MASTER CLASS: Hinges & Catches

Saturday 19th July & Sunday 20th July 2025

9:30am – 3:00pm

£190.00 plus materials (material costs of approx £30.00 paid directly to your tutor on first day of course)

Course aims:
Bespoke jewellery requires bespoke mechanisms to match. In this course, you will learn how to produce small jewellery mechanisms with precision.

In this two day course, students will learn step-by-step how to produce hinges, a box clasp, brooch back mechanisms and a figure eight clasp.

Each student will also come away from the course with an information pack which gives details of  all mechanisms covered in this course and instructions on how to make them –  a great bench reference.

Learning outcomes:
Students will learn to produce a number of catches and hinges including a Box Clasp.

Level:
The course is aimed at intermediate / advanced makers, not beginners. Sawing, filing and soldering knowledge is necessary. Students who have some experience in jewellery will find this course challenging and informative. Please note it may not be possible to finish all mechanisms in the allotted time, however detailed handouts will enable students to finish them in their own time.

Your tutor:
Hendrike Barz-Meltzer: Hendrike is a contemporary jewellery designer and maker who works in a variety of techniques and materials. Her main fascinations are patterns and research into jewellery history and techniques.

Material and technical considerations in her work are guided by environmental and ethical thinking that is not only beautiful  but has also been created responsibly.

Hendrike’s work is exhibited in a number of exhibitions and galleries, such Contemporary Applied Arts, London and she partakes in annual fairs such as Craft Festival, Bovey Tracey and MADE London.

Details:

The course will run over the weekend

• Saturday – Students will begin by producing a box clasp , typically used on a pearl necklace. In the afternoon students will learn how to make a simple hinge similar to one found on a locket.
• Sunday- Students will learn to make brooch back mechanisms as well as a figure of eight clasp.

General:­­
A maximum of eight places are available on this course, with a minimum of six participants required for the course to run. Full payment is required to secure a place. We can take card payments over the phone – please note the cost of the day is not refundable. Once payment is received we will send an email confirming your place on the course – just let us know if you would like a place by calling 01582 833800.

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