Image 1 of 12
Image 2 of 12
Image 3 of 12
Image 4 of 12
Image 5 of 12
Image 6 of 12
Image 7 of 12
Image 8 of 12
Image 9 of 12
Image 10 of 12
Image 11 of 12
Image 12 of 12
ESSENTIAL INFO
If you purchase a ticket for this course, all the information on this page will be emailed to you with your ticket.
👥 Suitable for: Ages 16 and up
📍 Venue: Bellingen High School (mobility aid accessible)
📈 Level: INTERMEDIATE skill level
⏰ Schedule: Mon–Fri, 9am – 4pm (5 Full-Days)
🏷️ Extra costs: This course has a cost of $40 + $115 to $195 for materials
Required skills & experience
Students should have some experience in foundation techniques such as saw-piercing and soldering
Sawing and soldering jewellery experience is required
Supplies that will be provided by your tutor
A range of materials kits for different projects will be available to purchase.
All students will need the $40 NECESSITIES kit.
Plus you will need to purchase one of the following kits:
BANGLES project $195
EARRINGS project $115 (synthetic gems included)
RINGS project $115 (synthetic gems included)
OPALS project $115 (bring your own opal)
There will also be tools, metals, natural gemstomes and materials available to buy.
NOTE: Supply costs will be collected by the tutor before Camp Creative.
Supplies that you need to bring to class
Hair tie for long hair
Wear closed shoes, no thongs or sandals
Reading/close work glasses if you use them
Finepoint permanent marker such as Sharpie Ultra finepoint
Pens, pencils, notebook
Old hand towel
Any gems you might want to use, (a large selection will also be available to buy).
Any handtools you already have for jewellery making (all tools needed during the course will be available to use).
Learning outcomes
Handle the Tools Safely: Get completely comfortable using traditional metalwork tools, torches, and workshop equipment.
Shape and Texture Metal: Master techniques like hammering, stamping, and twisting to create unique, textured bangles and cuffs.
Solder with Confidence: Learn how to use a torch to securely solder and construct your own rings, earrings, or pendants.
Set Stunning Gemstones: Master the precise art of bezel-setting faceted stones and opals to add beautiful gems to your work.
Design Your Own Collection: Bring your personal jewellry ideas to life and walk away with a gorgeous set of handmade, custom silver pieces.
COURSE PLAN
This is an example of the course plan.
All our students are at different skill levels and have a variety of desired outcomes from the course.
Owing to the nature of adult education and variety of learners the course plan may vary individually.
Some students may work faster than others. All students will have the opportunity to create amazing jewellery.
DAY ONE - Workshop Basics & Custom Bangles
Get introduced to the studio, tool safety, and traditional metalwork methods.
Experiment with hammering, stamping, and twisting metals to create unique bangles and cuffs.
DAY TWO - Rings, Earrings & Torch Soldering
Learn how to accurately measure, cut, and shape silver for custom rings or earrings.
Get hands-on with torch soldering to construct your first structural jewellery pieces.
DAY THREE - Designing the Perfect Bezel
Choose your gems and learn how to fabricate custom bezel cups to hold faceted stones or opals.
Practice the precise cutting, fitting, and filing required for a perfect stone setting.
DAY FOUR - Setting the Stones
Learn the technical steps to securely lock your gemstones into their silver bezels.
Combine your custom stone settings with your ring, pendant, or earring designs.
DAY FIVE - The Professional Polish
Spend the day sanding, clean-filing, and using polishing wheels to give your jewellery a high-end finish.
Wrap up the week by assembling your final pieces and sharing your brilliant new collection with the class.
COURSE TUTOR
Sarah Whitlock
Sarah Whitlock is a Sydney-based jewellery and object designer and maker.
Sarah’s eye for detail and passion for materials is apparent in all she makes – from sterling silver teapots and trinket boxes to bold but intricate earrings. She favours techniques of saw-piercing and gem setting using unique stones and precious metals.
Sarah began making jewellery at age thirteen. She sold her beaded earrings and necklaces to classmates and her father sold a selection in his workplace. In year eleven, she and her mother’s successful stall at Newtown Art Market, sold jewellery and her mother’s artworks.
Sarah holds an Associate Diploma of Arts – Jewellery and Object Design at the Sydney Institute of Technology. In 2011 Sarah was appointed as a TAFE NSW Sydney Institute Ambassador as part of the college’s 120th-anniversary celebrations.
Within year of graduation, she launched her jewellery design business Flying Lobster Jewellery in 1995 and has continued making one-of-a-kind pieces of jewellery, including custom wedding and engagement rings and remodeling heirlooms. Collaborating with her artist mother, their wearable works of art have been featured in solo and group exhibitions.
Sarah makes custom accessories for Australian film and television, including Puberty Blues and Janet King. A high-profile project was the gold immunity pins for Masterchef Australia.
She sells her work from her studio as well as through art galleries in NSW and Victoria.
Sarah began teaching silver jewellery at Bankstown Community College in 1997, followed by Sydney Community College. She has an SCC Tutor Long Service award and in 2003 received the Outstanding Tutor Award from NSW Adult Learners’ Week. Sarah has delivered jewellery courses in Athens, Greece, at Kuringai Art Centre and Wilandra Art Centre, within the Juvenile Justice system at Yasmar and Camp Creative Bellingen.
Sarah is an industry trainer and continues to privately teach hands-on jewellery courses from her studio in Granville and also with Macquarie Community College and St George and Sutherland Community College.
Sarah lives in western Sydney with her husband and sweet little cat.
“Sarah was the best - there before you thought you needed assistance and there after with a wonderful quip.”
“Our teacher Sarah Whitlock was really really good. She was very skilled, nice, and patient and very funny. We hope to see her at camp creative again next year.”
