LEARN-TO: Design with Hendrike Barz-Meltzer [MARCH 2027]

Many jewellers have great making skills but sometimes struggle to find new ideas or create pieces that reflect their own voice. Others have ideas but find it hard to visualise them. Developing design skills helps you shape a unique style and build coherent jewellery collections. The course approach is low-tech and based on hand-drawing, model-making (involving paper, card & other materials) and design development, making it accessible without the need for expensive equipment. During this course you will be guided through various exercises (some on your own, some with a partner) going through the different stages of the design process and learn how to find ideas in order to create unique pieces of jewellery. What will I make? During the course we will all concentrate on designing the same object - a pendant - to make the class very focused. We will work on finding a design idea for this pendant by using different design approaches. Once an idea has been formulated we will work on refining it and take it through the different stages of the design process to finally arrive at a design that is ready to be made - in your own time (away from the course). What will I learn? The skills you will learn during this course will be practiced by designing a pendant. Using an actual example will make it easier to understand and follow the different stages of the design process. (Please note that these skills will need to be practiced and that the course can only be a mere introduction.) During the day we will focus on the following skills: 1. Drawing Skills: We will start by learning how to visualise designs with easy drawing techniques, using pencils, geometric templates and standard drawing equipment. 2. Finding or Formulating Ideas: We will then examine different ways on how to find the initial ideas or starting points for your pendant. This step is particularly useful to anyone who may be ‘stuck’ or wants to find completely new ideas for their work. 3. Refining Ideas: Once your initial concept for the pendant is formulated we will then work on refining it to arrive at an idea that you are happy with and which reflects your initial thoughts. This stage is important as it transforms a mere idea into an actual design. 4. Interpretation into Materials: After you have created your design, the next consideration concerns the materials and processes involved in the making of the pendant. As before, this stage is crucial in the design process as it teaches you a thinking-through process of your design. This stage will examine the practical making techniques you have at your disposal to make the piece and it will evaluate which materials could be used or are the most appropriate for your design. This stage will complete the design process and you will leave with a pendant design that is ready to be made. 5. Note: we will not cover 3D modelling or CAD software (e.g. Rhino) What will happen during the workshop? After a brief introduction we will start by examining jewellery design examples and finished pieces. We will then go through the different stages of the design process. Each stage will be introduced and then followed through with a group or individual exercise and brief discussion, before moving onto the next one. You will practice each stage by focussing on your own idea for the pendant, therefore following through the design process from start to finish over the course of the day.The day will be rounded off with a relaxed chat & mingle, where everyone can admire each other’s designs. What skills do I need? All levels: Workshops that are designed to be flexible and accommodate all skill levels. If you are unsure if you have the correct level of experience, feel free to email us for advice. What should I bring? - Bring some examples (or images) of your work and of things that interest you or are inspired by. - Notebook and pen, pencil, coloured pencils or any other drawing equipment you like to use. - Reading glasses (if you need them!) 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 tool or something hot on them! Hair: Tie long hair back. Who is my teacher? Hendrike Barz-Meltzer is an award-winning, independent jewellery designer and maker, who exhibits her work in a number of galleries and selected annual fairs across the UK. In her work she uses a variety of techniques and materials and the design process forms an integral part of her work. She has a deep interest in the historical aspects of making, as well as patterns, and these are integrated in her pieces, often as gold patterns on silver backgrounds. She gained her jewellery design degree from Central St Martins College in 1997 and has been teaching jewellery making for over 8 years in various settings. She currently teaches term-time, weekend taster classes and master classes at Rachel Jeffrey Jewellery in Wheathampstead and other locations. How do I get there? FORGE 59 Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TJ See contact page for details on public transport and parking. How do I book? To book your workshop, simply add the number of spaces you'd like and click Add to Cart, then click on the basket icon in the top right corner to proceed to checkout. Discount codes can be applied at checkout. PLEASE PROVIDE BOTH EMAIL & PHONE NUMBER 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 Dietary Requirements At the end of the workshop, we’ll be providing a selection of vegetarian and fish sushi, along with prosecco and soft drinks. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so we can make suitable arrangements. 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.