Over the past couple of months I've been lucky to takepart twice in one of Brian Adam's day courses at his Titirangi Bush Jewellery workshop. I am so envious of he and Ruth's workshop space, and in awe of Brian's

ability to create his own tools and jimmy otherwise expensive tools together out of recycled motors and metals. Brian is a generous type, who is happy to share his knowledge with others.

I've experienced this before with the Silversmith Guild of Canterbury; experienced members happy to share their wealth of knowledge at their weekend workshops. One course I attend was on how to make your own tools. For a token $10 we came home with a small fortune worth of tools and a wealth of ideas.

Of course, as the 'teacher' or tutor the learning is not just a one way street. Brian commented yesterday on NZSilversmiths that he had learnt a lot from his own workshop. There is something unique about getting together with like-minded people and working on something like jewellery making where there are a million and one ways of doing something; the discussions are rich and rewarding.

I went along hoping to learn to rivet, and rivet I did, but along the way I learned more about tube setting, bezel making, using an oxygen torch, about the range of hand drills, opals, casting and consolidated my understanding of

why it is important to wear covered shoes in the workshop!

If you haven't been on a course with others, or run a course of your own, I highly recommend it. As the student or the teacher there is so much to gain, and nothing to lose.

Happy silversmithing!

www.nzsilversmiths.ning.com October 2012

NEWSLETTEROctober 2012

Your 'Forum' Challenge: Introduce yourself...

Fiona

October Blog Challenge:

Make a simple photo tutorial to teach others a simple beginners

project using a minimum of beginner tools.

Anna Claire ThompsonHi, I'm Anna Claire Thompson, artist jeweller from Invercargill. I did a BFA at Otago 1999-2002 and since then have been raising a family (3 kids, all at school now) and working in my studio at home in Invercargill. I usually work

with sterling silver, resin, stones and shells making landscape-based jewellery, but lately seem to be making more and more sculpture. I supply galleries, do commissions, exhibit and I love being involved in the local art scene. (www.annaclaire.co.nz)

Garry BettridgeHi Everyone, I am a manufacturing jeweller from Wanganui. Jewellery has been my life for 30 years, the last 7 working for myself. Day to day work is repairs and bespoke pieces but mostly traditional. I started tutoring when i opened my

workshop and with my first regular student Tracey, we opened Pumice Gallery to showcase the work of jewellery artists from the area and further afield. She also broke me from my 23yr traditional mindset and into doing things contemporary, which I love doing when I find the time

Inside-* Sharing is caring

* Beginner challenge

* On the forum

* Blog challenge

New to the forum:* Introduce yourself, welcome new members* Tools and items for sale/wanted* Polishing and other finishing tricks* Seeking a Gem Setter+ 80 other discussions... go have a browse!

Sharing is caring...

www.facebook.com/nzsilversmiths

Welcome to our latest members:* Anne White* Amanda Dick* Maca Bernal* Allan McAuliffe* Tee Robinson* Carrie Moore* Ingeborg Keane

We hope you enjoy our

As a beginner I found that I didn't have many tools and unless I went along to the Silversmith Guild of Canterbury workshop, I felt stuck at home with what I could make with the few tools I had.

For the newbies to our site and to silversmithing, I posted a forum discussion on simple project ideas to get started with, and to help develop basic skills. From that post came the challenge from Caroline Basset to make it a web challenge for our members.

These ideas could become the basis for a future beginners workshop should you ever want to host one, so get cracking and give it a go!

NZSilversmiths

Featured works by Carrie Moore: (from left to right) Fusion Art Opal Pendant, Metalmorph, Blue Flame Opal Pendant Brooch Combination (Look for Carrie on Facebook by searching Wrapture Gems Jewellery)