This course is designed for advanced learners with at least three years of jewellery-making experience who are looking to deepen their practice and develop a more independent and personal approach to their work. Sessions are structured to be both engaging and appropriately challenging, allowing you to work at your own pace while benefiting from expert tutor guidance. A strong emphasis is placed on self-directed projects, enabling you to pursue individual creative interests and build a coherent body of work.

With support, you will:

- Develop confidence in your making and decision-making
- Refine and strengthen your technical skills across a range of jewellery and metalwork processes including cutting metal, filing, annealing, soldering, piercing, sawing, drilling.
- Research and draw on diverse sources to inform and enrich your design ideas
- Where appropriate, cast using a furnace
- Critically reflect on your work and evaluate your creative process

By the end of the course, you will be able to: explore a variety of silversmithing techniques and processes; produce a range of test pieces and developments in copper and brass; design, develop and make a small collection of objects e.g. a spoon or a piece of sculptural jewellery; apply and practice finishing skills such as filing and polishing; solder and join metal; make simple hinges and catches; forge a handle; attain an awareness of contemporary Silversmithing; understand and observe correct studio practice/Health and Safety rules; make cold connections using rivet

You will learn through a combination of demonstrations, practical making, group discussions, peer learning, individual tutorials, handouts, slideshows and video resources. You will have access to a wide range of tools and equipment in our well-equipped studio and will progress at your own pace, receiving both verbal and written feedback to support your development.

All teaching materials used during the course are available electronically for you to revisit.

Basic materials, including sheet metal and wire, are included in the course fee. Additional metals can be purchased on site using a card. Please note that precious metals and gemstones are not provided.

There is no formal homework; however, your tutor will support you in developing ideas for independent projects and may suggest further research to extend your learning. You will also be signposted to relevant suppliers, resources, exhibitions and websites to enrich your studies.

Please note that large-scale or mass production is not possible, as the studio is a shared space used for a range of activities.

Students are expected to follow good studio practice and comply with WM College health and safety procedures. This includes working safely, keeping your workspace and shared equipment clean and tidy, and contributing to a respectful, inclusive studio environment that values diversity.

There is no formal assessment for this course. Instead, you will work with your tutor to set, review and develop your personal aims, focusing on the progression of your individual projects. You will receive regular one-to-one feedback, along with opportunities to reflect on and share your work with peers. Your tutor will support you in evaluating your progress and planning next steps. There is no expectation to complete work outside of class, though you may choose to continue your projects independently.

By the end of the course, you will have strengthened your understanding of jewellery-making processes, refined your technical skills, and gained greater confidence and independence in using specialist tools, materials and equipment.

After the course, you may wish to enrol for another term to further develop your skills, explore advanced techniques, or undertake another projects. For more information, please visit our website or contact the 3D Art and Crafts Curriculum Manager at ArtsSchool@wmcollege.ac.uk.

Louise Seijen ten Hoorn – jewellery tutor

Louise is a jewellery designer, maker, educator and author of Design for Jewellery Makers, with more than 30 years of experience in goldsmithing and jewellery design. Originally from the Netherlands and now based in London, she creates one-off pieces, small production collections and commissions. Her work has been exhibited internationally and recognised through multiple Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council awards.

TEACHING AND LEARNER SUPPORT
Louise has over 15 years of teaching experience. Her teaching combines practical jewellery-making techniques with creative design development, helping learners build confidence, solve technical challenges and develop the skills to create original and professionally finished jewellery pieces.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND CREDENTIALS
- PGCE / Certificate in Education - Westminster University
- MA in Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork and Jewellery - Royal College of Art, London
- Diploma in Goldsmithing and Certificate in 3D Design - Zadkine College, the Netherlands
- Multiple Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Awards
- Published in books and magazines such as Vogue Jewellery
- Author of Design for Jewellery Makers
- Exhibited work internationally across the UK, USA and Europe

PROFESSIONAL LINKS
https://www.louiseseijentenhoorn.com