Jewellery with alternative materials for all levels: expand techniques and make a personal piece

About this course

Participants investigate acrylic, leather, aluminium, copper and brass through material samples and guided experimentation. The course covers stamping, embossing, texturing, patination, finishing and cold connection methods, alongside the use of rolling mills and presses to create patterns and surface effects. Teaching combines demonstrations, practical work, group discussion, peer learning, handouts, video resources and individual tutorials. Learners develop a personal design before making a finished piece or small collection, such as earrings, pendants, brooches or cuff bangles, with verbal and written feedback during the process.

What you'll learn

• Apply stamping, embossing and texturing techniques to jewellery materials
• Work with acrylic, leather, aluminium, copper and brass in jewellery projects
• Use cold connection and finishing methods in constructed pieces
• Create colour and surface effects on copper and brass using patinas
• Generate texture and pattern with rolling mills and presses
• Design and make a finished jewellery piece or small collection

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginner and intermediate learners, including people who are completely new to jewellery-making and those extending existing skills. Participation combines individual making and tutor guidance with group discussions and peer learning. Learners develop their own object or small collection at their own pace.

• Suitable for learners working at beginner or intermediate level
• Includes individual tutorials as well as group and peer learning
• Learners are expected to follow workshop health and safety procedures
• There is no formal homework, although practice outside class is encouraged

Before you go

• Basic materials and access to specialist equipment are provided.
• Additional metals can be purchased on site by card.
• Precious metals and gemstones are not provided.
• Electronic copies of teaching materials are available for later reference.
• Learners are expected to keep workspaces and shared equipment clean and tidy and follow studio health and safety procedures.