Overview
Two-hour silversmithing classes run on Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings (skipping every 5th week). The classes are designed for everyone from the complete beginner to the experienced student. Venetia customises her approach to teaching each student depending on their goals. Whether this is a possible career path or a fun creative outlet, Venetia will work with you to ensure you get the most out of your experience. At your first class you will be guided through a ‘Practice Project’ to get you comfortable in the space before you move on to your own design. If you are not sure what to make, don’t worry, Venetia will help you design something in the Planning Session that will suit your class allowance and skill level. A maximum of three students per class enables Venetia to focus on each student’s needs and provide dedicated support throughout the learning journey.
Students will learn jewellery making techniques including saw piercing, texturing, rolling, drilling, filing and polishing. Venetia will guide you through each step of the process and you will finish your classes with new skills, new friends and a unique piece of jewellery to show off forever.
What’s included? An allowance of 10 grams of sterling silver per project, consumables such as saw blades and emery paper, and hot drinks including tea and coffee. Students can purchase additional metals and gemstones for their projects if they choose. Safety equipment is also provided, including a leather apron, dust masks and protective eye wear.
Venetia, at the jewellery bench
Prospective Student Tours are free and run on most Wednesday mornings. You are encouraged to pop in, meet Venetia and have a browse around the studio space. You will see an example of the Practice Project, all the tools available for use and have the opportunity to ask any questions.
Once signed up, the first stage is the Planning Session where students sit down with Venetia and brainstorm ideas for their project. Venetia will advise on which ideas are achievable for the student’s skill level and timeframe. The student should bring pictures and sketches for inspiration. Planning Sessions are complimentary, take about 20 minutes for each student and do not count towards your class quota.
During your first Silversmithing class you will have a Safety Introduction of the tools and machinery in the studio and be guided through a Practice Project consisting of a number of basic skills including saw-piercing, drilling, filing and polishing. The safety intro and Practice Project take one lesson to complete, students can then commence their own project in the following lesson. Venetia guides the student through each step of their silversmithing project until completed.
To gain access to the classes you must first purchase your Class Pack. Easily sign up online and manage your class bookings through the Student Portal. Save 10% if you purchase a 12 Class Pack and 5% if you select an 8 Class Pack. The Class Pack system has been designed with flexibility in mind, allowing the student to manage their classes easily.
Facilities include kitchenette with complimentary tea, coffee and water are provided and an onsite bathroom.
Class Packs
Class Packs are valid for 12 months and have been designed with convenience and flexibility in mind. Attend class whenever it suits you - weekly, fortnightly, monthly - you have 12 months to use your classes.
Silversmithing - 4 Class Pack $560
Four silversmithing classes which can be used over a period of 12 months. A great option for a gift or to dive in and get a feel for the craft of silversmithing.
Silversmithing - 8 Class Pack $1064 (save $56)
Eight silversmithing classes which can be used over a period of 12 months. A great option for the enthusiast who is planning a more complex project or a beginner who would like a deeper silversmithing experience.
Silversmithing - 12 Class Pack $1512 (save $168)
Twelve silversmithing classes which can be used over a period of 12 months. Perfect for people who love making jewellery and have complex or multiple projects in mind and is the best value for money.
Tailored Packages
Contact Venetia to discuss tailoring a package to suit your needs.
Tours, sessions & Classes
Prospective Student Tours are run every Wednesday morning at 9:45am and allow prospective students to meet the team, view the workshop and ask questions. There is no cost associated and tours usually take about 5 minutes.
A complimentary ‘Planning Session’ gives us space and time to plan and finalise the design of your project and new students must attend one before starting their classes. Sessions usually take around 15 to 30 minutes. You will have the opportunity to browse the studio if you haven’t already attended a tour. No jewellery making happens at these sessions and they do not count toward your class quota. Planning Sessions typically run on Wednesday mornings but can be scheduled at a time that suits you. Please contact us to discuss a convenient time.
Silversmithing Classes are designed to cater for all skill levels and abilities. A student’s very first class will cover the workshop safety introduction and a practice project to get you comfortable with the space and tools. During subsequent classes each student works on their own designs with step by step guidance from Venetia. As each student travels through their individual jewellery making journey, Venetia is able to suggest fun new techniques to try that will challenge and expand the student’s skill set.
perks
Complimentary Birthday Class. If you’re a student at the time of your birthday you will receive one free silversmithing class every year. The birthday class is valid for 12 months.
Receive a Certificate of Completion upon completion of your Class Pack, if requested. Great for resumés and portfolios. Venetia can also write references for people trying to break into the jewellery industry.
