Celtic Jewelry
Anglo-Saxon and Celtic jewelry still inspires us to this day, well over a century later. The Celtic and Viking culture is still vibrant in media and in art. In this class we learn how the pieces of antiquity were made, how and why they were worn. From ring brooches, to torcs, to knotwork, we dive into the design, materials, and skills of this time period.
In this class you’ll not only learn about the traditional knotwork patterns and how to lay them out, but also how to construct your own patterns. Create beautiful and intricate patterning, and learn how this period influenced jewelry through the ages.
From learning how to create some of the most recognizable forms and patterns, to taking in the color and detail of the pieces, this class has something for everyone! Adapt what you learn into your own pieces and be inspired by history!
What’s covered in this class?
- History of Anglo-Saxon jewelry and an overview of its designs and techniques
- Knotwork- basic knots and how to construct knotwork patterns
- Piercing and carving in metal to create the overlapping patterns
- What is a torc?
- How to make a torc
- How to wear a torc
- Symbolism and meaning behind the designs
- Materials used during this time
- Purpose of jewelry
- Ring brooches
- Surface decoration- wire, applique, patina
A kit of materials is included with this class and will be mailed to you.
Tools for this Class
Students can adapt this class to their favorite jewelry technique that they already know, including fabrication, setting, lost wax, enameling and beading. You’ll need the same basic tools you already use to make your jewelry now.
This is a list of tools you’ll need to practice the techniques shown in class. A list of tools with recommended suppliers for the best prices will be sent to you after registration If you have questions about the tool list, please contact us.
- Soldering set-up- soldering board, pick, flux, pickle
- Torch- large butane or acetylene/air, propane/oxygen
- Cross lock tweezers
- Bench pin
- Saw frame
- Riveting hammer
- Steel bench block
- Round/flat forming pliers
- Chain nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Needle file set of 6
- Half round hand file
- Sandpaper assortment- 320,400,600
- Scotch brite pad
- Scissors
- Glue stick/rubber cement
- 1mm drill bit
- Dremel or flexshaft
Read what students have to say about our online classes on the testimonials page.
Prerequisites:
Sawing, drilling, and basic soldering skills are needed. Jewelry 1 or other class that covers those skills is highly recommended. There is a lot to learn in this class for any level, including intermediate students and beyond.
Instructor:
If a class is online, or is a combination online and in-person session, all students receive a link to a recording of the class demonstrations. In-person only workshops are not recorded. For staff instructor classes, students have access to the recordings for one year. For guest instructors, access is 30 days.
If a kit is included with the class, online students will have them mailed to them. Kits for in-person students are delivered at the beginning of the first class. More information about the kit is included with the supplies list which is emailed after registration.
International students may be charged an additional amount for shipping, because of the increased cost to ship abroad. Also, shipments to other countries may incur a tariff payable by the student. International students are welcome to contact us re: these costs and options for their materials. Please be sure that the address with your payment is the correct one for shipping.
If this class is offered online, it uses the Zoom app/website. Through Zoom, you’ll be able to see demos and follow instructions, ask questions and interact with your instructor. Zoom is easy to use and free for students to use for class, and works on most devices, like phones (iPhone, Android, etc), tablets (iPads, etc), and computers (Mac or PC).
Your instructor is also available during free Zoom office hours for questions and help.
For classes that include work time, online students work at home or in their studio. All of our recommended tools and the kit materials are chosen to be home studio friendly. Links to preferred vendors are provided in the supplies list sent after registration. Some classes, like our short demo only classes, don't require tools or materials to attend.
There are no requirements regarding COVID at this time.
As always, we clean and disinfect shared tools and benches after each class.
If you have tested positive for COVID, have symptoms that could be COVID, or feel ill, please don't come to class. Contact us for more information.
And now the fine print. Payment in full for class fees is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. Checks and cash are accepted only if you register at school. If you mail a check, your registration is not processed until it clears and the class may fill during the wait.
If the workshop is canceled by our school for any reason, all class fees will be refunded, or you can transfer to another class, or you can keep a credit on account with us for future classes or purchases,
Students can cancel, receive a credit or refund, or transfer to another class up to 21 days before a workshop, whether it is online or in person. No cancellations are accepted after the 21-day deadline, however, we will do what we can to try and sell your place to a qualified student. If we can sell your place, you can receive a refund less a $50 cancellation fee, keep a credit on account with us, or apply your fees towards a transfer to another class.
If you can’t make it to class, you may send a participant who has the necessary prerequisites in your place. Please call or email us immediately with any changes in the student participant information. If a class includes an online section, your class will be recorded and you can watch later to make up a class you miss.
Students must be at least 15 years old to attend a class, and students under 18 must have a legal guardian sign our liability waiver form. We have had younger students attend classes, on a case by case basis. If you’re interested in enrolling your child, please call or email us.
If you sign up for a class and fail to have the required prerequisites as listed in the class description, you are still subject to the 21-day cancellation policy, listed above.
Lodging and meals are not included for in person classes.
If you don't come to class, there are no refunds, credits or transfers.