Jewellery courses

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Carve Your own Silver Ring – Wax Workshop

In this two-day jewellery making workshop students will be introduced to a variety of wax working techniques, including carving and mouldable wax forming.

On day one, students will have the opportunity to experiment with different types of wax and make a wax ring that will be cast by a commercial caster. On day two students will learn how to clean up their cast ring, how to remove the sprue, emery and polish it ready to wear.  Students will also learn additional tips and tricks for making wax models.

This is jewellery making workshop is designed to provide you with new skills and a unique piece of jewellery created by you.

2 days - 12 hours tuition
10am to 4pm
Beginner

Gem Setting 101 – Bezel Setting Workshop – New!!

Love gemstones? Want to incorporate them in your jewellery designs? If you answered yes, this foundation gem setting workshop is for you! Participants make a rub-over bezel set gemstone ring in sterling silver and learn how to set a semi-precious cabochon during this fun and informative two day stone setting course.

2 days - 12 hours tuition
Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm
Intermediate+

Studio Sundays

Studio Sundays is perfect for students who are keen to finish a project or start a new one and need some help and studio access. If you are eager to keep on making but don’t have a set up studio or can’t commit to a 7 week course Studio Sundays could be the answer.

3 hour session
Sundays, 1pm - 4pm
The tools for making jewellery
All

Easter Four Day Jewellery Making Intensive

Learn all the fundamentals of jewellery making in four days of making at SquarePeg Studios in the Easter Jewellery Intensive. This course is a perfect introduction to jewellery making and jewellery design. No previous experience is required. However, if you do have some prior design or jewellery making experience your tutor can help you build upon your existing skill set.

4 days - 24 hours tuition
Friday to Monday 10am to 4.30 pm
Intermediate+

Chasing and Repoussé Foundation Skills Workshop

In this two-day workshop students learn the exciting processes of chasing and repoussé – the decorative and expressive metalworking techniques which have been used for creative artistic expression for centuries. The name repoussé is derived from the French pousser, “to push forward.” Repousse is a method of decorating metals by a process of pushing out your design into your metal with the aid of various specialised hammers and punches; definition and detail can then be added from the front of the metal using the paired process of chasing or engraving, again using specialised hammers and punches.

Sound intriguing? Join us in our two-day Chasing and Repoussé Foundation Skills Workshop to find out all about how to practice this ancient skill yourself.

Two days - 12 hours tuition
Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm
All

Liquid Enamel Workshop

The liquid enamel course is aimed at anyone interested in working with a different type of enamel, as a way of adding both colour and texture to copper and steel. 

One Day - 6 hours tuition
Saturday, 10am to 4pm
All

Make your Own Moulds – Silicone Mould Making

In the Silicone Mould Making for Jewellery workshop students of all skill sets learn how to make silicone moulds for jewellery and small objects. This is a fun and practical workshop in which students get to experiment with silicone and develop an understanding of how this process could be used to make multiples in materials like wax and resin.

 

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One Day - 6 hours tuition
Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Beginner

Weekend Beginners – Learn to make Jewellery over Two Weekends

In this Weekend Beginners Jewellery Making Course, learn the fundamentals of jewellery design and fabrication over 4-days of classes held in our light-filled Marrickville warehouse. Held over two weekends from 11am to 5pm this course is the perfect way to fast track your jewellery making learning experience.

Our 4-day Weekend School is a perfect introduction to jewellery making and jewellery design. The aim of this course is to provide students with the confidence to work on individual projects while gaining a greater depth of understanding of jewellery making techniques and jewellery design starting from the ground up.

Students that complete the Weekend Beginners course will be qualified to move onto our Intermediate level jewellery making courses.

Two Weekends -24 hours tuition
Saturdays & Sundays 11am to 5pm
Beginner

Make a Ring in a Day Workshop

Is it really possible to make a sterling silver ring in one day from scratch – with no experience at all? Well, it certainly is at SquarePeg Studios.  In this one intensive day workshop we guide you through process so you learn everything you need to make a sterling silver ring band.

Want something more intensive? Check out our Beginners Jewellery Making Course.

 

One Day - 6 hours tuition
Saturday or Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Beginner

Beginners Jewellery Making Course

Our Beginners Jewellery Making Course is designed to teach you the fundamentals of jewellery making and design. Over seven weeks, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to make your own silver ring. All tools and base metals are provided, as well as a strip of silver. No previous experience in design or jewellery making is required.

