Jewellery Making Class

Join Abby Hook, an internationally acclaimed and award winning designer in this jewellery making class and learn a techinique from nearly 1300 years ago when Vikings used long pieces of silver and gold wire to weave ropes. These woven wire ropes were then stretched and made into jewellery for powerful Viking leaders. This strong, robust wire weaving is called Viking knit (or Trichinopoly chain). Class details: This class starts with becoming familiar with the tools, what they are used for and the best way to hold them as well as a few safety points. We then dive straight in to making the chain. Beginning with forming the starter ‘daisy’, we quickly move onto forming the chain, including comprehensive instructions on how to attach a new wire, so that it is not only securely held in place, but the join is almost invisible. Then the process of drawing the chain down (using your drawplate, which you can take home with you). I will also show you how to finish the chain, securing the end in place. How to form a wire cone to use as a very attractive end cap as well as forming a hook clasp, figure of 8 tapered link and a wrapped link. Choose from copper or silver plated wire for your jewellery. You should have a finished bracelet to take home with you and the materials for a necklace, so that you can complete it at your leisure. You will learn: About your tools and safety How to form a round loop How to knit with wire Drawing chain down in size Forming end caps Forming hook clasp and link Forming a wrapped loops Tools: Flat nose pliers Chain nose pliers Round nose pliers Nylon jaw pliers Flush cutters Viking knit drawplate Mandrel No previous experience is necessary, this course is designed with the complete beginner in mind. All materials are provided, if you have your own tools (detailed above) bring them with you and opt for the ‘Materials included option’, if not choose the ‘Tools and materials’ option and have your very own set of pliers and cutters to take home with you. Alternatively there will be tools available on the day for you to purchase. Tea and coffee are included. Please bring your own lunch, or there is a wonderful café onsite. Abby Hook is an internationally acclaimed, award winning designer and creator of unique wire jewellery and author of a bestselling, instructional wire jewellery book. She has been making jewellery since she was a child and specialising in wirework for 20 years, her business is now in it’s tenth year. You can find her online at www.abbyhook.co.uk Please note that this course is a small class and limited to 10 places