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Although students will focus on pieces that can be worn they will also look at how these techniques can be used Fine and Decorative Arts. They will follow a basic set outline and they will use these techniques to make items that they will be confident in using. However one goal is to encourage their creativity and if they wish, the design of a piece can be up to them to express their likes and style. Precious metal work and especially jewellery is for everyone, be you a maker, wearer, male or female and it is all about the design, as students follow this course and feel more confident with making pieces I will encourage them to create work that reflects them. However, another side of this will be to teach them the mastery of the techniques related to working with metals.

Students will begin by looking into the basic tools, workshop health and safety, at best practices for the use of equipment and workshop awareness. The first project will teach them about annealing metal, and which involves using a blowtorch, flux and safety pickle, hammering, forging, mark making and polishing. The end result will be a copper bangle.

Following this demonstration students will learn how to solder, to use a jeweller’s saw, how to turn silver wire into a simple ring, and how to make a stone or jewelled setting, for a ring, pendant or brooch. Then they will look at mixing metals and look at more advanced methods of joining them to make a key chain, badge or brooch. Other subjects covered will include:

• Chain making;
• Melting and casting metals;
• The use of rivets, wire and pins.

Finally students will make a number of different items including more brooches, necklaces, etc. The last week will be open to allow them to explore their specific area of interest.

Please note:  no refunds will be given if canceled 2 weeks or less before the class are scheduled to start.

Class Dates July 27 -31

Class Times: All classes start at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.

In this exciting course, Kat will help students of all levels from complete novices to experienced upholsterers. All types of projects are possible everything from simple drop in seats to complex buttoning using only tradition techniques hair and stitched seats with webbing and springs (We urge all students  to send a picture of the object if this is your first class with the school at least 2 weeks before the start of the term). Obviously, the skill and experience level of the student will guide what is an acceptable project.

All base materials can be provided by the school (although a charge may apply at the end of the course – the students will be provided materials at a discounted price – an estimate of the material costs can be provided once a photo of the piece is provided). The top cover can also be ordered through the tutor (students will receive a 10% discount on fabric orders.)  Tools will be provided by the tutor for the duration of the class.  If students do want to purchase tools, they, again, can order them through the tutor at a discount.  Students learn how to upholster traditional and modern furniture by working on their own prized objects.

Class Dates August 3 – 7

Class Times: All classes start at 10 am and end at 5 pm

Beginning students will learn the craft of Wood Carving using traditional tools through a couple of challenging exercises, talks and demonstrations. Those new to Wood Carving will learn all the basics and will develop the basic skills to successfully carve objects in wood. They will develop an understanding wood, how to use the basic tools, then how to conceptualise a final Wood Carving goal and how to reach that goal.

More advanced students will continue to improve their skills by carving more advanced pieces.

Class Dates (every Tuesday): 21, 28 July, 4, 11 ,25 August

Class Times: All classes start at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.

Beginning students will learn the craft of Wood Carving using traditional tools through a couple of challenging exercises, talks and demonstrations. Those new to Wood Carving will learn all the basics and will develop the basic skills to successfully carve objects in wood. They will develop an understanding of wood, how to use the basic tools, then how to conceptualize a final Wood Carving goal and how to reach that goal. More advanced students will continue to improve their skills by carving more advanced pieces with careful guidance from the tutor.

In this summer course, a special emphasis can be placed on furniture or decorative arts design elements such as a shell, an acanthus leaf, a ball and claw foot, etc.

This class offers a discounted rate for ICON members.

Class Dates (Monday to Friday): August 17-21.

Class Times: All classes start at 9.30 a.m. and end at 4.30 p.m..