LEARN-TO: Etching [OCT]

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Are you curious about how to add unique textures and patterns to your jewellery designs? This workshop is the perfect opportunity to explore the creative possibilities of etching u sing ferric chloride. You’ll learn how to safely set up an etching bath, prepare your metal, and create your own designs, all while enjoying a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. The session will be led by Machi De Waard, a renowned teacher and author of Silver Jewellery Making, whose expertise will guide you step-by-step through this exciting process. Special discount to FORGE Friends, enter your code at checkout What will I make? In this workshop, you’ll create two custom brass texture plates of your own design, which you can use in the rolling mill to emboss metal. You’ll also roll one piece of silver with your new textures, leaving with a unique patterned silver piece that you can later incorporate into your own jewellery. What will happen on the days? Through a combination of discussion, demonstrations, and hands-on practice, you will: Learn about different types of resists to create your designs on brass Experiment with two types of resist and learn about a third option Safely set up and use an etching bath Prepare, design, and etch your brass plates Use the rolling mill to transfer your texture onto silver This workshop focuses on developing your skills and techniques, you will not leave with a finished piece of jewellery, but with a textured silver piece ready to be used in your own designs. What skills do I need? All levels Workshops that are designed to be flexible and accommodate all skill levels. What should I bring? Notebook and pen Reading glasses if needed Apron to protect clothes What should I wear? Clothes: Casual and not too precious as they may get a bit dusty or damaged. Avoid long, loose fitting sleeves and anything that might catch or get caught whilst you are working. Shoes: Casual flat shoes and no open toed sandals in case you drop a hammer or something hot on them! Hair: Please tie long hair back. Who is my instructor? Machi is a designer/jeweller who has been working in her studio in Reading, Berkshire for more than 17 years making modernist jewellery in silver and gold. From 2010 to 2011, she was Jeweller in Residence at South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell. In 2021, her book, written with fellow jeweller Janet Richardson, Silver Jewellery Making, was published by award-winning craft publisher Search Press. Combining her studio practice with teaching, Machi teaches jewellery making in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Her work is regularly shown at galleries and exhibitions in the UK. In August 2023, Machi was awarded a Masters in Jewellery and Metal from the prestigious Royal College of Art. In 2024, Machi won two awards for her work from the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council. How do I get there? See contact page for details on public transport and parking. How do I book? To book your workshop, simply add your chosen session to your basket by clicking Add to Cart, then click on the basket icon in the top right corner to proceed to checkout. Please remember to provide your email address and phone number. We use this information only to confirm your booking, share details about the day, and contact you if any issues arise. Your contact details will not be used for marketing purposes unless you choose to opt in by ticking the box to receive updates from us. Materials Disclaimer Please note: Workshop material costs are based on metal prices at the time of organising each session. Due to continual fluctuations in precious metal markets, there may be a small increase in the price of materials. If this occurs, we will contact you prior to the workshop to confirm the difference, which can be settled on the day by card. Accessibility Most of this workshop takes place at street level in our showroom, which is step-free and accessible. Some specialist equipment is located in our lower-level workshop, which can only be accessed via stairs, as the building does not have lift access. If you have any access requirements, please contact us before booking so we can advise and discuss suitability and any adjustments we can make to accommodate you. Show more