Trading as Katie Flutie since 2015, Kathy Taylor is an experienced and engaging tutor who helps students make a piece of Sterling silver jewellery to cherish. Prior to moving to Shropshire she taught in several crafting and well-being venues across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire as well as running workshops in private homes and her own studio. She specialises in working with beginners or those wishing to develop their basic silversmithing skills to create rings, bangles, earrings, pendants, brooches, chain necklaces and bracelets. These are created using Sterling silver sheet and wire and made using a huge array of tools and equipment, all of which are provided.
During a workshop you will learn how to measure and prepare your silver, form, solder and texture it to create your unique piece. Following the workshop, your work will be taken back to Kathy’s workshop to be cleaned and polished and will be available for collection from the venue about a week later; alternately, it can be posted to you at a small additional cost.
Students are asked to wear flat closed-toe shoes and to tie long hair back, for their own safety and that of others. All you need to bring are an apron, your glasses (if you need them – there’s quite a lot of close work), ear defenders (again, if you need them) and your enthusiasm.
TRIO OF STACKER RINGS
We start with a short demonstration and finger measuring and then make two simple hammered outer rings. This will help you get to grips with sizing your fingers, preparing the silver, forming and soldering it and then creating your first two rings. At this stage they will be filthy but beautiful! We will then look at options for the middle, more decorative, ring and there will be several options for you. After a quick photoshoot of your unpolished rings, you’ll be free to head off, excited to receive your creations!
EARRINGS & PENDANTS
In this workshop, you will start by working on a small piece of sheet copper to learn the techniques for texturing and stamping, before choosing your shape (square, rectangle, circle, heart) to make your earrings or pendant in Sterling silver. If you decide to make a pair of earrings these can either be made a studs (in most cases) or dangly styles; Kathy will show you several styles of earwires which she will make for you. If your choice is a pendant, you can choose to have a jump ring or bail style fitting (Kathy will solder these for you). You can choose a waxed cotton necklace for your pendant or Kathy can supply Sterling silver a chain at additional cost. Your pieces will be taken away to be polished giving you a week to look forward to their arrival!
BANGLES
Bangles are effectively massive rings! We start with a quick demonstration and then measure for your bangle. You will prepare the silver and shape it ready for soldering. After that, you will put your bangle on the former, shape it and add texture. Kathy will bring formers to make circular or oval bangles but, by request, she can bring square with rounded corners, octagonal and hexagonal formers. Your bangle will be taken away to be cleaned and polished and will be returned a week
To book:
katie.flutie1@gmail.com or calling 07806 433394 (please leave a message if no reply). Payment is by BACS or Paypal; cheques are accepted, paid to KM Taylor.
Workshop dates:
New dates will be available soon for 2023. If you’d like to register an interest, please get in touch.