COVID 19 UPDATE
I am opening limited course dates for September to December, and each course will be for one student only, or if you are in a group "bubble" I can accept bookings for up to three people. As the situation is quite uncertain in terms of the long-term impact of Covid 19, and potential lockdowns, I will keep updating each student who has booked in as to the current situation.
Course Overview
This is a great beginner’s introduction to making silver jewellery and is open to anyone, whether they have had some experience before making jewellery or not.
The following topics are covered, with plenty of hands on:
- Introduction to materials and techniques
- Useful tools and resources
- Sawing
- Sanding and filing
- Annealing and preparation for fabrication
- Basic fabrication/soldering
During the day you will learn to make at least one of the following: a set of earrings, a pendant, or a ring, depending on what you fancy….flexibility and choice are key components of our courses.
As all our classes cater for a maximum of three participants, you can be sure that you will have a more personalised experience and truly have the mentoring and guidance needed.
Bespoke course dates can be discussed for group bookings of a minimum of two participants
Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts. Start dates may be amended on request.
At the end of the day you will have up to 2 lovely pieces of jewellery to take away with you and all materials costs (including silver) are included, as well as tea, coffee and homemade biscuits all day. Students will need to bring their own lunch.
You will also be given a complete set of instructions and plenty of resources to take away so that you can continue making silver jewellery after the course.
This craft course provider has been awarded Platinum status for receiving 50 or more 5 star ratings from previous students.
The Students' Choice award ensures that course providers get recognised for their efforts in the teaching and practice of UK craft.
They also allow tutors to gain valuable feedback on their courses and for new students to find the course that's right for them.
My daughter and I had a great day learning the art of silver jewellery making with Jonathan. Having the day tailored to our individual needs, our pace, our areas of interest was invaluable: such a luxury to have 2:1 tuition! Jonathan is patient, understanding, extremely knowledgeable and fun! This course is excellent value for money, the day was filled with much laughter and we both love the jewellery we made.
Totally agree with Harriet's recent review - thanks again Jonathan for your generous spirit and such an informative and fun course - a great intro. into the world of silver jewellery making!
I chose to take Jonathan's course in particular since he has such stellar ratings; spending the day at his studio on a one day workshop yesterday I totally endorse all the great things previous students have said.
The day was superb for Jonathan's approach and hospitality and generosity with time, tools, knowledge, support and welcome at his lovely home (and wonderful lunch).
Jonathan is closely involved with education and it shows; the day was a magical combination of being well-structured but informal. It provided the perfect mix of theory, information, demonstration and explanation and space to let us get on with it and allowing us to learn through practice with Jonathan always good humouredly close at hand for support. The after-care and guidance offered is also excellent.
SUPERB! Thanks so much Jonathan!
The day we spent at Jonathan's studio was absolutely fantastic! Jonathan is so warm and welcoming and his teaching style is structured but relaxed. He encourages you to abandon any hangups you have with saws or blowtorches and to simply go for it after he demonstrates a technique, but he's also available to guide you through every step of the process. Jonathan teaches in such a way to provide guidance past the one-day course, and so introduces every tool along with some model/prices alternatives to best suit your interests, should you decide to continue your jewellery-making hobby.
He was also very hospitable - tea, coffee, and all the gingerbread biscuits you could ever want :) He even took us into his home for homemade lunch!
I had the best day with Jonathan, he is funny, friendly and very generous with his knowledge. I have been to other workshops and this one was by far the most informative I have been on. It makes a big difference to be taught by someone with a teaching background. The day was well paced and at no time are you left wondering what to do next. I left feeling excited to try my new skills and to increase my tools with recommendations rather than guesswork.
Brilliant! Have attended various one day courses nationally. They're regularly oversubscribed and the tutors although great at their craft, aren't always good teachers...Cue Jonathan: very skilled at his craft and a fabulous teacher. He is very generous with his time and has put a great deal of thought and effort into the handouts he gives to his students.
The lunch and cookies provided are delicious too!
Cannot fault the day! Highly recommended.
Jonathon is a fantasic teacher, the day couldn't have been any better, i learnt so much and the handouts are brilliant too, i was a complete beginner when it comes to making silver jewellery so im incredibly proud of the silver ring i made. I will be returning for more workshops in the new year!