7 sessions - 21 hours tuition
Tues - Emily Copp 6.30 - 9.30pm / Thurs - Erin Keys 6.30 - 9.300pm
Pendant made at SquarePeg Studios
Intermediate+

Intermediate and Continuing Jewellery Making Course

The Intermediate and Continuing Jewellery Making Course is perfect for students with who want to take their making to the next level.   This course is designed to allow students to progress their skill through the different stages of jewellery making, as the tutor assists with design development, technical issues and problem solving. The pre-requisite for this course is our Beginners course.

Students coming from the Beginners course to the  Intermediate stage 1 Jewellery Making Course will expand upon the fundamentals of jewellery making and design and make pieces which may incorporate a range of materials including metal and non-metal elements.

Stage 2 and 3 Intermediate students continue to build on their skills and learn a range of new techniques and also work on individual projects which are developed after consultation with the tutor.

7 sessions - 21 hours tuition
Wednesday night with Erin Keys 6.30-9.30pm
learning how to make jewellery in the Introductory jewellery making course
Intermediate+

Jewellery Making Atelier Course

Learn jewellery making and become an accomplished artisan at the SquarePeg Jewellery Making Atelier course! This is a unique opportunity to spend one day per week working with a discerning expert jeweller who will assist you to become successful in developing your own line of jewellery or to create special one-off pieces.

The  Jewellery Making Atelier is an exciting course for students at an intermediate level or above. Offering a broad range of subjects and techniques, participants are encouraged to produce – through the process of design and making –  jewellery pieces that are individual in design and well made.

7 weekdays - 42 hours tuition
Tuesdays - 10am to 4pm
Intermediate+

Winter Warmer – June Long Weekend Workshop

Looking to improve your soldering skills? Our 3 day Winter Warmer June Workshop is a concentrated and inspiring learning environment which you will love! Learn new skills with the torch and bring the warmth of gold to your silver jewellery during our three day soldering intensive this winter at SquarePeg Studios.

 

3 Days - 18 hours tuition
Saturday to Monday 10am to 4.00 pm
Intermediate+

Wax Carving for Jewels – Sculptural Stone Setting Workshop – New!!

In this four-day jewellery making workshop students will be introduced to carving waxes to make stone-set jewellery.

On days one and two students will have the opportunity to make a ring, pendant or earrings with a bezel setting in wax that will be professionally cast in time for the second week of the workshop. Making settings for rough-cut stones will also be explored during days one and two of the workshop.

On days three and four students will learn how to clean up their cast pieces, prepare them for setting, and how to set their stones. Students will also have the opportunity to solder onto their castings to attach claws or extra bezels, particularly if they are working with rough-cut stones.

This jewellery making workshop is designed to provide students who have attended the ‘Carve Your own Silver Ring- Wax Workshop’ at SquarePeg Studios with greater skills, enabling them to make a unique piece of stone set jewellery – created by their own hand!

4 days - 24 hours tuition
10am to 4pm
Intermediate+

Soldering School

Join the Soldering School to improve your soldering skills by developing control and confidence with the flame during this 2-day soldering intensive.

2 days - 12 hours tuition
Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm
All

Spring Intensive – October Long Weekend Workshop

Launch into spring and shake off winter with fresh shapes and colour. What better way to spend the October Long weekend than to learn exciting new skills? And the icing on the cake? At the conclusion of three days of fun-filled creativity – you take home your very own original handmade jewellery – win win!

To celebrate Spring we are going to incorporate colour into our handcrafted sterling silver jewellery designs. Students will design and fabricate contemporary jewellery using heat anodised titanium, gemstone and pearl beads or other coloured metals such as brass and copper. You will learn all about riveting in order to integrate your chosen coloured material into your silver jewellery design developed in consultation with your highly experienced tutor Diane Appleby.

Learn all the fundamentals of Jewellery making and build on existing skills in this enjoyable 3-day metalsmithing course. Forming texturing, constructing, soldering and riveting – and that’s just day one!

3 days - 18 hours tuition
10am to 4pm - Saturday to Monday

Why choose a course at
SquarePeg Studios?

Design your own piece

In our jewellery courses students gain the satisfaction of designing and hand-making their own jewellery. Our students learn all the silversmithing techniques needed to make their own unique jewellery pieces. We have jewellery courses to suit every level, from beginners through to advanced students as well as a range of specialist courses like stone setting and wax carving and casting. Only have time for a one day course? No problem as our Make a Ring in a Day will teach you how to make your own silver ring.

