Our beginners’ course
Our next five-week beginners’ course will be from 7 October to 11 November 2026, skipping 28 October as this is half term, though the group session will still be on. The course is now fully subscribed. If you would like to join the waiting list for this course in case there is a drop out, or for subsequent years, or want to discuss other teaching options, please contact John Huddleston.
The course runs alongside the normal group session on Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm in the workshops at John Mason School in Abingdon. The maximum class size for complete beginners is six to allow for plenty of support and guidance. There is room for others who have practical experience, but are interested in the theory parts of the course. There are three weeks of closely supervised practicals, where the students will make a silver ring and then they can choose one of a number of items of silver jewellery to make. The course will conclude with two sessions covering a wide range of techniques, the metals and tools and what and where to buy your metals. Each student will receive a handout covering information sources, health & safety and suppliers.
The course focuses on traditional silversmithing methods. Laser welding, PMC, CAD and 3-D printing will only be mentioned in passing.
Weeks 1, 2 & 3 – students make a ring then choose one of a number of projects
Week 4 – Design and metal properties, texturing, doming, raising, forging and polishing
Week 5 – Enamelling, casting methods, assay, tools and recent developments.
These are rings made by students during the October 24 course.
The cost in 2026 is £90 payable in advance. This fee includes all costs including the silver needed for your project and it will include your membership of the Abingdon Silver Group until the end of the Autumn term.
For any other questions about the beginners’ course or to sign up, please contact John (link above)
The course will also give you a chance to sample the club and meet our regulars!
After the course, we would like you to continue with the club and come along every week, or when you can, to make whatever you would like – with continued support from more experienced members. There is no regular tutor. The class and club are only open to adults.
The images on this page are pieces made by people on or after the beginners’ course.
