28 Apr 19'
"An absolutely amazing course, made even more special by the magical setting of being on board a narrowboat in a beautiful place. This is perfect for beginners; but I also feel that if I did it again it would be just as good as I now know the basic techniques and could work on a range of other designs.
The group (maximum of four people, each with their own workstation) are taken through making an initial piece with copper. This will enable practice in the techniques of making jump rings, cutting wire and sheet metal, bending wire, filing, threading beads, closing jump rings, stamping, drilling and polishing. From there you have the basic techniques to choose from a range of items to make. Any extra techniques such as soldering are then taught as you go. It was lovely to see how four individuals can all be given the same starting point and the same tools, yet their own creativity produces such very different pieces.
Things to know on a practical level:
Parking is plentiful and good instructions are supplied. You will walk for a while over grass through a garden to reach the boat, so take good shoes and a coat. Tea and coffee is in plentiful supply and comes with a piece of cake about halfway through the morning. Take a packed lunch. Hygiene is great, there is a fully equipped kitchen right by the workstations and a fully equipped proper bathroom down the corridor.
No knowledge is required, all materials are supplied.
You will come away very happy, with a copper beaded keyring for your first piece and a beautiful piece of silver jewellery that you made yourself, whether a bracelet, pair of earrings, pendant or ring."
Salt Way Silver responded:
"Thank you Lynn for your very comprehensive and kind review.
Jonathan"