Jewellery: wax carving and electroforming
Time: 10:00 - 13:00
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: VV415
- Dates: 29/10/24 - 03/12/24
- Time: 10:00 - 13:00
- Taught: Tue, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Katrin Spranger
Course Code: VV415
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
We will work in copper and you will be able to electroform between 4-6 pieces depending on the size of your pieces which can vary between a two-pound coin and the size of your palm. If you aim to have a silver or gold finished surface, you can get your pieces plated after the course.
What will we cover?
- The basics of wax carving and working with Polymorph
- The principles of electroforming.
- The possibilities, potential and limitations of electroforming different materials
- How to prepare and process pieces for electroforming
- Health and safety best practice; safe use of the equipment
- The correct use of handling chemicals and operating the tank
- The properties of different metals: copper, silver and gold
- Wax carving and working with Polymorph
- Integrating bails and other jewellery findings
- Finishing processes and surface dyeing.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Produce 1-2 rings or pendants from carved wax to be electroformed
- Produce between 2-4 electroforming samples or jewellery pieces in copper
- Describe the principles of electroforming
- Identify suppliers and obtain electroforming materials
- Design and prepare pieces of work appropriate for electroforming and outsourcing
- Compare the properties of electroformed/deposited copper versus copper
- Apply health and safety best practice
- Discuss what you have learned and apply your new skills to your jewellery practice
- Contribute to a culture of mutual support within the group, and enjoy the profitable exchange of ideas, information and inspiration.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is specific to jewellers, individuals and creative practitioners working in 3D design, sculpture, textile and ceramics. All levels are welcome and no prior jewellery skills are necessary.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through theoretical and practical demonstrations both to the group and to individuals. You will get a handout and list of resources. We will also watch a short film about the technique and you will see sample images of electroformed pieces. Group discussions and feedback are encouraged.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Course materials such as copper and materials to prepare for electroforming will be provided. Please bring a selection of small pieces (not bigger than the size of your palm), including but not limited to natural found objects, sundries, lace, textiles, plastic ready-mades, leather, buttons and everything that you wish to electroform.
You are advised that sensible footwear must be worn in studio 308. For health and safety reasons, no sandals, open shoes & small pumps can be worn – even in hot weather. Please bring your own apron and safety glasses.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offer a wide range of short and year-long courses in Jewellery design and making, from beginners to advanced, and for professional development.
Suitable follow-on courses may include:
VV835 - Jewellery making: all levels
VV125 - Jewellery: soldering workshop
VV351 - Emerging jewellers' workshop
Your tutor will be able to advise you on your course.
Katrin Spranger - trained as a goldsmith in Germany – is a jewellery artist, teacher and assessor. Katrin has experience in working with the electroforming technique for many years. Her unique, award winning designs have been exhibited internationally. As her practice is highly creative, she encourages her students to work in a playful manner to help them to achieve their potential through the exploration of materials, techniques and ideas. Katrin’s studio is based at Cockpit Arts, London where she also teaches experimental and conceptual master courses, group courses and one-to-ones.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.