Traditional Jewellery Skills Course - March 2014

Intensive 5 day Jewellery Skills Course - £250 to include materials including silver

1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th March, 2014

 

How about learning a new skill this year! 

 

There are just 2 SPACES LEFT ON THIS COURSE 

 

To book  Email or Call 01275 331041

 

This course is great value at only £50 per day and is suitable for complete beginners and those who wish to get a head start in conventional jewellery making but don't have the time to commit to a long term course.

Over the five one-day sessions you will be learning traditional metal working skills such as sawing, soldering, drilling, texturing, wire work, filing, doming, chain making, sanding, polishing and patination techniques for surface colour and texture.

All tools and equipment will be available for students use and comprehensive notes on techniques covered will be provided. Using the skills that they have learnt, students will be encouraged to design and produce a piece of work using silver sheet and a semi- precious stone. The cost of the course includes consumables, such as saw blades, copper, solder , emery papers, a prescribed amount of 925 sterling silver and a semi-precious stone. At the end of the course, students will have an understanding of conventional jewellery making techniques and be confident in carrying out a number of technical processes including use of motorised machinery and equipment. For those who wish to continue jewellery making the studio is open every Monday morning and Wednesday for advice and full use of tools and equipment for just £10 per session.

 

Website Page: 

 

Student Gallery: 

 

Hope to see you soon at Touchmark Studios!

GRAB IT QUICK!  WE HAVE HAD A LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION ON THIS COURSE - IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING THE PLACE PLEASE EMAIL mail@touchmark.co.uk or CALL 01275 331041

Intensive 5 day Jewellery Skills Course - £250 to include materials

7th, 8th, 14th, 15th and 21st September, 2013

This course is great value at only £50 per day and is suitable for complete beginners and those who wish to get a head start in conventional jewellery making but don't have the time to commit to a long term course.

Over the five one-day sessions you will be learning traditional metal working skills such as sawing, soldering, drilling, texturing, wire work, filing, doming, chain making, sanding, polishing and patination techniques for surface colour and texture.

All tools and equipment will be available for students use and comprehensive notes on techniques covered will be provided. Using the skills that they have learnt, students will be encouraged to design and produce a piece of work using silver sheet and a semi- precious stone. The cost of the course includes consumables, such as saw blades, copper, solder , emery papers, a prescribed amount of 925 sterling silver and a semi-precious stone. At the end of the course, students will have an understanding of conventional jewellery making techniques and be confident in carrying out a number of technical processes including use of motorised machinery and equipment. For those who wish to continue jewellery making the studio is open every Monday morning and Wednesday for advice and full use of tools and equipment for just £10 per session.Website

Enamelling Course

Hi Everyone, just to let you know that Tamizan Savill will be returning to Touchmark Studios in October to run her extremely popular two day Enamelling classes.

Day 1 is for beginners and Day 2 is for those who have previously worked with enamels and would like some more experience.  Each day costs £90 - Beginners can book onto both days for £170.  This cost includes materials.

The course details can be found on the following links http://www.touchmark.co.uk/page19.htm and http://www.touchmark.co.uk/page21.htm

If you would like to book a place please message or go to http://www.touchmark.co.uk/page8.htm

NEWS from Touchmark Studios

We have some very exciting news to share!

The formation of Touchmark Guild

As you know we run a very busy studio with lots of classes and workshops for people who want to learn how to make jewellery.

We also have a community of very talented jewellers who come to the studio every week. Some started out learning their craft with us and others joined to broaden their skills. Some of the jewellers already have one foot on the ladder and are 'out there' marketing their own work with their own websites whilst others are on the cusp - about to emerge as contemporary jewellers in their own right.

Here at Touchmark Studios, the ethos has always been to nurture, support and promote our talented people so it made perfect sense to provide a platform for jewellers wishing to be part of a professional set up. We are, therefore, delighted and proud to announce the formation of

Touchmark Guild - Contemporary Jewellers Creating Distinctive Work.

www.tmkguild.co.uk 

Chris Pate, owner of Touchmark Studios is the Founder of the Guild and membership is by invitation and only open to those who regularly attend Touchmark classes .

