Silversmithing course or learning by yourself - which is BETTER? Learn Silversmithing

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Should you do a silversmithing course or try to learn by yourself?? Today I will answer this question and share my thoughts with you! Share what you think and your experiences in the comments, I would love to hear from you! :)

[@خبيرترميمتحفوحرفيدويةمتنوعة]

فيديو رائع جدا في الطبيعة الخلابة شكرا لك

[@pets4087]

She s beautiful make the video beautiful also

[@TemplesTreasures]

Hi! You’ve been such an inspiration to me, helping me along the way. I’ve just recently started to acquire the tools and I’ll be starting the smithing process myself very soon. I’m so excited!! I have a certain level of obsession with this trade craft. Kudos to you and all the work you’ve put in. You have an amazing personality and I like how open you are, sharing with us. Thank you! 😊

[@faby6451]

Hi Basia! You've inspired me SO much with this video. I'm thinking about changing my life and starting the "silversmithing journey", without any idea of anything and much fears... So, thank you :)

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

No worries Faby, it'll all come to you step by step once you start! :) It's worth to try. I'm so happy I was able to inspire you and thanks so much for lovely comment!

[@Lucy4n89]

I am in love with your editing skills!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you so much, your comment made my day! :))

[@originalvirgo1]

I am in love with your accent

[@page7892]

Ah, this was great. I loved the format of this video. I can't believe I missed this video. I'm glad I've watched it now. Thank you!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

I'm glad you've seen it too! :) Thanks so much dear! :)

[@marcosduran1443]

It doesnt.matter..... learn and practice as much as you can.....they also have books,and videos at rio grande jewelry supply...you can always take a course later on... just start...Also you tube!🙂

[@Iknowonlywhatimtaught]

Good advice. There is a lot more to tools and knowing how to soldering gold silver together. The person should have a creative side. Do they know how to draw? Do they know how to draw on metal( engrave)? Do they have good sewing skills to cut the metal close in intricate designs? We have to transfer ideas to what we are working with. If the answer is yes! Than you may make a good silversmith. Rings, earnings, necklaces broaches, pendant cufflinks buttons etc. Do you have the budget to by the tools and equipment long term or are you financially well off you can buy everything now and take a course to speed yourself a head to being a silversmith in the next 4 yrs? With everything there is a learning curve.up until a few decades ago people apprenticed under a silversmith for at least 5 yrs to be a real silversmith. I have been studying for 6 years and still I have techniques I have a little trouble with putting in to practice and I'm retired. I have the time to study and the money to buy things as I gain competence. I read a lot of comments from others posting all over KZbin that are novices and want to go out and buy all the tools and equipment and think they will make a lot of money making stuff. It's not that easy. Buying a lot of stuff when you don't even know if your going to like the craft! Some people are just not cut out for this hobby much less a silversmith. Many of the smiths on KZbin have a good bit of training or experience making jewelry or gem cutting which is more specialized in itself. Don't be wasteful or a pack rat! Buy tools as you get more into the craft. You could come to regret buying all these tools and stuff. Education is a marvelous thing. Get educated then jump it. Most of us that make jewelry do it because we love it and our passion also comes from related art forms, such a painting sculpting drawing. I don't want to discourage anyone that has a passion to make jewelry, I welcome. I just would like people to think about the investment time money that goes into the craft. I apologize for the rant. But I see so many people wanting everything now now. It just don't work that way. Self taught is fine if you can afford it, most can't. Keep working your job and budget for a good silversmithing course and stick with it. Buy the tools required for the course only. If the is the availability of advanced learning. Budget for this to. Buy only what is required. Once your finished with your training you will have a better idea of what other tools you may need to help speed up production. Learn the business side. Dealing with customers can be hard, especially disgruntled customers. You will not just make jewelry you will most likely do a lot of repairs, maybe even something you made a sold. Being your own boss has its ups and down side. It tougher. You are never your own boss. Someone will always will be pulling the strings.

[@Cherry-pt5gg]

I appreciate these videos so much!! I am a wire wrapping artist, self taught and am getting to a complex enough point with my wraps where I want to start incorporating new techniques and styles!! BINGE watching. You're inspiring me to do jewelry full time.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Ah, Cherry, thank you so much for this amazing comment! Words like this really motivate me too, to keep making these videos! I've never actually tried wire wrapping, but it's a beautiful technique and I want to try one day :) You'll find silversmithing very rewarding, definitely give it a go! xx

[@kimonaNo1]

Great video! I'm doing a year-long silversmithing course, and I chose to go part-time at work in order to be able to do it. It was slightly more expensive up front but the only reason I chose to do it was because I don't have any space at home and a long course enables me to have somewhere to go and learn and play with ideas and tools. :) When I did a couple of short courses in the past they they left me feeling unsatisfied in the end as they weren't long enough and I had to wait long periods in between courses which was frustrating! Looking forward to your tutorial project! :)

