Roller Printed Jewellery

In this course participants will use sheet brass, copper to make earrings, rings pendants and other forms of jewellery.

Techniques and processes will be demonstrated then undertaken by students in this hands on course. Students will learn to use the ‘rolling mills’ to press patterns and images into sheet metal. A sandwich of sheet metal with a texturing material (lace, sandpaper, wire etc) as the filling, is passed through a mill under pressure and the resulting embossed metal leaves a reverse image of the material printed. Students will then use this printed sheet to cut a simple design to make into a piece of jewellery.

They will work through various processes to complete a work to wear. Basic jewellery techniques such as transferring shapes to materials, sawing, filing, drilling holes, polishing and annealing will be learned in order to work the sheet metal. Pre-fabricated jewellery attachments will be supplied and used so the focus of the workshop can be on working with the sheet metal and its possibilities and limitations.

Note: Students who choose to work in Silver will need to purchase and bring same to class.

Students will gain an understanding of the workability of flat sheet metal and the rolling mills machinery particular to the jewellery trade. 

We will cover; how to cut sheet metal, anneal it to soften it using gas torches, use the rolling mills to emboss patterns and images, transfer shapes to metal, load and use a jewellers saw frame and files, use a flexi drill and polishing motor. 

Design issues as well as choosing suitable findings/attachment/fixing systems enabling works to be worn will all be looked at. Fine motor and tool handling skills will be built through using this sheet metals, and students will gain the confidence to consider pursuing more complex jewellery making techniques/processes.

Making jewellery fulfils Vicki Mason’s need to create objects that hold special meanings. These objects can be worn and can potentially provoke in the wearer and viewer a need for a response or interaction of some kind. A dialogue is opened up - jewellery then acts as a portable tool for the communication of ideas.

Her work references Vicki’s passion for plants as subject - notion of place, belonging and the life-cycle and use of plants as metaphors to represent these ideas. Plants native to Australia, exotic plants, plant forms found in the fine and decorative arts and plants used in gardens are just some sources referenced and researched. Botanical motifs have a long history within jewellery’s imagery so are a rich source for reinterpretation and investigation.

Vicki also combines flexible pedestrian plastics (upholstery and stationery remnants), textile processes and materials alongside metal and metal techniques to create a cross media/material discourse that works across traditional classifications of what jewellery and textiles should be.

This course is suitable for both beginning and more experienced students. No prior jewellery experience is necessary.

The tutor will discuss tools and materials at the first session. Students can use the tools provided in the workshop. A list of hand tools and suppliers will be provided at the first class. If students wish to work with silver it will be at their own cost (approx. $2.00 per gram), the tutor will advise where to purchase.

Students need to meet OH&S requirements which include wearing closed in shoes, having long hair tied back/up and wearing safety glasses provided when undertaking certain process/techniques as directed by the tutor. It is recommended minimal jewellery be worn and suitable clothing appropriate for the studio/workshop setting also be worn. If you have an apron or old shirt please bring it to wear to protect clothes.

Please bring a permanent marker/pen, paper.