Access to the extensive library of silversmithing and jewellery making textbooks, technical manuals, magazines and catalogues. Subjects include general silversmithing techniques, stone setting, gemstones, diamonds, design, style and couture.
Open access to a knowledgeable industry insider. Receive advice and insights on how to build a career in jewellery from somebody who has been in the trade for 20 years. Venetia can advise on and recommend different tool suppliers and gem merchants.
15% Student Discount on any Bespoke Jewellery product, including findings, chains and gemstones to finish your piece off.
Access to Supplier Discounts from recommended tool and metal merchants.
Just some of Venetia’s jewellery books, available for loan.
2024 Silversmithing Class Calendar
scroll through to 23rd Jan to find classes
Classes can not be booked more the 6 weeks in advance
Please read the Terms & Conditions below before signing up
Student Feedback
“I have found my lessons with Venetia to be very informative. Venetia takes the time to explain the theory behind what you are attempting so it is a real learning experience. She is supportive of your own designs and assists in suggesting improvements so that the student comes away with a first class piece of jewellery. Only one small issue, the lessons fly by and end too quickly.” Ruth H
“Venetia has great skill and experiences, she is patient and easy to understand. I have started three projects with her and just signed up for 10 more weeks. Now if only she were closer or open more days per week” Mark S
“...My husband and I also returned to Venetia's studio for lessons as a wedding present! Venetia listened to what we wanted to make, and helped us make something that we were happy with in the time that we had. She was very helpful when I was nervous about trying something out, with the right amount of letting me try if for myself before stepping in to help. I learned a lot. Venetia is really great to work with and I recommend her for getting jewellery made, designed or repaired, as well as as a silver smithing teacher!” Caitlin M
Venetia, filing a ring.
Your instructor:
Venetia Major is a trade qualified jeweller and gemmologist and has been designing, making and repairing jewellery since 2004 and has been teaching silversmithing classes for 7 years. Venetia completed her jewellery apprenticeship in Canberra and welcomes you to her fully equipped studio and gallery in Hall, Canberra.
Venetia Major
“I can’t wait to welcome you to silversmithing classes!
They’re lots of fun! You’ll get to learn new skills and meet new people.
Sign up now, book a complimentary tour or send through your contact details and I’ll be in touch soon!”
FAQs
How do I sign up?
Click on the ‘Sign Up Now’ button and select ‘Adult’ or ‘Adult with Dependents’ if you’re signing up your child/ren. The form will ask for all the student’s details including emergency contact. Select which Pack you’d like and enter your payment details. Sign the waiver electronically and submit. You will then automatically be sent your Member Login details where you can book and manage your classes.
How do I register to attend a free tour?
Scroll through the calendar above, click on the tour you’d like to attend and enter your email address. You will receive a confirmation email with all the details.
What is the minimum age of students?
My youngest student so far has been 14 but I am open to having younger students if they are passionate and want to attend.
Can parents accompany young students?
Yes, of course, parents are welcome to hang around during class but they are also welcome to go and have a break.
What sort of piece can I make as a beginner in 4 weeks?
As a beginner you will be focusing on textures, shape and form in sterling silver, without gemstones. Pendants are the easiest pieces to complete. We will brainstorm and confirm your project at the Planning Session.
Can I learn stone setting?
I can teach you basic bezel and claw setting. Allow one to two classes to set your pieces.
Can you help me set up a workbench at home?
Yes, I’m more than happy to give as much advice as you can handle. I share my preferred suppliers for tools and materials so you can buy direct.
What facilities are available?
Heating, bathroom, tea, coffee, milo, water and occasionally naughty treats.
Can I use gold?
You can make your jewellery projects from 9ct or 18ct gold. Gold is charged per gram in addition to the class fees.
Terms & conditions:
Memberships (Class Packs)
An active ‘Class Pack’ must be in place to attend classes.
Class Packs are valid for 12 months.
Cancellation Fee is 25% of the value of the remaining classes.
Classes
24 hours notice is required for booking cancellations. Cancellation within 24 hours will result in the loss of the class unless a Medical Certificate is presented.
Booking cancellations are to be made through the member’s portal.
No-show bookings will be forfeited.
Payments
You are signing up to a one-off Direct Debit payment processed by EziDebit via either Bank Account or Credit Card.
Payments can also be made by EFTPOS or bank transfer, by arrangement.
EZIDEBIT Fees
Bank Account Fee - 0.99c / transaction
Visa/Mastercard - 1.99% / transaction
Amex/Diners - 4.40% / transaction
Dishonour Fee - $14.80