Eleven jewellers are showcasing their work on the website with the next phase of the project, an on-line shop, currently being developed.

So, if you fancy developing your jewellery making to the next level in a fun and supportive environment come along to our studio sessions we would love to see you!

Touchmark Studios is an offical Diploma Support Centre for the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery Silver Metal Clay Diploma Home Study Programme.  To read more click here

As well as every Wednesday, the studio is open on Monday mornings for those wishing to come and use the facilities in a supervised environment.  So for those of you without a kiln and need a metal clay firing come along for a session.  At £10 it is great value for a few hours of peace and quiet and full use of all our tools and equipment. These are very popular sessions so prior booking is essential to ensure a bench. 

Finally, don't forget for those of you who have attended any of our courses we are always available for technical help and assistance on the links below - or just give us a call  we are more than happy to talk to you.  

Hope to see you at the studios soon.

E: mail@touchmark.co.uk  T: 01275 331041

http://www.tmkguild.co.uk/

Due to popular demand the next 5 day Intensive Jewellery Skills course will be starting on 7th September, 2013 and will run over 3 weekends.  The dates are: 7th/8th September 14th/15th September and 21st September.

This course is for complete beginners and also people who may have some jewellery making experience but need a little more help.

Look what the last lot of students made in just 5 days.  Some had never picked up a jewellery making tool in their life - just amazing!  If you think you would like to have a go then let us know quickly - I only take 6 people and two spaces have been snapped up already.

 

STOP PRESS!

Intensive 5 day Jewellery Skills Course - £250 to include materials

2^nd, 3^rd, 9^th, 16^th and 17^th March, 2013

SPACES LEFT ON THIS COURSE – TO BOOK EMAIL mail@touchmark.co.uk

This course is great value at only £50 per day and is suitable for complete beginners and those who wish to get a head start in conventional jewellery making but don't have the time to commit to a long term course.

Over the five one-day sessions you will be learning traditional metal working skills such as sawing, soldering, drilling, texturing, wire work, filing, doming, chain making, sanding, polishing and patination techniques for surface colour and texture.

All tools and equipment will be available for students use and comprehensive notes on techniques covered will be provided. Using the skills that they have learnt, students will be encouraged to design and produce a piece of work using silver sheet and a semi- precious stone. The cost of the course includes consumables, such as saw blades, copper, solder , emery papers, a prescribed amount of 925 sterling silver and a semi-precious stone. At the end of the course, students will have an understanding of conventional jewellery making techniques and be confident in carrying out a number of technical processes including use of motorised machinery and equipment. For those who wish to continue jewellery making the studio is open every Monday morning and Wednesday for advice and full use of tools and equipment for just £10 per session.

Website Page: http://www.touchmark.co.uk/page16.htm

Student Gallery: http://www.touchmark.co.uk/page30.htm

If this course isn't for you then why not book onto the next Metal Clay Rings course on25th May or Stone Setting Techniques with Metal Clay on 15th June. Details of both these courses can be found on the website.

For Rings: http://www.touchmark.co.uk/page13.htm

For Stone Setting: http://www.touchmark.co.uk/page14.htm

Hope to see you at Touchmark Studios soon.

Best wishes Chris Pate

Intensive 4 day Jewellery Skills Course

Intensive 4 day Jewellery Skills Course - £200 to include materials

7^th, 8^th, 14^th & 15^th July,  2012     

STOP PRESS!

JUST 2 SPACES LEFT ON THIS COURSE 

 TO BOOK  EMAIL or CONTACT US 

This course is suitable for complete beginners and those who wish to get a head start in conventional jewellery making and don't have the time to commit to a long term course. 

