Crafting a Silver Spoon
When: Weekends 10:00am – 4:00pm
Duration: 6 hours (30 minute lunch break)
Class size: Maximum 6 people
Cost: $465
Have you ever wanted to make a silver spoon? Perhaps a keepsake spoon, a gift for a newborn baby or happy newlyweds? A coffee scoop for morning rituals or perhaps you really need a fancy spoon to stir your Friday night Negroni?
This full day hands-on workshop is a lot of fun and will give you the opportunity to make your very own spoon in sterling silver.
This workshop is a great gift idea and is suitable for the absolute beginner or for someone who would like to upscale their jewellery making skills to small scale functional objects.
The humble spoon was one of the earliest examples of cutlery and the use of silver spoons goes back to the ancient Greeks when it was normal to carry a spoon and drinking vessel when dining away from home! Today, a silver spoon is still a traditional gift for a new baby or a wedding present. Tutor Erin Pearce invites you to spend a day forging and fabricating your very own Copper and Fine Silver spoons.
Delving into the values of reciprocity and the sharing of the skills, space and time, we invite you to experiment with techniques and designs in copper, before creating a Fine Silver teaspoon.
Let’s see what you can bring to the table!
Prerequisite
These classes are not designed for silversmiths; they are for people who just want to experience and understand the skills of the craftsmen and women who create beautiful silverware. Students will be required to have a basic understanding of annealing and soldering metal, and will need to be comfortable with repetitive hammering for long periods of time.
Course Description
Using hammers and stakes, we focus on traditional silversmithing techniques to manipulate silver into 3D form. Learn how we stretch, thin and shape metal to create elegant forms. In the process of making your spoon you will learn how to anneal, forge, form and solder.
These are some of the techniques that you will be guided through:
Metallurgy
Annealing, Forging, Forming
Complex solder joins (for both fine jewellery and standard jewellery connections)
Industry standard finishing/polishing
New materials knowledge and understanding through application
Temperature control
Chemicals and their uses
Design planning
Course Objectives
This course is an excellent introduction to working with metals. Using traditional tools and methods to transform a piece of silver using hammering and forging – a process known as hand raising – into a simple utensil.
Course Outcomes
Everyone will complete one silver spoon.
You will complete this course having increased your skills set and you will leave with the understanding and confidence to continue making basic utensils.
What’s included
Tuition fee includes all materials, tools and enough silver to make one spoon. You will be provided with copper to sample, sterling silver, consumables – saw blades, solder, emery paper, industry standard polishing equipment, notes, trade connections.
Additional notes
All the tools you need for the course will be available at the venue; including an apron.
For health and safety reasons, please bring along with you the following
Hair tie: If you have long hair, please bring along something to tie it back with.
Closed in shoes: We will be working with hot, sharp and heavy tools, so please wear shoes, which will protect your feet. Avoid wearing loose flowing garments.
Sketch book/note book/ pen and/or pencil: Please bring along a notebook for your own notes and design ideas. Notes will be provided to complement the techniques you will be learning but you may wish to make your own notes.
Remember: If you use glasses for reading and /or close up work please remember to bring them along.
Please read our Terms & Conditions and Cancellation and Refunds Policy carefully prior to enrolling.
Details
You will learn
- Whether you are in the process of growing your own brand, taking on commissions or you just want to make something lovely for yourself, this course will delve into the metallurgical world of the noble metal Gold, and attempt to demystify this precious metal by enabling you to feel confident when choosing to work with it in your designs. Working within a modern, light-filled workshop, our jewellery teachers have advanced knowledge in both traditional and contemporary design techniques. Having spent more than a decade working with all golds, your tutor for this class is the very best person to have at your side when first working with gold.
You will get
- This class develops your skills to be able to use both 9ct and 18ct Gold - you may prefer wearing one over the other. These are some of the techniques that you will be guided through: Metallurgy Complex solder joins (for both fine jewellery and standard jewellery connections) Industry standard finishing/polishing New materials knowledge and understanding through application Temperature control Chemicals and their uses Design planning
Appropriate for
Students will be required to have an understanding of annealing and soldering metal, and will need to be comfortable with repetitive hammering for long periods of time.
Preparation
What to bring
- Copper and silver are provided.
What to wear
For health and safety reasons, please bring along with you the following Hair tie: If you have long hair, please bring along something to tie it back with. Closed in shoes: We will be working with hot, sharp and heavy tools, so please wear shoes, which will protect your feet. Avoid wearing loose flowing garments. Remember: If you use glasses for reading and /or close up work please remember to bring them along.
