Any Jewellery makers out there?

[Mascaraohara]

I want to start making my own jewellery, I have loads of ideas but I'm not a very good artist so would find it hard to draw my designs.

I'd like to start making some jewellery as a little passtime and I'm pretty sure it would sell.

My problem is I don't know where to begin, are there courses? would the fact that I can't draw for toffee be a problem?? any input greafully received

TIA!

bump..

need something to daydream about during another tedious Friday at work!

Are you in London? I did a course at Citylit (saturdays) years ago... It was funm, no drawing, taught you to make things out of silver

I run a course at my arts centre

It filled in one day.

Oh Enid, that's nt fair, you're just teasing me now!. You are miles away from me - don't you live somewhere near bristol/somerset or something..?!? Would like to see some of your stuff if you make your own though!

KrabbyPattie - I guess that's the sort of course I need but I'm not in London.

Yes miles away from you. Miles away from anywhere.

I don't touch the stuff personally, I am just the facts and figures person, but the course is 25 hours long over five weeks and teaches you the basics of working with metal - after the first couple of weeks you can choose which metal you want to work with.

Dont know why I am telling you this other than it was so popular I can't believe there aren't millions of them out there.

Well if there are courses that makes me hopeful, will be off looking on local sights now.. [girn]

Why don't you start with beaded jewellery - nice & easy & very satisfying. I make necklaces & earrings and also silver plated beaded bracelets. Would love to do something more complex but this gives you a feel for the basics & you don;t need to spend loads to have a go.

Ok I found this course description, I don't even know what half the things I need are. I am below beginner.

Jewellery - Wire Work Filigree

Is this the right course for me?
This course is designed for both beginners and those who have some experience in making jewellery. No soldering is used in these techniques, making it an ideal hobby for those who wish to carry on at home.

What will I learn? Wire sculpture and filigree types of wirework techniques will be used in conjunction with beads and semiprecious stones to produce various items of jewellery such as earrings, pendants and necklaces.

How will I learn?
All of the wirework techniques will be demonstrated in an easy to follow step-by-step method.
Worksheets will be provided and students are encouraged to make their own notes.

Will I gain a qualification?
You will not gain a formal qualification but you may receive a Certificate of Attendance and Achievement from your tutor.

What can I do next?
Advanced techniques and projects will be found in an Advanced Wire Sculpture Course

What do I need to bring to the classes?

A selection of silver-plated and/or gold plated wires in varying thickness e.g. 0.2 - 1.0mm
(Costs start at approx. £1.50+ depending on guage and length. Wire will be available to purchase from the tutor if necessary)

Jewellery pliers (approx. £6+) - Flat nose and round nose, wire cutters, a 12inch ruler, masking tape and a note book.

Your own choice of beads, tumbled stones and cabochons.

I think the course has been cancelled.

The wirework stuff doesn't sound as good as a proper metalworking course where you have big piences of silver and do all kinds cutting and soldering. I was quite crap at it but it was v good fun.

See KP - I don't even know the difference. I get the impression that this is the beginners class then there are three different classes which are more advanced. I guess each one is tailored to a specific genre?

My brother's a goldsmith but I think he's gone on courses through work over the years, started as an apprentice and went from there.

this kind of thing
beginners jewellery stuff

I guess to start with it would be that sort of stuff yes. It's a bit hard to tell from that picture but I probably got ideas above my station anyway!