During the course we will be teaching traditional metal working skills such as sawing, soldering, drilling, texturing, wire work, filing, doming, chain making, sanding, polishing and patination techniques for surface colour and texture.

All tools and equipment will be available for students use and comprehensive notes on techniques covered will be provided. Using the skills that they have learnt, students will be encouraged to design and produce a piece of work using silver sheet and a semi- precious stone. The cost of the course includes consumables, such as saw blades, copper, solder , emery papers, a prescribed amount of 925 sterling silver and a semi-precious stone.   At the end of the course, students will have an understanding of conventional jewellery making techniques and be confident in carrying out a number of technical processes including use of motorised machinery and equipment. For those who wish to continue jewellery making the studio is open every Monday morning and Wednesday for advice and full use of tools and equipment for just £10 per session.

Website Page                          Student Gallery

New tutors and classes at Touchmark studios

Hi everyone, I am really excited!  We have two new tutors coming to Touchmark Studios.  Steve Saliba, who is a working jeweller and really experienced  is coming in September to run a 2 day course on traditional methods of stone setting.  Steve is really talented and I can't wait to do this workshop.  He will be teaching different methods to set unusual shaped stones and sharing all his tips and tricks that you won't find in the textbooks.

Clare Hall is coming in June to run a 1 day class on fusing glass. I have always wanted to know how to fuse glass properly and I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge and creating a stock of diochroics for people to set into metal clay on the stone setting classes.

Touchmark Studios Courses for 2012

Here are the latest courses running at Touchmark Studios. More dates will be added and mailed out as they are confirmed. If you are interested in attending our Introduction to Metal Clay course, this course runs every month.  Click here to see the scheduled dates. To book a course please contact us.  Payment will be required to secure your place. 

Please see the booking form for terms and conditions.

Don't forget our open studio sessions; on Monday mornings from 10 to 1pm and Wednesdays from 10 - 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. At only £10 per session for use of the studio and tools and equipment in a supervised environment it is great value for money! 

Pre- booking is essential to guarantee a bench.

INTERMEDIATE METAL CLAY COURSES:

To attend intermediate courses, students must have a working knowledge of metal clay and/or have attended the Introductory Metal Clay course. All course prices include materials

Ring Making Course – 1 day course £85

Friday 17th February

Saturday 24th March

Stone Setting Techniques – 1 day course £90

Friday 13th April

Advanced Metal Clay Techniques – 2 day course £225

Working with metal clay sheet and syringe,Working with Base Metal Clays – bronze/copper, Application of gold (keumbo technique), Stone Setting techniques, Hollow forms, (bead making)

Friday 30th and Saturday 31st March

TRADITIONAL JEWELLERY COURSES

Intensive Jewellery Skills – 4 day course £200

April/May Course:

Saturday 28th April, Sunday 29th April, Saturday 5th May, Sunday 6th May

July Course:

Saturday 7th July, Sunday 8th July, Saturday 14th July, Saturday 15th July

Enamelling – 2 day course - Day 1 £85 both days £160

Saturday 19th May, Sunday 20th May

Introduction to Resins – 1 day course £75

Saturday 2nd June

Casting Resins and Mould Making – 2 day course £150

Saturday 8th September, Sunday 9th September

Challenge Results!

Well here they are!  I was a little surprised to get some others joining in as I didn't advertise it well did I?  Did have fun doing it, hope the others did to, mind you I did bully them into joining in! ;)  It was sufficient fun to ensure I shall extend the challenge again!

First is a brooch made from reticulated silver and bronze. I believe the reticulation ended in a hole that wasn't wanted and the bronze is from a remnant of Bronze Paste.  It is smashing!

 Second we have a pendant made from Sterling Silver, again reticulation is used. This piece was brought about by reticulating the wrong thickness of silver and odds bit left when cutting to size.

 This pendant is made from left over snake chain, Sterling Silver and Brass... really unusual and a great use of those little bits of chain!