Your Teacher
The Bench Jewellery School & Workshop
349 reviewsThe Bench is a modern, industry standard workshop focusing on education and training for the industry and community. Director and principle tutor Erin Keys established The Bench because she wanted a place for a community to grow together and share their knowledge and experience. With little start up money and no regular funding, we raised funds to build a relaxed and friendly place to learn traditional and contemporary jewellery techniques, a space to develop ideas and projects such as ring making, silver jewellery and stone setting gems. We provide concept based jewellery classes to the absolute beginner, the aspiring maker and to the professional jeweller.
The Bench offers the community the following:
Jewellery Classes, jewellery specializations, professional jewellery development, private jewellery lessons, corporate team building and jewellery related activities.
Why learn to make jewellery at The Bench?
When you become a student at The Bench you are contributing to the viability and sustainability of our workshop, including the general maintenance. By learning to make jewellery at The Bench, you are supporting the establishment of a creative community, and are helping The Bench to evolve & experiment with new programs.
The Bench Jewellery School and Workshop is dedicated to building an unparalleled jewellery centre that delivers quality programs for the betterment of the community and the jewellery industry. The Bench is an open window to learn, design and share by creating experiences and fostering the next generation of makers. It is a place to learn, work, and discuss ideas and share knowledge, a laboratory for the creation of jewellery.
The Bench is a safe working and learning environment, complete with a wide inventory of tools and equipment. The Bench cultivates inclusive, creative and accessible spaces for everyone to have the opportunity to feel safe and welcomed. Our programs and activities offer opportunities for artists and audiences with disability to engage and participate.
Established in 2020, The Bench is located at the exquisite historic site, Joynton Avenue Creative Centre in Green Square. The former South Sydney Hospital comprised a group of brick buildings dating from 1911. Within the precinct, the Joynton Avenue Creative Centre occupies the Esme Cahill building, which was the nurses’ accommodation block, opened in 1938. The Joynton Avenue Creative Precinct by Peter Stutchbury Architecture (PSA), in association with Design 5 – Architects as heritage consultant, completed for the City of Sydney. Easily accessed by Bus, Train, Ride, Walk and with Wheelchair accessibility.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 14 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$56.00 applies.
- A transfer can be requested 14 days before the class starts. An admin fee of AU$32.00 applies.
- A credit note can be requested 14 days before the class starts. An admin fee of AU$16.00 applies.
No changes will be allowed after these times.
We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.
Terms & Conditions
SECTION 1 Terms and Conditions / POLICIES
1.1 LIABILITY WAIVER
I acknowledge I have read and understand the following;
I acknowledge and understand that participation in classes and/or events organised by The Bench Sydney may involve certain risks which include but are not limited to physical injury and property damage.
I acknowledge these risks and voluntarily agree to participate in the event noting I am responsible for any injury, harm or loss resulting from my actions.
I confirm I have reviewed and agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions as detailed upon the website or separably by The Bench Sydney. I specifically acknowledge the safe operating procedures detailed therein and will not touch or operate any equipment in which I have not received training or have been instructed not to use.
I declare that on the date of this activity I am not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and am physically able to participate in the activity. I agree to disclose any medical conditions or other health-related concerns which could potentially affect my participation.
In the event of an emergency, I authorise The Bench Sydney to arrange medical treatment on my behalf if necessary. I agree to assume the costs associated with the medical treatment received.
In consideration of the above, I hereby release The Bench Sydney from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury that I may incur during the activity, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage or death.
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Bench Sydney from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including legal fees) arising out of my participation in the event.
1.2 REFUNDS
The Bench has a strict no refund policy if less than 14 business days’ notice is given. (3.2 Refunds, Rescheduling and Cancellations).
1.3 HOW TO REQUEST A REFUND
● Contact our The Bench Sydney customer service team to request an exchange/refund no less than 14 business days from your course start date. Please include your full name, order number and reason for refund.
● If approved, our customer service team will process your refund or credit note. Fees may apply.
SECTION 2 Non-refundable fees
2.1 TAX & THIRD-PARTY BOOKING FEES
All of our sales include Taxes and incur Third Party booking fees. If you request a refund, transfer or credit, Third Party Fees may be applicable up to 20% of the dollar value of your order. In order to ensure there are no fees, please consider your schedule at time of booking and if changes are unavoidable, please contact the customer service team ASAP.
