boards
- vinyl records and CDs
- guitar plectrums
- rubber inner tubes, toy rubber wheels
- broken watches with mechanisms.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The City Lit runs a number of other specific metal classes that will enable you to develop and broaden your skills.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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