Chains offer endless design opportunities and are an essential skill for any jewellery maker. During this intermediate course, you will learn how to construct ‘jump rings’ - a type of wire ring used to form different types of jewellery or chains. The techniques taught will provide you with a basis for constructing your own bracelet or necklace.
This 6-week course will start with an introduction into design ideation; a creative process where designers generate ideas together in one session. As part of this evening course, you will investigate a variety of shapes and sizes whilst exploring a range of different chain link designs.
During this process, you will be asked to formulate your own individual designs to carry forward. Following this, you are invited to construct protypes using basic materials such as paper or wire. Alternatively, participants can use recycled materials sourced independently. Creating a prototype will allow you to build a sample to test and will enable you to conceptualise your own chain design.
Throughout the course you will learn how to create and construct a variety of chain links. Different techniques can involve: coiling, soldering, twisting, texturing, piercing and sawing. Additionally, you can learn how to incorporate a mechanism that enables your chain to open and close.
During the course you are invited to form your pieces of jewellery using copper or steel. Sequentially using the techniques learnt you will construct and finish your own individual piece of jewellery in the form of a bracelet or necklace.
Disclaimer
The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Learning Methods
This course will be delivered on campus from 18:45 – 20:45 every Wednesday for 6 weeks.
Activity Summary
- Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 10 in the group
- 12 hours of teaching in total over 6 evenings, 18:45 – 20:45
Independent Study
Students are encouraged to create and maintain a personal sketchbook which reflects their own creative practice, individual interests, learnings, and the work of other designers.
During the first evening class participants will investigate a variety of shapes and sizes whilst exploring a range of different chain link designs.
Students are encouraged to sketch as a way of conceptualising design ideas and are asked to take time to consider prototyping.
Assessment
This course is not formally assessed.
Staff Delivering on this Course
Maira Laidlaw studied three-dimensional design prior to graduating from Gray’s School of Art in 2021 where she too has later taught. Laidlaw’s work has a strong design philosophy and features a collection of jewellery that she has created by re using discarded materials. Her creative process starts with a sense of curiosity combined with her desire to make. Drawn to old things, the designer is inspired by their stories, whether its material, architectural or historical. Her work evolves around the untapping of new possibilities for materials that have had a previous use, in order to promote circularity.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
This course is suitable for intermediate level.
Required Age
All students are required to be at least 16 years of age on the commencement of the course.
For Academic Year 2022/2023
Course fee: £190 per person
The fee is to be paid as part of sign up process and prior to the first session.
After completing the registration form, you will be directed to the payment page. Your place on the course is not confirmed until payment has been received. If you have any difficulties locating the payment link or if you have registered for this course but have not completed the payment form, please contact us for a direct link to pay which will bypass registration.
Additional Costs
Essential core materials are provided.
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
Course Cancellation
If minimum participant numbers for this course are not met, the course will be cancelled and participants will receive a full refund.
If you have registered and paid for your place on the course, but now wish to cancel, please email engage@rgu.ac.uk at least 48 hours prior to the first evening session commencing.
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in advance. For further information see:
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