 Here a pendant is made from 'offcuts' of Sterling silver, Matt and Reticulated.  The tube and gems used are new but still a good use of 'scrap'

This ring is made from some scrap copper from smelting quartz and bits cut from a copper leaf  that was made for another ring.  The cabochon is ready for setting

  Magnificent effort all!

Thank you for taking me up on my challenge ... I hope you enjoyed it and will join in the next one!

If this inspired you to 'have a go' it will have been worth it.  With the prices of metal these days we need to think about utilising what we have and making a piece of wearable jewellery from those pesky pieces is a good way to keep your costs down!  If you do decide to have a go please send me the photos I would love to see them... this time maybe we can see the before photos to?   

Show and Tell - Aluminium

I thought I would show you some work that came as a result of the workshop "Colouring Techniques for Anodised Aluminium with tutor Mandy Nash"  This was held last year and all those who participated had great fun.  Beverley really took to this medium and now makes some beautiful jewellery.  The colours are stunning! 

Beverley offers a full range which includes bangles, earrings and rings and you can find her work in Galleries in the South West of England. 

There will be another workshop soon.  During the workshop you'll learn how to colour the pre-anodised aluminium and then cut and shape it to create a piece of beautiful jewellery. No prior experience is necessary and all materials and equipment will be provided, however, if you have previous experience in jewellery making, you may benefit from bringing along your toolbox.   Sign up for the Touchmark Newsletter to be sure to get all the news on courses and workshops to be held in 2012!

Happy New Year!

Chris and I would like to wish all of you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Now that all the 'fuss' is over we can turn our thoughts to our jewellery!  I have missed studio and my lovely friends tremendously.  I have tried going into my studio but my head isn't getting round creativity yet.  How is your mojo?  Did it get and go to?  What I need to decide is whether to finish one of the many projects I have started or start another?  I have decided though to challenge myself.  I have been through my scrap pot and have decided to make something from the pieces in there.  I is something I have done before and I can tell you it is very rewarding to make a piece of jewellery from scraps.  Do you fancy the challenge?  Message or email and let me know, we can make it a real challenge then! 

I can't wait for the 11th January.  That is when I shall be back at Touchmark but studio opens on Monday the 9th if you're not a Wednesday person.  It will be good to catch up with the others and we have some planning to do!  Apart from what to do next we will be making arrangements for a visit to the Jewellery Show at the NEC in Birmingham in February.  I haven't been to one at the NEC before so it is quite exciting, somewhere new to buy something new!  I have some money from Christmas presents to spend (will it last that long?) and I already have a list of things I really really need!  Decisions, decisions again!  Do you have any plans to visit the show?  Let us know and maybe we can meet for coffee if we are going on the same day. 

Well I have some work to do (even if I am still in my pj's!) Don't forget to tell us what you are up to, we do love to hear from you! 

Lynn

Happy Birthday Chris!!!

Hope today was a good one (well after the electricity came back on... it did didn't it?)  Have a great evening with hubby!!!

Touchmark Christmas 'do'

Well here we are at the end of another year at the studio.  Tomorrow we will meet up for a meal together, to say Happy Christmas and then we will have to wait for the new year for the studio to open again.  Chris is excited... her son will be home from Uni and she has missed him so.  Beverley is in the same position so we shall have two very happy ladies!!!  One of our group has been thwarted by illness this year so I am sure she will be happy to see the back of 2011.  As for me, well this year we shall have a child in the house for Christmas so I am excited about that!  All in all it has been a great year for learning, about all aspects of life but especially jewellery making.  I am not sure what 2012 will bring in the way of courses and classes but I do know it will be exciting and I for one can't wait for the opportunity to learn more.  I do know that during my time at the studio my life has been transformed.  I have made great friends and am at last spending my time on something constructive as well as something I really enjoy.  Thank you to everyone, especially Chris, love you all!  Maybe you could be joining us next year?  Why not join the mailing list so you can be kept informed of all the courses for 2012?  You can sign up here for a newsletter.  I look forward to meeting you next year!

