Introduction to Anodised Niobium with Alice Fry

Welcome to the colourful and magical world of anodising! This is a brilliant and fun way to add colour to your jewellery.

Who are our classes suitable for?

Although it is not essential that you have previous metalworking experience, it is advised as this will allow you to make the most out of the class. A basic understanding of metalwork: piercing, filing and hammering skills are advised.

You will be guided through the theory and science behind anodising niobium. You will experiment and play with niobium and titanium to create a spectrum of colours and finishes on the metal, before creating your finished piece.

There will be plenty of time for discussions and relaxed, playful making. 

What will you make?

Alice will demonstrate various techniques and guide you through setting up the equipment, you will then have the opportunity to practice these techniques on small pieces of titanium and niobium to create colour samples.

Working on a 3″ square sheet of Niobium you will design and make a decorative tile that can be later framed. Alternatively you can cut the niobium up to create smaller jewellery pieces such as earrings and pendants.

Our jewellery making facilities.

We have a well-equipped traditional jewellery workshop with a good variety of machinery and hand tools. We also have a good selection of specialist tools. Students work at their own individual jewellery bench; we have separate soldering areas and larger communal workbenches.

Alice will bring all the specialist equipment required for this workshop. It is advisable that you bring a notebook/sketchbook and any design ideas that you have for this workshop.

What’s included?

All materials are included in the cost of this workshop. You will also be supplied with tape (to mask off sections of your designs), scalpels, and various finishing materials and brushes. Following your experiments, you will be supplied with a 3” x 3” sheet of 0.51mm thick niobium for your design. Alice will help you with your designs and guide you through anodising your finished piece.

If you finish your piece and would like to try more, there will be an opportunity to buy additional Niobium to try out. Please bring cash or card on the day.

Book a place on this workshop and learn some new skills to create a beautiful colourful piece.