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Hi! And thank you for your comment :) A year-long course is definitely more expensive but I'm sure it's worth the money. As you said, the space, access to tools, guidance and overall possibilites, I would definitely want to do that too. Short courses are more a taster type in my opinion. You can try 'some' things (for me it was to get comfortable with the torch) and maybe see how the whole workshop looks like, what tools you might need etc. But I agree, few lessons are not enough if you want to go deeper and actually learn silversmithing properly. Are you doing it as a hobby or planning to become a full time silversmith? :)

[@kimonaNo1]

I just see myself as a beginner/hobbyist for now, one day I would love to be good enough to make and sell my own designs, with my own online shop :) but it probably won't ever pay my mortgage hahah.. Soldering is the thing I need to practise on most, it definitely doesn't come naturally to me!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

It's good and healthy to start as a hobbyist, this way you won't take away the love for craft and put too much pressure on yourself. And you have many possibilities to grow, who knows where it might take you one day! :) Good luck with leraning and I'm sure that before you know it, you'll be very good and skilled :)

[@gabrielkirkbaca2910]

Stardust , Great job 👍. To your students , refrain from buying tools until you feel comfortable with sawing and soldering which is the foundation. The rest is your imagination. Do not get discouraged , trial and error. You learn more from your mistakes then your successes. Really enjoy your tutorials Stardust , you inspire me to just step out and share. ♥️👍. PS : you come across sincere and passionate 👍👍👍

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

big YES to what you said, that's the best advice 😀 Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind and encouraging feedback!

[@Yocyndie]

Thanks for this video! I was going to attend jewelry design school, but I might just teach myself.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

You are very welcome! :) I think you can try to teach yourself first, classes are always there if you need extra help. Good luck! :)

[@daintyanns41]

Im thankful for your videos. Im trying to save for a class but learning on my own until then .

[@carolinerothenberg3982]

I love your videos! I'm trying to decide whether to invest the time and to learn silversmithing. I have been watching videos for months and I just found yours today! You have really encouraged me in this video that I should really consider it and that I don't have to spend a fortune to get started. So, I just may take the plunge! Also, your teaching videos are very well done and efficient! Than you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Aww, Caroline, thank you so much for your lovely comment! It makes my day to hear that my videos can be helpful! It's so exciting that you've decided to give it a go, and that's absolutely true, you really don't need a lot of tools and investment right in the beginning to create basic pieces and see how that works for you. Good luck my dear and stick around for more videos :))

[@berdohan1]

Thanks for preparing this tutorial and nice video.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you so much for watching! And your lovely comment :)) Happy to have you here!

[@butterkeksgangster6685]

awesome editing and fun video!

[@joyceadegboyega8524]

I use to self teach my self and I have not done it in a long time.

[@Its_Unknown_2426]

Hi I am from India. I also want to do silver smith work. Thank you for making good and helpful informative videos.

[@NicoleLisaGreen]

I have nowhere to take courses here. So glad we have so much stuff on the internet. You mentioned some jewelers you follow on KZbin once. I follow them, too. May I also suggest Nancy LT Hamilton? I don't think you mentioned her. She's a character, but she teaches, has a blog and really knows a lot. I was wondering if you sell your work.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Yes, it's so good the internet is full of very useful info and videos when there's no access to courses. I know Nancy, she's great :)) excellent tips and knowledge base! I do sell my work, I'm also on Etsy :)

[@carolinerothenberg3982]

Nancy is great! So is Andrew Barry!

[@andypandy6830]

Hi there, i think you mentioned doing a starter project video for us complete beginners, are you still planning to do this, i would really enjoy that, i think you said you would do a pendant video to start with, thank you so much for being here, i would love to take courses but sadly there is no way i could afford to do that and buy the tools at the same time, i have very little money but am determined to get in to silversmithing but it may take me a while because i cannot afford all the tools in one go.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Hi Andy, yes this video is scheduled! Next video will be about shaping tools and the next one after is this tutorial :) It's true, courses are very expensive (as are tools and supplies, so getting all that at once is difficult). Don't worry, I don't think that a course is absolutely necessary, as I mentioned in the video, you can use that money for books, tools and supplies. Start with copper and brass and once you're more confident you can progress to more expensive metal like silver. Most importantly, believe in what you can do as everything is in our head! :)

[@andypandy6830]

Thank you so much for taking the time to always respond to my questions, you have no idea how much your kind help means to me. Peace.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Absolutely Andy, and it goes both ways! I'm very grateful to have you here, as a part of my little community and I really appreciate you watching my videos and your comments! I'm more than happy to help where I can :)

[@cathywang4242]

hi basia, I love your way of explaining things to us.... you are so generous to share your idea with us... cathy

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Hi Cathy, thank you so much for such a sweet comment! I really appreciate your support and I'm happy you like my videos! xx

[@rebelzenart1406]

Thank you 😃

[@crowfoot7355]

Thank you

[@gertrudaadamiec2835]

Thank you for this video! I am love our your videos;)

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

thank you so much for sweet comment! I'm very happy you like them!

