6-Week Beginner Silversmithing Course | Hartlepool

Discover the art of traditional silversmithing in this friendly six-week beginner jewellery making course at The Little Silver Kiln in Hartlepool. Whether you've always wanted to learn a new creative skill, make your own jewellery, or are considering silversmithing as a new hobby, this course is designed for complete beginners. Over six weekly sessions you'll learn professional jewellery-making techniques while creating a collection of beautiful sterling silver jewellery to take home. By the end of the course you'll have gained confidence using traditional silversmithing tools and techniques, and you'll have handmade a sterling silver pendant, earrings, a bangle, a trio of stacking rings and a bezel-set gemstone ring. With small class sizes, plenty of individual tuition and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, this course is perfect for anyone looking for a creative evening in Hartlepool. What You'll Learn Throughout the course you'll be introduced to many of the core techniques used by professional jewellers, including: • Using a jeweller's piercing saw • Texturing silver with hammers and the rolling mill • Metal stamping • Drilling and forming • Annealing • Measuring and forming rings • Soldering with a handheld jeweller's torch • Filing and finishing • Satin, polished and oxidised finishes • Basic bezel stone setting • Introduction to enamelling No previous experience is required and all tools and equipment are provided. Your Jewellery Projects During the six weeks you'll create a collection of handmade sterling silver jewellery including: ✓ Sterling silver pendant ✓ Sterling silver earrings ✓ Sterling silver bangle ✓ Trio of stacking rings ✓ Bezel-set ring with a gemstone Every project introduces new techniques, allowing your confidence to build naturally each week. Weekly Course Breakdown Week 1 – Monday 21 September 2026 We'll begin by learning how to safely use a jeweller's piercing saw before exploring texturing techniques using hammers, stamps and the rolling mill. You'll begin creating your sterling silver pendant and earrings. Week 2 – Monday 28 September 2026 Learn how to prepare silver for soldering before using a handheld jeweller's torch to complete your earrings. You'll also drill, shape and refine your pendant ready for finishing. Week 3 – Monday 5 October 2026 This week focuses on measuring, forming and shaping as you begin creating your stacking rings and bangle. Week 4 – Monday 12 October 2026 You'll continue developing your soldering skills by joining your rings and bangle before refining and shaping each piece. Week 5 – Monday 19 October 2026 Create a simple round bezel setting before learning how gemstones are securely set into handmade silver jewellery. Week 6 – Monday 26 October 2026 Complete your jewellery collection by polishing and finishing your work. We'll explore satin, polished and oxidised finishes before finishing with a colourful introduction to enamelling. Small Class Sizes Places are deliberately limited to ensure everyone receives plenty of one-to-one support throughout the course. Many beginners feel nervous about soldering for the first time, so we keep our classes small, allowing tutors to guide you through every stage safely and at your own pace. Join Our Jewellery Community Learning doesn't stop when the course finishes. We love seeing our students continue to grow in confidence and develop their own jewellery-making style, so you'll receive ongoing support even after the six weeks have ended. As a course graduate, you'll gain access to our private student Facebook group which has access to resources like our course booklets to refer back to at home, along with a recommended supplier list to help you source tools, silver and materials as you continue your silversmithing journey. To help you keep building your skills, you'll also be invited to our monthly advanced technique workshops (completely optional), where you'll learn new jewellery-making techniques and expand on what you've covered during the beginner course. If you'd like to continue making in a fully equipped workshop, you'll also have the opportunity to hire a bench for independent practice or make use of our open studio sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00am–5:00pm. These sessions provide access to the studio and equipment in a supportive creative environment, giving you the freedom to practise, experiment and continue creating at your own pace. About Your Tutor The course is taught by Carley, founder of The Little Silver Kiln. Carley studied Applied Art at Cleveland College of Art & Design (now the Northern School of Art), specialising in ceramics, silversmithing and textiles, before completing a PGCE at the University of Bolton. With over nine years of teaching experience and thousands of handmade jewellery pieces created for customers across the UK, she is passionate about helping complete beginners discover the enjoyment of making jewellery by hand. Studio Location The course takes place in our studio at The BIS, Whitby Street, Hartlepool. • Two-minute walk from Hartlepool railway station • Parking available next to the building • Free parking after 6:00pm (please check local signage) • Easily accessible from Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Billingham, Durham and across the North East. What to Wear For your safety, please wear: • Closed-toe shoes (no sandals) • Clothing that covers your legs • Long hair tied back • Avoid scarves or loose sleeves when using the torch If you wear glasses for close work, please bring them with you. Refreshments Tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks are available throughout the evening. We're proud to be a vegan-friendly studio and will happily cater for dietary requirements where possible—just let us know before the course begins. Good to Know • Suitable for complete beginners • Ages 14+ • Check-in opens 10 minutes before the class starts • Please enter through the main entrance of The BIS • If you're running late, simply let us know and we'll arrange to meet you.