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Andrew has had so many requests requesting information on starting up your own workshop so Andrew has decided to go Back 2 Basics.

So, you want to be a jewellery designer/craftsperson or simply make jewellery for fun? The grab yourself some type of sketch book. It doesn’t matter what it looks like, it could even be a folder filled with loose pieces of paper and pages ripped out of catalogues and magazine. Look around you and start to train your eye to look for shapes, colours, styles and designs that you can incorporate into your designs. Andrew talks you through the essentials of your sketch book.

Andrew has had so many requests requesting information on starting up your own workshop so Andrew has decided to go Back 2 Basics.

The tool catalogues are full of tempting tools and equipment. Do I want them all? ….Yes. Do I need them all? …. No!
Jewellery making tools are a necessary expense even for a beginner. So buy the best you can. These two films will help you decide on what to buy, the basics but necessary tools explained.

Andrew has had so many requests requesting information on starting up your own workshop so Andrew has decided to go Back 2 Basics.

So now we have decided on the type of bench we would like, its time to make it fit us. Yes, thats right. We don’t adjust a chair for us to sit at the bench comfortably. We work the other way round. First we get a chair and not any old chair. Then we adjust the chair to fit us then we make the bench fit the chair and us. One size fits all certainly does not apply to jewellers benches. Watch as Andrew shows you the correct way to be able to spend time at your bench without any aches and pains.

Andrew has had so many requests requesting information on starting up your own workshop so Andrew has decided to go Back 2 Basics.

Andrew is starting right back at the beginning, talking about benches in this first video. If you are thinking about taking your hobby a bit more serious or want to progress your jewellery making up to the next level, you need to start with the fundimentals. Benches may be boring but they are an important choice depending on where you are going to locate your first workshop space.

I don’t know about you, but I am alway interested to see what other jewellers have on their bench. A few students have been mesmerised by what Andrew has on his bench, some of it shouldn’t be there though, so..sshhh…don’t tell.

In these two films, Andrew takes you around his bench layout, explaining why each tool is where it is. Having been sitting at the same bench for over 20 years, (he has had a few days off) Andrew has perfected the layout to suit the way he works. His layout may not suit you but it will certainly get you thinking about how to layout your bench to work more effectively.

Part Three

Foldforming refers to a variety of ‘folds’ that generate a large selection of three dimensional forms in sheet metal.

Instead of forcing a shape into the metal, foldforming relies upon the metals property by hammering and pulling to produce the shapes. The fact that there are so many types of folds that can be used in so many combinations, the results can be so varied, even the original shape of the material bears some influence to the finished design.

By making 3 folds to make an M fold and then forging the creases, the opened out shape takes on a shell like appearance. The style lends itself to creole style ear rings.

I don’t know about you, but I am alway interested to see what other jewellers have on their bench. A few students have been mesmerised by what Andrew has on his bench, some of it shouldn’t be there though, so..sshhh…don’t tell.

In these two films, Andrew takes you around his bench layout, explaining why each tool is where it is. Having been sitting at the same bench for over 20 years, (he has had a few days off) Andrew has perfected the layout to suit the way he works. His layout may not suit you but it will certainly get you thinking about how to layout your bench to work more effectively.

Part Two

Foldforming refers to a variety of ‘folds’ that generate a large selection of three dimensional forms in sheet metal.

Instead of forcing a shape into the metal, foldforming relies upon the metals property by hammering and pulling to produce the shapes. The fact that there are so many types of folds that can be used in so many combinations, the results can be so varied, even the original shape of the material bears some influence to the finished design.

By making 3 folds to make an M fold and then forging the creases, the opened out shape takes on a shell like appearance. The style lends itself to creole style ear rings.

After years of designing, making and repairing jewellery you can easily get in a rut and use the same polishing compounds that you have always used.

If you see a new polishing compound in a tools catalogue do you take the chance and buy it? After trying this new Menzerna polish, Andrew will certainly be using this from now on. The quality of finish is exceptional. Don’t just take his word for it though, try it yourself – you will not be disappointed!

Part One

Foldforming refers to a variety of ‘folds’ that generate a large selection of three dimensional forms in sheet metal.

Instead of forcing a shape into the metal, foldforming relies upon the metals property by hammering and pulling to produce the shapes. The fact that there are so many types of folds that can be used in so many combinations, the results can be so varied, even the original shape of the material bears some influence to the finished design.

By making 3 folds to make an M fold and then forging the creases, the opened out shape takes on a shell like appearance. The style lends itself to creole style ear rings.