See students work
Using a torch to solder silver jewellery in Advanced Jewellery Course

Get behind the scenes

Have the opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at a contemporary professional jewellery studio while learning great new skills in jewellery techniques and design. Our studios are home to 12 contemporary makers, so students have the chance to learn in the context of a practising jewellery studio.

see the space

Highly experienced teachers

Our jewellery making silversmithing courses are taught by highly experienced and passionate teachers who are practising contemporary jewellers. Students gain a range of skills that allow them to continue making jewellery at home and many of our students make their hobby into a jewellery business

Meet our tutors
Brooch made in Atelier class

What our students have to say about SquarePeg jewellery courses

I also wanted to say thank you for all the really great courses this year. It's really been so inspiring and encouraging and the whole Square Peg set up is really wonderful - the space, the teachers - so thank you. The Atelier in particular has been a total revelation and Diane has been so fabulous. It's really opened my eyes (and appetite!) for what else I might be able to do/make/create! I'm looking forward to doing it again in 2017! (Jo - happy student)

meet our fabulous tutors

Sian Edwards
Based in Newcastle, Sian completed an Advanced Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design, Enmore TAFE in 2005 and a Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) in Jewellery and Metals, Monash University in 2009. Sian had her first solo exhibition, A Study of Birds at Studio 20/17 in 2010 and her second, Sequins and Scales at Gray Street workshop in Adelaide in 2014. She has exhibited in numerous group shows nationally including the Filippo Raphael Fresh! Award in 2010 and the National Contemporary Jewellery Prize in 2012 and 2016. Sian undertook an artist residency in Jaipur, India in 2012.
Jo Piper
Jo Piper has been teaching jewellery and object design at the Design Center, Enmore since 2011. Jo has exhibited in a number of exhibitions both in Australia and overseas and has participated in master classes with Helen Britton and Ruudt Peters. Her practice focuses on one-off exhibition pieces, objects and large-scale installations. Jo is currently undertaking a Masters of Fine Art through Transart, Plymouth University. She also has an Advanced Diploma in Jewellery and Object Design from the Design Centre, Enmore and studied Fine Art at Parson’s School of Art and Design, Paris. Jo has participated in residencies in Berlin and New York and will be attending a residency in Iceland and Mexico City at the end of this year.
Diane Appleby
Diane Appleby completed her Master of Art in Gold and Silversmithing at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 2003. She has taught in the Jewellery and Object Design Department, Sydney Institute of Technology, Design Centre Enmore, and at the College of Fine Art, University of NSW. Diane’s catalogue of work encompasses collections for exhibition and collaborations with clients on individual pieces. “My jewellery is designed to not only catch the eye, but to also feel delightful to wear. I like to play with colour, form and texture. I choose materials for their unique character, such as stones for their luminosity, metals to encapsulate strength, and silks for their sheen and rippling texture. I enjoy creating pieces with a precious presence. “At the heart of every design is an inspiration, whether I am creating a collection for an exhibition or working with a client to create a uniquely personal piece. I find the satisfaction of bringing a concept to life from a few simple sketches to a finished form extremely exciting.”  
Erin Keys

Contemporary jeweller Erin Keys creates graphic works based on ideas in mark making, using traditional jewellery making techniques and laser cutting technology. Her practice involves developing work for exhibition, production and sale. Living in Bosnia Herzegovina 2006-2008, Erin taught creative workshops to Romani children before joining the JamFactory’s Metal Design Studio. After completing the 2 year tenure Erin spent 10 months at Australia's iconic Gray Street Workshop; an invaluable residency in her career and personal development. Moving to Sydney in 2010 she joined SquarePeg Studios, a workshop for emerging and established jewellers to work together in a creative and supportive environment, where she is an active tenant, mentor and teacher. As a Design Developer at Dinosaur Designs, a manufacturer of homewares and jewellery, Erin worked in a small team developing and prototyping designs. 

Linda Blair
Linda Blair studied Jewellery and Object design and Jewellery Manufacture at the Design Centre Enmore. Linda works with enamel and currently is creating pieces that replicate gems and gem set jewellery, replacing the stones with enamel. Many of these pieces are based on historic jewellery from the 16th to the 20th century. She is also interested in the addition of colour, line and texture to her work. Linda creates one off pieces, with no two pieces being the same.
Emily Copp
Emily is a Sydney based creative who works with diverse materials and technologies. She has presented work in many group shows, as well as exhibiting solo. Environmental and ethical concerns inform and motivate her works which include jewellery forms and tableware objects within her practice.

She is a resident artist and director at SquarePeg Studios alongside teaching various classes both in SquarePeg Studio's classroom and at the University of NSW Art and Design Campus.

