Jewellery Making: Radiating Brooch

Participants will use a plastic canvas backing and learn stitching and knotting techniques and processes that will be first demonstrated then undertaken by students. Using a strong hemp cord, students will choose one of two designs that allow the central area of the brooch to be a larger or smaller feature area and then work through the various processes to complete a brooch. Prefabricated brooch pins will be supplied, and students will be shown how to stich these into the pile. Thinking through design considerations such as which colour combinations give what effects and how these result in the tone of the overall work will be discussed. Students who would like a pile where fibres are an even length will have the opportunity to use specialist pile scissors.

Students will gain an understanding of the workability of flat plastic canvas as a substructure for knotting into. They will also build and refine their colour selection skills through working with the fun hemp colours. Participants will learn a range of transferable skills useful across other crafting platforms. We will cover how to measure out cordage, work to a pattern, manage a multiple strands of fibres at once, create a tight secure overhand knot and stitch on a brooch pin to a professional standard. Fine motor and needle work skills will be built through using these materials. Students will gain the confidence to consider pursuing more complex jewellery making techniques/processes.

Vicki Mason has been wearing jewellery since age two and making it since age 6 or 7. Born in New Zealand she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies at the University of Otago and a Diploma in Craft Design from Otago Polytechnic School of Art (Jewellery) before working at Fluxus workshop/gallery with renowned Swiss goldsmith Kobi Bosshard and the FLUXUS team. She was awarded a Master of Philosophy degree (Research) in Gold and Silversmithing (ANU) in 2012. She runs production and exhibition practices and teaches. Vicki has been awarded many grants and awards including the prestigious Australia Council for the Arts Barcelona Studio residency in 2014. Her work is held in both public and private collections including the Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts, Shanghai, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney and the Art Gallery of South Australia. She interviews for Art Jewelry Forum, the international online platform for contemporary Jewelry and is on the board of the World Crafts Council – Australia.

The tutor will discuss tools and materials. Students can use tools provided. And a list of hand-tools and suppliers will be provided at the first class. The tutor will advise where to purchase.

Tools and materials are provided for this workshop. 

Students need to meet Work Health and Safety requirements which include wearing closed-in shoes, plus long hair must be tied back or up, and wearing safety glasses provided if undertaking certain techniques as directed by the tutor. It is recommended that minimal jewellery be worn.

Suitable clothing appropriate for the workshop must be worn. If you have an apron or old shirt, please bring it to wear to protect your clothes.

Also please bring a permanent marker pen and paper.

This class is suitable for all students both beginners and more experienced makers. No prior jewellery experience necessary.