Merry Christmas and a very Happy new Year to all!

Lynn x

Compton House Event

Well it's all over now and what a weekend! The craft fayre was set in the hotel. It is closed for the weekend and the rooms used to display local crafts. A truly beautiful backdrop to some fabulous work it was one of the best venues I have had the pleasure to exhibit in. On Thursday Chris, Beverley Anita and myself set it all up. We were in the sitting room along with two other local artists) Space was tight but we managed it and our jewellery looked spectacular (even if I do say so myself!) The hotel was open on Saturday and Sunday. For stewarding we had split the days into 2 sessions per day, Beverley and Anita did half day on Saturday and Chris took the whole day and Sunday it was Beverley and Kate in the morning with Sarah and myself in the afternoon. I really enjoyed Sunday afternoon with Sarah who always manages to make me laugh! I must say a big 'Thank You' to Chris's husband Brian and mine Terry who worked hard shunting the showcases in and out of the hotel for us... it was good of you both! Well... sales.... that's what it is all about isn't it? We did great with each of us selling things, fantastic! I know now what some ladies will find in their stockings on Christmas morning, lucky ladies! What next? I for one need to find some suitable venues for my things. I am sure the others would be glad of the same so if you know of any suitable venues please drop us a line. Sorry I didn't get any photos for you I forgot ...so I have included some photos from the Art Trail.  Not all that good, sorry, but I never have said I was a photographer!

COMPTON HOUSE AXBRIDGE - SHOPPING EVENT

THIS WEEKEND - 5/6TH NOVEMBER 2011 - COMPTON HOUSE EVENT

Nine jewellers, who regularly work in Touchmark Studios, are showcasing an amazing display of contemporary jewellery at the

COMPTON HOUSE AXBRIDGE - SHOPPING EVENT

Saturday 5th November

10am to 6 .30pm

Sunday 6th November

10am to 4.30pm

If you have always wanted to make your own jewellery, come along and have a look at the fabulous standard of work that YOU could achieve by training at Touchmark Studios and whilst you are there, pick up an original handmade piece of jewellery for that special Christmas gift

Also available:- Wood and Willow, Ironware, Vintage Accessories, Scarves and Silks, Pottery, Jewellery, Fragrances, Textiles, Prints, Charity Cards and more

Refreshments Available - Free Admission

Compton House at Townsend, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2AJ

 Tel: 01934 733944

e - mail: info@comptonhse.com http

Good News!

Chris has decided to start blogging!  Time is valuable to us all but now that she has more time Chris wants to 'have a go' and I, for one, am delighted!!!  I am not sure exactly when the blogging via Chris will start but I do know a new computer was due to be delivered so with any luck we will see our Chris blogging very soon!  All I can say is it has been real nice 'chatting' to you and I hope to catch up with you sometime in the studio :D

Lynn x

It's Official!

Touchmark Studios is now an offical Diploma Support Centre for the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery Silver Metal Clay Diploma Home Study Programme. To read more about this exciting development click here

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The 8 week traditional jewellery skills programme will be starting from September 10th and follows another successful course with some amazing work being produced from students with absolutely no experience of jewellery making. Please log your interest by emailing and check out some of our students' work by clicking here

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September 3rd and 4th is our 2 day course on Resins with Claire John. This will be a fab weekend where we will be learning how to make our own silicon molds for casting resin and producing amazing bangles click the link for more details and register now before it's too late!  Details are here

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Unfortunately, from September we will be putting our Introduction to Metal Clay course up to £85 (from £80). We have done our best to keep our prices the same but the cost of silver and knock on effect to metal clay prices has now made it unavoidable. The price of this course includes 16gms of PMC3 which currently retails at £45 (July 2011) so it is still excellent value for money.