Excellent course. Johnathan has a wealth of knowledge and patience.
Hi Jonathan, just to say that last Thursday’s workshop was the most enjoyable experience I have had in a long time and so much fun! Thank you so much for your patience and encouragement yesterday. My family's gift of your 1day Introduction to Silver Jewellery Making Course was the best I could have wished for. Although I had been looking forward to the day, I had little idea of what to expect, having no jewellery making background, and was concerned that I might feel completely out of my depth. I need not have worried as your relaxed approach, sense of humour, enthusiasm to share your knowledge together with your expertise and teaching style have been nothing short of inspiring and I am already planning to book again after some practice with copper! I learned so much about all the processes and it was satisfying coming away with the silver earrings, especially loving the way we made the silver beads and imagining ways I can make those the basis for a style! My husband is busy exploring where and how to create a workbench for me and I have been e-trawling through the 'cooksongold' catalogue ;o) Thank you again and have a wonderful summer. I look forward to booking my next session and have been promoting your courses to every one of my friends. Thanks again.
Enjoyed a fantastic day on the 1 Day Introduction Course to Silver Jewellery Making. Jonathan is passionate about jewellery and obviously enjoys sharing his knowledge with his students. I was amazed at how much I accomplished during the day and was thrilled with the ring I produced.
I am looking forward to attending the stone setting course later this year.
Thank you for your hospitality, Jonathan and also the refreshments and homemade lunch.
I would highly recommend the experience.
I so enjoyed the 1 day introduction to silver jewellery. Jonathan instantly made me feel confident and his passion for his craft was infectious. During the day we handled different techniques with lots of teaching that was backed up with printed handouts. The work space was comfortable and Jonathan looked after us beautifully with tea, coffee and an excellent lunch.
I came away with a pair of lovely earrings and am looking forward to another course (stone setting) later in the year.
He is an excellent teacher and I would thoroughly recommend this course.
What a great day. Jonathan was extremely professional and knowledgeable as well as great fun. We learn't a huge amount and went away with a strong grasp of the basics. The handouts were excellent and good to refer back to in the future. Lovely lunch as well. A day very well spent :)
Had a fantastic day with Jonathan last week. Jonathan was so enthusiastic and happy to share his knowledge. Learnt such a lot in a day. From having no experience at all with jewellery making I went home with a lovely pendant which has been much admired. I can't wait to have another go. Would thoroughly recommend this course.
Our day was well structured and very informative for beginners giving some very useful pointers both on techniques and equipment. Having done various courses previously I was not quite a beginner, but still learned a good deal more. Jonathan is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher who gives all his pupils great support and confidence to take the next steps in improving their skills. I would thoroughly recommend his courses.
With no experience in jewellery, this was a very new experience! It was a really fun day out, and nice to learn something new.
Jonathan was great. He put everyone at ease, was very skilled and looked after all of us.
We received great advice on styles and materials, and created some excellent pieces with his support. Would definitely recommend.
I've wanted to make Silver jewellery for a long time, so have been buying tools here and there, but I have never actually used a tool. My partner treated me to the one day silver jewellery course and for someone that doubted and despite the fire in the belly asked myself could I actually do this or am I just dreaming, well all my questions were answered on this course. Yes I can. Jonathan is an excellent tutor. You are immediately put at ease and by the end of the course you are armed with useful knowledge, taught skills with tips on how to and I won't spoil it for you, but a great tip was the sharpie pen tip, yes sharpie pen. Jonathan also follows up the course with an email with useful links and information, as well as on the day. As a tutor I doubt very much you would learn more in a day with anyone else, all your questions are addressed and the day was fun filled with lots of humour. A pay it forward man and you will understand that statement when you hear his story over a lovely lunch. I would recommend Jonathan everything.
As a designer of fashion, jewellery and accessories I needed to learn techniques to make some rather quirky ideas a reality. Jonathan was exactly the tutor I needed. We had an instant understanding of the design process and a great rapport. The day was full of banter, humour, laughter and information. Jonathan is an excellent teacher and a generous and easy going man. Perfect day, inspiring, uplifting, well worth the money.