SECTION 3 Desk Hire
3.1 WORKSHOP DESK HIRE POLICIES
By making a booking with us, you are confirming that you have read, understood and agree to the policies we have set in place below.
● This is not a 1on1 session. During your booking, you will be unassisted, and whilst there will be staff around, we are not able to tutor you. This booking is purely for you to use our space and tools.
● During your session you are expected to treat the space and tools with respect. Any damage to our property will be paid for by the customer.
● We often have metal on site for you to purchase. If you have any specific requests, it's best if you email us 14 business days before your booking so we have time to order some for you. If less notice is given, this may result in the materials not showing in time for your booking.
● You are welcome to bring any of your own materials, tools and metal to use.
● The Bench Sydney does not take responsibility for any injuries or damage to personal property during your session.
3.2 Refunds, Rescheduling and Cancellations
● You will NOT be eligible for a refund if you don't show up or miss your booking without warning. Please make sure if you have a change of plans, you email us in accordance with the policies below.
● A full refund (fees apply) can be issued if you cancel within at least 14 days of your booking.
● If less than 14 business days’ notice is given, a credit may be issued - fees apply. (See 4.1 CANCELLATIONS & RESCHEDULING)
● If you need to reschedule your booking, please email us to discuss.
SECTION 4 Workshops/ Classes
4.1 CANCELLATIONS & RESCHEDULING
To cancel your spot, you will need to contact The Bench. We have a strict 2-week (14 business days) cancellation policy. If less than 14 business day notice is given, we will be unable to offer you a full refund. We can offer you a credit to rebook your workshop or a refund of 50% up to 7 days prior to the workshop. Please note that cancellations within 1 week of your class will result in no refund, transfer or credit.
The Bench Sydney runs small, intimate workshops, and it is unlikely that with less than a week's notice we will be able to fill your spot. You are more than welcome to send a friend in your place, just shoot us an email to let us know! If you would like to rebook your workshop to a different date within the one week's time frame, a $56 fee is required to book into another class. If you are not willing to pay this your ticket will be forfeited. If your class has been rebooked from your original date, we are unable to provide a refund regardless of the two week refund notice. If a class is missed, no refund or make-up session can be offered. Please set a reminder and double check dates and times before.
4.2 Covid-19 IMPACT
We understand that COVID-19 has been a tough time for everyone. So in the event of having to isolate for COVID-19 reasons, please contact us via phone or email as soon as you can. We will endeavor to find you a new spot in another one of our workshops provided that you are able to show a positive PCR or rapid test. Please be aware that we are a small business and we have been hit hard by COVID-19 the last three years, like everyone else. We would appreciate kindness and understanding in all communications! If you are unable to attend your session due to COVID-19, you will be required to show a positive PCR or rapid test. 4.3 MINIMUMSWe require a minimum of 5 bookings in order to run a class. If we do not meet this minimum we may cancel the workshop and offer you a credit to attend a workshop of the same value in future.
4.4 GOLD WORKSHOPS
If you decide to book a gold jewellery workshop, it is essential that you read this policy before making a purchase. Due to the ever fluctuating price of gold, we're unable to keep surplus on hand. This means that we order it specifically for you when you book a gold workshop with us. We need at-least two weeks to order it so that it arrives in time for your booking. Leaving less than two weeks means the metal will likely not arrive in time.
4.5 PHOTOGRAPHY/ VIDEOGRAPHY
The Bench Sydney reserves the right to take photographs and video footage during workshops. We intend to use this footage for the purpose of advertising our workshops through various media platforms without payment to students. We are very respectful and aware not to photograph faces or post imagery that identifies individuals unless agreed upon. Please let us know if you do not want to be included in any digital footage.
SECTION 5 Policy Understandings
5.1 AGREEMENTBy completing your purchase, you are confirming that you have read, understood and agree to our terms and conditions / policies.
5.2 LIABILITY
The Bench Sydney and its contractors are not liable or responsible for any injury or and loss or damage to personal possessions at any time.
SECTION 6 Private Classes/Events
6.1 POLICIES
● A 50% deposit of the total amount is required to lock in the date
● The remaining amount is due 1 week prior to the event
● Cancellations made within a week will result in no refund of your deposit, we will do our best to reschedule you to another date. If all parties can not make it to the newly discussed date, there will be no refund given.
● Cancellations made with at least a 14-business day notice are eligible for a deposit refund (fees are applicable)
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Crafting a Silver Spoon
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