Jewellery Making Workshops with Grant McCaig. 10-Week Tuesday Evening Workshop for Beginners

Date:
6 May – 15 Jul 2025 (no class on 27 May).
Tuesdays evenings, 6:30 - 9 pm.

Price:​​ £588

About the course​:
This course is for beginners who want to get an insight into jewellery making and learn fundamental jewellery skills such as piercing, soldering, annealing, filing, texturing, roll-milling, forming, doming and polishing. You will learn how to correctly handle jewellery tools and equipment. These basic skills will enable you to design and make your own unique jewellery pieces, letting your creativity flourish. No matter if you prefer more classic or contemporary style of jewellery, your tutor will support you in your creative journey and make suggestions how to improve your designs. Small class size of maximum 8 students allows for individual approach to each student.

What you’ll learn:

Here are some examples of jewellery projects you can do:

• a ring with a special feature such as a cut-out shape or interesting texture.
• a pair of stacking rigs.
• a bangle / open cuff.
• a pair of earrings.
• a pendant.
• a simple handmade chain or bracelet made of jump rings.
• a brooch.

If you are a total beginner you will start from learning basic techniques while working in base metals (copper or brass). After that you will move on to using silver for your final pieces. If you have a bit of experience already, the tutor will be able to advise on projects that may be suitable for your individual needs and development. At the end of this course, you will have several jewellery pieces finished and plenty of ideas and inspiration for future projects. We run this course every term, so you are welcome to sign up for another set of evening classes and gain further jewellery skills such as setting a cabochon gemstone in a silver ring / pendant or bracelet with a claps. All tools and materials are included except for precious metals (silver) and gemstones.

About the tutor:
Grant McCaig has lectured, taught and exhibited internationally. His work can be found in the Goldsmiths’ Company Modern Collection, National Museums of Scotland Edinburgh, Birmingham Museums & Art Galleries and Aberdeen Art Galleries & Museums. He has been commissioned by the Scottish Parliament and Edinburgh University. Trained at Glasgow School Art and the Royal College of Art, Grant’s work encompasses both jewellery and large scale silverware. He is an imaginative and proficient maker, passionate about learning and using the skills of making to explore the material world. 

Grant is currently senior Lecturer in Jewellery at UCA Farnham and was subject leader for Metals at West Dean College of Art. He has taught internationally lecturing in Colombia and Japan. He has been mentor for the Crafts Council and for the Incorporation of Scottish Goldsmiths. He holds a Postgraduate certificate in creative education from UCA. He continues to make and exhibit regularly from his London studio. Meet the tutor here.