His wife Helen was warm and welcoming and provided me with gluten-free biscuits and lunch.
Will be back for stone setting.
Thank you for a lovely day.
Such a brilliant day and well worth the money! Jonathan is a talented and skilled silver smith with great patience as he teaches you the basics you need to set yourself up. I came away from the day with a beautiful pendant and cuff that I have had so many compliments about. Thank you for a fantastic day :)
A really great introduction to jewellery making, the workshop far surpassed what I had imagined I would learn in one day. Jonathan made the day fun, informative and relaxed. I am very happy with the two pieces of jewellery I made. I have booked to return next month. This workshop is excellent value for money and the delicious home made lunch tops the day off perfectly.
A interesting delve into the world of jewellery making.
Jonathan provided an excellent day all round. Lots of information, instruction, humour and enthusiasm.
Homemade refreshments and lunch and lots of info to encourage setting up your own thing.
A very enjoyable day. Will be returning to learn how to gem set. Excellent value.
I had fab day with Jonathan on the one day silver jewellery course. Jonathan is an amazing jeweller and brilliant teacher, very generous with his knowledge and time and obviously very passionate about his trade - you can't help but get hooked. I was thrilled with my makes having never made any jewellery before and already looking to book on another course to learn more. We were so well looked after all day and refreshments, biccies and the lovely lunch just topped the brilliant experience. Thank you very much.
The day seemed very well structured with technical explanation interspersed with practical application - so it did not overwhelm. It was good to practise with copper before being let loose on silver in the afternoon. Jonathan is a very knowledgable and very encouraging teacher. My daughter and I had a fantastic time and love the rings/earrings we made. We also very much appreciated the delicious food! Thank you Jonathan and Helen.
A really superb course delivered by Jonathan. Lots learnt and information to take away very useful . Jonathan's knowledge and enthusiasm was 1st class . The venue was perfect and lovely fresh coffee with flapjacks and a lunch most welcome . Highly recommended .
I really enjoyed the day course with Jonathan. He is a very good teacher, patient, fun and so informative.
I made a ring and my friend made a pair of earrings which we will both enjoy wearing.
He has a great talent and his jewellery is very beautiful and contemporary, so we could not have made a better choice.
Great hospitality from Helen as well.
Certainly to be recommended !!
Janette
What a fantastic day!
If you want to learn the processes in making a piece of Jewellery this is the course for you.
Jonathan is a great teacher and I made a copper pendant and a silver ring in the one day. I have not made any jewllery before this course and I am quite proud of my achievements.
He is a very hospitable host too - lunch, drinks and some lovely flapjack made by his wife !
Further information about tools and processes were emailed onto me for future reference too. I am hoping to be able to go onto an further day to learn how to mount stones - all I need now are some gems!
I had a great time. Jonathan is very easy to get along with. Nice lunch.
I did learn things. I'll be going back.
I would recommend him.
I so enjoyed my jewellery class with Jonathan. He is an excellent teacher, the day was very well planned and everything was explained thoroughly. We each made a pair of earrings and were given an information pack to take away. It was also such fun too with lots of laughs and the day flew by. I can't wait to return for another day's class .. and maybe another ....! Thank you Jonathan.
This was a great experience, I am a qualified teacher and Jonathan is a very good teacher, I had one to one tuition from him. He was very structured but relaxed, knew exactly what he wanted to achieve in the given time and was confident that we could do what I wanted in the time. I was not so sure but of course he was right. I came away with two simple silver rings and the confidence that I could repeat the process on my own. He has a great small workshop in the garage of his home with all of the tools you will need and some great ones you probably wont. He supplied me with coffee and biscuits throughout and a lovely lunch (Great Cambazola). I will be attending a second day for Gem setting, can't wait. Highly reccommended.
Great day with Jonathan last week. It was such fun and I learned a lot about jewellery making in a short space of time. Patient tutor and knows his stuff!
I'd found the course through Craft Courses and tried a day session with Jonathan, coming some distance as I couldn't find any courses closer to where I am based. It was worth every effort I made to travel. He is a very knowledgable tutor and clearly knows his craft. The day was very well structured and I now feel able to take this wonderful craft further. Great day and wonderful value