(e-course) Basics of metalsmithing : create a silver ring with a stone

Find the same infos in French here

Please note : this course was recorded in French. It includes English subtitles, and the pdf document is available in both languages.

Discover the art of metalsmithing :

I invite you to discover the world of metalsmithing just as I learned it myself : using the minimal tools, and using simple, accessible methods, that require only patience and practice. The techniques you will learn provide the basics of metalsmithing, empowering you to create much more than just a basic ring. 
I'll be sharing my own approach to working with metal, along with personal tips and tricks, while also providing creative ideas for further experimentation. Additionally, I offer straightforward suggestions for setting up a comfortable workspace.. 


In this course you will find :
• A 2-hour and 15-minute video tutorial, where I guide you through setting up your workspace and creating a ring of a specific size, from beginning to end.
• A step by step PDF of over 25 pages. It includes an extensive list of European suppliers, recommended tools with direct links for purchase, and detailed instructions for each course step, accompanied by photos.

It's a course for beginners, you don't need any previous experience.

I chose a ring with a stone as the project for this course, because the techniques it will cover will give you a wide and full panel to learn the basics of metalsmithing. 
You'll learn to measure, saw, file, sand, solder, hammer, shape, set a stone, etc. 

Once you've purchased this course :
• You can download and rewatch the video as many times as you want
• This course is yours, but it is ilegal to share it with other people. You buy it for yourself and yourself only. 
• Refunds aren't accepted on this product, as once you've received it there's no going back. 
• You have the opportunity to join a private facebook group, where the students who purchased this course can interract with each other, share their projects, ask questions, make group purchases of bulk materials, celebrate each other on your creations, etc!

Make sure you read the informations available in the FAQ below, and note the tools must be purchased separately

FAQ : 

In what langage is the course? 
The course is in French, and includes French + English subtitles. 
The pdf document is available in both languages (Eng & Fr).  

Are the tools included in the price of the course? 
No : you need to purchase the tools separately. If you already considered discovering this art, you may have realised how hard it is to know what to buy and where to find it, as there are so many possible options. I simplified this task for you by creating a well thought out list with just the necessary tools you'll need to start. I included direct links with the best prices I found. 

How much will the necessary tools cost? 
You should estimate about 400-450€, though there are probably some things you won't need to buy and already have at tome (which are included in the estimated price), like an apron, glass jars, cissors, a towel, etc. 
A big intention I had from the start as I dreamed about this course, was to help you start with the least possible tools, just like I started myself. In the pdf, I give you alternative ideas to replace some tools with other items that you may already have at home or that you can find inexpensively in non-specialized places. But it is true that this tool base is an investment. Keep in mind that, after purchasing most of these tools once, you will never have to do it again. It's an initial investment, and the financial commitment will decrease more and more.

Is it something I can do at home?
Yes! I myself started while I was traveling in Australia, in my partner's rental apartment, on the tiny kitchen table. Then, once back in Belgium, I modified a desk to make it a workbench (I give you my tips for that in the course). And now I work in a beautiful workshop that occupies a whole room. 

Is it a difficult art?
... yes, but it's entirely possible! Let's say it's challenging, in the sense that some techniques require practice before you feel like you have the gesture in your hand, that you really master the tool. But even if you're a bit clumsy at first, you can still create a ring with a stone. And what pride, what satisfaction! I still remember with a lot of emotion the feeling I had when I created a piece of silver jewelry for the first time. I had created "a real piece of jewelry." A piece of silver jewelry. I had soldered, sawed, filed, sanded. I had shaped the material to do exactly what I wanted. What a sensation! I wish you to feel that too :)

What are the techniques we will learn?
We will cover how to create a silver ring with a "cabochon" type stone. (Cabochons are stones that have a flat base). The techniques you will acquire will provide you with the basics of metalworking, allowing you to apply them to create much more than just a simple ring. I share with you my method, provide you with tips and tricks, while also offering creative avenues and ideas for further experimentation. Using a minimum of tools. Employing methods accessible to everyone, with a little patience and practice. Furthermore, I offer simple suggestions to improve the layout of a comfortable workspace.

Will I know where to buy the tools, silver and stones?
Yes! In the PDF, you will find the list of tools that I recommend, with clickable links to one of the suppliers I have worked with the most since my beginnings. I provide you with a comprehensive list of European suppliers who sell online and ship by mail. These suppliers are based in Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Great Britain.

Can I do it with zero previous experience in metalsmithing?
Yes! This course aims to be accessible to everyone, whether you are a beginner or already have some experience. I share my way of working, provide you with my tips and tricks developed over the past 10+ years. Be patient and motivated because working with metal requires practice. But if I could do it, you can too! :) 

Will if be possible for me to ask questions?
Yes! Below the video, there's a chat area where I often check for questions. It's open to all the students, so if you're unsure about something, chances are someone else has wondered the same thing. You'll find lots of helpful info there. It's also a place where you can chat with each other, share tips, and help each other out. Plus, there's a private Facebook group just for the students who purchased this course. You can share your work, chat with others, and get inspired by each other!

Can I get a refund?
Refunds aren't possible as once the course's material has been shared, it cannot be undone. 

Will I have access to the course forever?
Yes! You can download all the course's materials and learn at your own pace, rewatching it all as much as you want. 

Can I buy it and share it with a close one?
No, this course is yours, but you cannot share it. 

Will we learn to create a ring in a specific size? 
Yes! It's an aspect I personally struggled to master when I first started out, and I'll give you all my tricks I learned on the way, to make sure you end up with the size you want.