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As well as every Wednesday, the studio will also be open on a Monday morning for those wishing to come and use the facilities in a supervised environment. So for those of you without a kiln and need a metal clay firing come along for a session. At £10 it is great value for a few hours of peace and quiet and full use of all our tools and equipment. Don't forget for those of you who have attended any of our courses we are always available for technical help and assistance on the links below - or just give us a call we are more than happy to talk to you.

INTENSIVE JEWELLERY SKILLS COURSE

STOP PRESS! ONE PLACE REMAINING ON THE SATURDAY INTENSIVE JEWELLERY COURSE (4 WEEKS) STARTING ON 10TH SEPTEMBER
TWO PLACES AVAILABLE ON THE MONDAY MORNING SESSION - INTENSIVE JEWELLERY COURSE (8 WEEKS) NOW STARTING ON 19TH SEPTEMBER (NEW START DATE)
Email Chris or Telephone to reserve a place
Course Details:
Starting in September, Touchmark Studios will be running the Traditional Jewellery Skills course on Saturdays and Monday mornings. More details of the programme can be found on the website.  Click link to go to the appropriate page
The cost is £200. This cost includes all materials plus a free half day studio session at the end of the course where you can come and use the studio to finish up any projects or start something new.
Examples of work by students who have attended previous courses and are now regularly making, selling and exhibiting jewellery can be seen here
Dates are as follows:-
Commencing - SATURDAY 10TH September, 2011
For those of you who work during the week or have a distance to travel, we appreciate that your Saturdays are precious. So, instead of running our jewellery skills course over 8 half days, we are running it over 4 full days. The content will be exactly the same, so come prepared for a fun filled intensive 4 days which will give you a great set of skills and techniques to start jewellery making! The day will run from 10am to 5pm with an hour’s lunch break. You will need to bring a packed lunch but that’s all because all materials are included in the cost, including silver and a semi precious stone to make a ring.
Week 1 - Saturday 10th September
Week 2 – Saturday 17th September
Week 3 – Saturday 24th September
Week 4 – Saturday 1st October

Commencing – MONDAY MORNINGS 12th September, 2011 - 10am – 1pm
For those who want to take a more leisurely pace, this Jewellery skills course will run as normal, over 8 half days on a Monday morning from 10am to 1pm.
Dates are as follows:
Week 1 - Monday 19th September
Week2 – Monday 26th September
Week3 – Monday 3rd October
Week4 – Monday 10th October
Week5 – Monday 17th October
Monday 24th October - No Class – Half Term
Week6 – Monday 31st October
Week 7 – Monday 7th November
Week 8 – Monday 14th November

If you would like to reserve a place Email Chris or Telephone. 
A £50 non-refundable deposit will be required to secure your place.

STOP PRESS!!!

DUE TO A CANCELLATION WE HAVE 1 SPACE AVAILABLE ON THIS COURSE

if you are interested please contact us 

2 day Resins course - £140 to include all materials - bring packed lunch

Saturday and Sunday 3rd and 4th September 2011 - 10am - 4pm

Click here to see full details and images.

We are delighted to welcome back to Touchmark Studios, Clare John, an experienced jeweller and tutor in Resins, sometimes known as cold enamels.  Clare teaches at a number of venues around the country, including the prestigious Birmingham School of Jewellery

This is a 2 day workshop which follows on from the workshop Clare gave last year.  It will give jewellery makers the opportunity to use resin in different ways. The two days will focus on making 3D jewellery like large beads and bangles in resin.  You will be shown how to make moulds from silicone and how to cast resin.  The resin comes in a wide range of colours and effects like transparent, sparkle and pearl and metallic effects.  There will also be time to discuss using resin with metal clay and traditional jewellery and we will practise finishing techniques, including how to add jump rings and bails to pendants and how to drill resin.

The resins you will be working with are odour free and therefore much safer to use than traditional resins.  There will be time to discuss using resin with metal clay and traditional jewellery. Finishing techniques and problem solving will also be covered.

If you would like to reserve a place on this course please email Chris Pate