Silversmithing.
October 2026
Learn foundational silversmithing techniques over the course of three consecutive Wednesday or Saturday sessions in the Creative Explorers Workshop. By the end of the course you will be able to use your new skills to make many different types of jewellery.
Scroll down to find out what we will cover in each 3-hour session…
Week One.
Piercing.
10am - 1pm, Saturday 3 October 2026 or 6pm - 9pm, Wednesday 7 October 2026
In our first week we’ll get hands-on with the most essential silversmithing tool: the jeweller’s saw. You’ll learn how to choose the right blade, set tension, and develop control for clean, accurate ‘piercing’.
Through guided exercises (starting with copper and finishing with sterling silver) you’ll build confidence in piercing straight lines, curves, and sharp corners, and learn how to file and sand your pieces to a smooth finish.
By the end of the session you’ll have a finished pendant and/or pair of earrings in both copper and sterling silver, and be ready to make your own jewellery using this versatile tool.
Week Two.
Soldering.
10am - 1pm, Saturday 10 October 2026 or 6pm - 9pm, Wednesday 14 October 2026
In our second week we move from cutting to joining. You’ll learn the fundamentals of soldering silver: preparing the metal, using flux, selecting the correct solder, torch control, annealing, pickling, and most importantly, getting the solder to successfully flow.
Through practise, you’ll learn how to make strong, invisible joins that can really elevate your jewellery making beyond simple sheet and wire pieces.
We’ll make stacking rings to learn about joins, and a small pendant using sweat soldering, so you’ll have another couple of finished pieces to take away with you this week.
Week Three.
Gemstones.
10am - 1pm, Saturday 17 October 2026 or 6pm - 9pm, Wednesday 21 October 2026
In our final week we add gemstones to our jewellery. You’ll learn how to make a bezel setting from fine silver strip and/or gallery wire, solder it to a backplate and set a cabochon stone.
You’ll learn measuring, forming, soldering, stone setting and burnishing for a secure, clean finish.
By the end of the class you’ll have created a beautiful stone set pendant or ring.
Bonus.
Bench Practice.
Throughout our three weeks together you’ll have learned many skills and hopefully will want to put them into practice, so the course includes two 2-hour bench sessions in the Studio with me at a time of your choosing.
Use this supervised bench time to finish projects, try out techniques again, or get 1-to-1 feedback on your piercing, soldering and stone setting. Tools are provided but you will need to provide your own materials (which can be purchased from me).
This is a great opportunity, once you’ve got the hang of these techniques, to build your confidence and work out what you want to do next with your jewellery making skills.
You will also receive a discount on future unsupervised bench hire sessions.
NB. You will need to take both of your bench practice sessions within 6 months of the end of the course (so by the end of April 2027).
Is this for you?
Now that you’ve read through the course outline, you may have some questions. If so, please do email me soozi@creativeexplorersworkshop.co.uk or pop in to the workshop and have a chat with me.
Your investment for this course is £390, which includes:
the three 3-hour sessions outlined above,
all tools and materials for those sessions,
small class size (maximum of 4 on the course)
two 2-hour supervised bench sessions,
discounts on future unsupervised bench sessions,
a detailed instruction sheet each week.
This is an introductory price as it is the first time I’m running this course - once I’ve ironed out any kinks the price will almost certainly rise for future cohorts.
Participants must be over 18.