 
“I love the alchemy of transforming ideas into materialised design through the varied efforts and explorations of making.”
http://emilycopp.com

Student Showcase

Handmade silver rings
Claw Set Ring
Rings made in the Make a Ring in a Day Workshop
Interchangable ring handmade by a student in the Intermediate Jewellery making class
Cast silver bangles handmade by a student in the Intermediate Jewellery making class
Ring handmade by a student in the Beginners Jewellery making class
Cast belt buckle handmade by a student in the wax carving and casting Jewellery making class at SquarePeg Studios in Sydney
Silver earrings handmade by a student in the Beginners Jewellery making class at SquarePeg Studios in Sydney
Learning jewellery making fundamentals

FAQs

What makes SquarePeg Studios the best place to learn jewellery making?

SquarePeg Studios is hub and home for contemporary jewellers. From beginners to lifelong practising artists we have created a place to learn, practice and share. Our tutors are all accomplished contemporary jewellers with practices of their own and a wealth of teaching experience. We also like to think that we bring together not only the talent but the personalities that will make your learning experience a great one.  Read the reviews and come and find out for yourself.

Is there parking?

Yes, there is plenty of free on-street parking in Junction St and the streets surrounding the studio.

Are you near a train station?

We are a short walk from both Tempe and Marrickville Stations and the same distance from buses which run along Illawarra Rd.

We are a 25-minute walk from Sydenham Station.

Tell me about your tutors?

All of our tutors are contemporary jewellers with their own practices and teaching experience in both private and public schools such as Sydney College of the Arts, The Design Centre Enmore and UNSW Art and Design. We also occasionally welcome nationally and internationally renowned teachers to SquarePeg for specialist workshops.

What are your terms and conditions?

  • Our courses are open to students 16 years and older.  Some of our courses require prior learning, please check the course description thoroughly before enrolling.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to attend all classes, no make-up classes are available, for any reason.
  • The course fees must be paid in full on enrolment and are non-refundable.
  • The course fees may be refundable in the event that a course is cancelled or oversubscribed.
  • We may cancel a course in the event that there is an insufficient number of students subscribed to the course.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to attend each class in the course and no refund, or provision of any additional class, is available for non-attendance of all or part of the course.

Can I do a make-up class if I miss a lesson?

As per our terms and conditions; it is the responsibility of the student to attend all classes, no make-up classes are available, for any reason.

As a small school, it is not possible to make provision for the many and varied requests and changes which can arise for our students.

We hope you can join us for all of your scheduled classes!

Can I buy a Gift Certificate?

Absolutley! And thanks for asking – the gift of creativity and expereince is always a winner! If you know what class and which dates you want to gift, simply proceed to “Find Dates & Book a Spot” on the course listing (you will find this in an orange box on the right of the course listing page).

From here you will see an orange box above the course dates entitled “Click here to gift this class”.

Go ahead and click this box, then select your ticket type and click through and fill out the details to enroll the recipient. Take note – it may be best to put your own email address at this stage so that the recipient does not receive a confirmation email on completion of payment. Once the gift has been given we can update the email address to the recipients address for you later – just let us know!

Not sure which course and/or date to enroll the recipient of your gift certificate? No problem!

Simply get in touch with us at mail@squarepegstudios.com.au and we can create a unique voucher for you as per your requirements and can happily email across a printable gift certificate for you to present to your loved one. Too easy right?!

Does SquarePeg have waitlists for sold out classes?

We are very grateful that our classes often fill up very quickly – but this can lead to disappointment for those who miss out on a place!

If you have missed a spot in your preferred class please email us with the subject “Wait List Please” and outline in the email the class you are interested in and we will add you to our course waitlists and be sure to be in touch if a place becomes available.

Alternatively, we generally have multiple dates available for all of our classes – be sure to check additional scheduled dates to see if another of our class dates may suit you.

Does SquarePeg offer a jewellery repair service?

In a nutshell – generally – no! SquarePeg Studios is home to 13 resident artist jewellers, however, most of our resident artists are very busy with their own practice and do not generally have time to take on repair work. If  you want to try your luck you can email us images and detailed information about your requested repair job and we can float it with our residnet artists in case any of them are able to help you.

Do SquarePeg jewellery artists take on commissions?

As per the previous FAQ, most of our resident artists are very busy with their own practice and do not generally have time to take on commission work..but in saying that, they are more likely to take on commissions than repairs!

If you want to try your luck you can email us images and detailed information about your requested commission job and we can float it with our resident artists in case any of them are able to help you.

Alternatively, please take a look at our current resident artists profiles via our ‘Studio’ page and you can always reach out directly to a resident artist if you like the look of their work:

Studio