[@Debbie4729]

I have a shop,a bunch of tools,MANY rocks,plate silver,drills,etc.I took one class over a weekend.There were more students than tools,so I missed out on some things.A weekend just gets your feet wet,anyways.I am naturally slow,so I need to learn alone.The world has no patience for people like me.I have cut and polished many rocks,and want to make unique findings for them.I hate making mistakes,so I want to make them on cheaper metals,not the silver.So I have sheet brass and copper to practice on.

[@nataliasmetanina219]

I'd gladly attend some course, but my only option is to move to another city for that 😅 Hopefully I'm quite good at learning by myself. And I can invest more money in tools and material 🤔

[@welcometothesaltyspitoon]

Hello. I have done jewelry making before. But I don't have too much experience with metalsmithing. I want to learn goldsmithing and silversmithing. I should probably start with metalsmithing (just practicing with cheap materials like copper and false gems). Can you make a video on what tools we need to learn and master metalsmithing?

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

absolutely! Please check out my channel, there's many of them :)) Good luck with your craft, I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun 🌞

[@fashionablyadorned2737]

I adore you Basia!! you have such a wonderful light about you! so happy and sweet.. I love your videos and you have encouraged me to also share my journey more via video.. I am 100% self taught and as you know have JUST (2 solders) started smithing journey! your videos are very helpful to the point and editing amazingly well. I recently got another third hand and it's gonna be a patience saver :) also what Gauge silver are you using for your bezel backs and what number hand files do you have.. sorry for all the questions but I'm pretty sure you don't mind thanks again oxoxoxox

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you Sherice!! :)) I really appreciate your amazing support! For my bezel backs I mostly use between 24-22 gauge, it's sturdy but light at the same time. As for the hand files, I have one cut 2 hand file and then needle files, but they are very old and I can't really tell the numbers anymore, sorry! No problem with the questions :) Hope that helps! xx

[@fashionablyadorned2737]

Always helpful thank you 😊

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

You are very welcome! xxx

[@rosemarymorales7482]

Can you recommend a class?

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya Lady Stardust, what a great video, I love the backdrop. It's a shame your friend turned up and spoilt the flow. I'm mainly self-taught from this wonderful channel, other channels, and books. get all the books you can. OK, you get a lot of repeating and some ideas change over time but for learning the basics... Even just what each tool is called and how it is used what it does and does not do. There are many paths to goldsmithing, I'm old fashioned, this is goldsmithing, silversmithing is making those wonderful tea/coffee pots, Jersey cow creamers etc. I'm off to a weekend course in a few weeks on stone setting taught by Scott Mc, in Glasgow at Vanilla Ink. They are looking to run online training soon. I guess like all of these it will not be cheap but I've already found one of the tutors, Lorna Romanenghi, (I think that is how she spells it?), she is also on KZbin. In fact, she led me to the college, and I'll be looking to see about joining. Scott has just published a wonderful book on stone setting and I'm learning a lot before I head North. Keep doing these fantastic videos, please Basia. I learn so much from your wonderful work and clear concise teaching. Stay safe everyone...Steve...

[@tishsmiddy71]

I’m older , and do better on my own but I think where I am , I’m going to take a soldering course ? If there such a thing .

[@ellengrace6251]

I really want to have my own jewel business, and i don't know where to start ☹️

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

it' can be tricky in the very beginning. But if you check out my other videos, especially those where I share other channels, blogs and resources I used to learn, I hope that will help you get an idea where to start! Good luck Ellen 🌺❤

[@ellengrace6251]

Thank you, Basia☹️ your videos inspire me❤

[@ultraviolence4639]

Świetny filmik Basiu! Sama mieszkam w Bristolu i chciałam zapytać czy może orientujesz się czy są tu dostępne kursy silversmith na chwilę obecną ? Pozdrawiam :)

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Dziękuję bardzo! ❤️ Hmm, w tej chwili obawiam się, że nic stacjonarnego nie będzie dostępne. Zobacz Kim i jej stronę, możesz do niej napisać i ona na pewno powie Ci kiedy jej kursy wrócą, albo czy ma dostępne coś online w tym momencie. Gdybym dzisiaj szła na kurs, poszłabym właśnie do niej! :) Jej strona: www.makeit.kim/online-tutorials-artichles Instagram: instagram.com/makeitwithkim/ Powodzenia! ❤️

[@mikaofortin1028]

I’m more and more interested in making rings and your videos are the first to actually really help me know how to get started. Great content, greatly expressed. Keep doing what your doing. Also if anyone knows if there are any content as useful as this please refer it to me!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Awesome! Thank you! And thank you for watching 😍❤

[@faisalfaria5634]

Can I ask you in details ???

[@HayleyXLunasopal]

New subby here xxx

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

awww, tahnk you!! xx

[@hakancoskan5862]

Duygusal bir gezi olmuş anladığım kadarıyla..