Copper and brass Christmas decoration making, half-day course

A fun session for the festive season, learning the skill of hand piercing, with silversmith Charlotte Tollyfield, to produce unique copper and brass creations for your tree or as an ideal token gift to commemorate the year.

You will be greeted by Charlotte at the entrance to the Persistence Works studio building, where her practice is based, in the heart of Sheffield, and escorted to the studio where you will start the day with an introduction to the workshop and all health and safety procedures.

Charlotte will then introduce the project with some examples of what you can create before giving a practical demonstration on saw piercing. You will then get the chance to have a practice with the piercing saw and experiment with textured punches before making a start on your own designs.

You will be able to choose from a selection of ready-made templates, that you can adapt, or have a free rein and create your own unique design. Each participant should be able to complete two or three decorations to take away with them.

The short 4-hour session will finish by stringing the decorations with ribbon and sitting back to admire your handiwork with a well-earned brew.

Additional Info

All materials are included in the course price and all tools will be provided by Charlotte in the workshop. Tea and coffee with fruit, biscuits and mince pies will be freely available, but as it is a short session there won't be a break for lunch.

Charlotte is able to provide aprons, but if you have your own that you feel more comfortable wearing you can bring it with you. You may also wish to bring any wrist or elbow support if you feel you may need it. Flat shoes with a covered toe are essential as is comfortable clothing.

For safety reasons this workshop is for 18+ only.

Location

The workshop will take place at Yorkshire ArtSpace’s Persistence Works studio complex in the heart of Sheffield city centre. The building is a 10-15 minute walk from both the Sheffield central Train Station and Bus Station, and a 15-20 minute walk from the Supertram stops at Sheffield Station or Fitzalan Square.

Whilst Persistence Works does not have its own parking facilities, there is some street parking directly outside and on nearby roads, as well as several car parks within 3-15 minutes walk.

About Charlotte

Charlotte Tollyfield is a professional silversmith with over 15 years’ experience, designing and making her own contemporary silverware and copper pieces that she exhibits throughout the UK. She also takes on both private and corporate commission work. This has included the 2018 St. Leger Stakes trophy, and the Barber Emeritus ceremonial goblets for the Worshipful Company of Barbers in London. Charlotte began offering silversmithing courses in 2017 from her own workshop within Yorkshire Artspace’s Persistence Works, focusing on the key skills of this ancient and noble trade, including hand raising, forging and saw piercing.

Info: You will recognise the Persistence Works building by the industrial mural that adorns it's front. It sits next to a large building with red-brick facade called Site Gallery. Please access the building through the large gate to the left of Persistence Works, as you are facing the building. Charlotte will endeavour to be outside ready to greet you.

Info: Charlotte will introduce you to the studio where you will be creating your decorations, and run through the health & safety induction.

Info: Charlotte will demonstrate the technique of saw piercing and show you how to approach your first decoration.

Info: You will now be given time to get to grips with the piercing saw and cut out your first decoration.

Info: Charlotte will show you how to use text and texture punches to embellish your decorations. Your will then have a few minutes to have a go for yourself.

Info: Charlotte will take you through the process of using emery papers to refine the surface of your decorations before adding polish to bring out the shine. You will then complete your first decorations.

Info: Now you know all the steps it's time to let your creativity fly and work on your own individual decorations. Whether you choose to use the provided templates, adapt one to give it a bit more flare, or pick up paper and pencil to bring your own unique designs to life, the world is your lobster!

Info: The final step is to add ribbon to your decorations, stand back, and admire your handiwork.

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Host or Publisher Charlotte Tollyfield Contemporary Bespoke Silverware