Jewellery Making Course

Jewellery Design & Jewellery Handmade Workshop & Wax Carving
one week intensive

 

Tutor:    LUCAS BLACKER (jeweller)

When:  To be advised for 2021

Where:  Studio 303, Leichhardt

Cost:     $945  (30 hours tuition)
               (sterling silver & saw blades are available for purchase at the workshop)


Terms:  The course will proceed with a minimum of 7 students (max 9 students) and if it doesn't have the numbers to run and is cancelled your payment will be refunded in full.  Note:  If you are paying for accommodation and/or flights to attend our course it would be worthwhile to check that either or both can be cancelled with a refund and without penalties (it may be worthwhile to insure your flights).  This is only in the event that the course is cancelled or delayed.

A fantastic opportunity to treat yourself to a week of designing & creating your own beautiful unique jewellery in a goldsmith and silversmith's authentic workshop.

Students:  Beginners, basic skills to Advanced Practitioners

This workshop would be suitable for people who would like one fantastic intensive week in an authentic workshop where you can absorb yourself in the wonderful world of designing and creating beautiful jewellery, to improve and broaden your existing skills, to learn how to design and hand make your own jewellery under the expert guidance of Lucas Blacker, a professional jeweller with over 40 years of experience and expertise. Maximum of 9 students in the workshop, you will be individually taught at your own pace to make unique pieces : rings, neckpieces, pendants, earrings, brooches, hair pieces, bangles, bracelets & more.  This workshop includes Wax Carving (demonstration on Monday) optional participation.

Cost: $945 for the workshop, payable when booking to secure your place.  We will provide you with a student discount letter so you can purchase materials from the suppliers (they offer student discounts) and you can purchase gemstones at wholesale / trade prices using the discount letter to gain entry to their premises.

Plus costs:  Metal and gemstones (if you decide to make a piece with gemstone/s).  Casting costs if you would like to do wax carving and would like to have the piece cast in whatever metal you like.  When purchasing materials you will be required to pay the supplier directly. We will give you information on enrolment of the supplier’s contact details as well as gemstone purchasing information.  If you would like to purchase some of your own tools we can provide you with a tool list.  For those with their own tools and gemstones (appropriate for the piece) please bring them along.  All other tools and equipment are available for use in our workshop.  If you are a beginner with no tools we can provide them to you during the workshop.

This workshop covers design of your piece; pattern making; using files, hammers and all the tools and equipment in an authentic workshop; soldering; polishing to completed pieces of jewellery at your own pace. There is a wax carving demonstration on Monday (optional participation). Lucas will guide each student through their own individual piece/s, you also learn from what others are making.

Workshop Timetable 2020:

DayTimeInstructorTuition 30 hours
Monday 13 July 9.30am – 4.00pm Lucas 6hrs + 30 mins lunch
Tuesday 14 July 9.30am – 4.00pm Lucas 6hrs + 30 mins lunch
Wednes. 15 July 9.30am – 4.00pm Lucas 6hrs + 30 mins lunch
Thursday 16 July 9.30am - 4.00pm Lucas 6hrs + 30 mins lunch
Friday 17 July 9.30am – 4.00pm Lucas 6hrs + 30 mins lunch

What students are saying...

"Lucas, I had a great week!. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and guiding me with enthusiasm to help me create my first real ring.  I have received many compliments about it...and even a couple of orders. ha ha ....so funny as I don't own any tools yet!  So glad you were my teacher.  I look forward to doing more classes."
Kerry Hill

"Lucas has a wealth of knowledge from his decades of experience as a designer and maker of fine jewellery. As a student of his, I refined my bench and soldering skills; I learnt how to set gemstones, and he helped me through some difficult challenges as I realised some complex pieces that were sometimes beyond my initial skill level. His standards are very high and he helped me to reach them. Lucas has generously helped me develop a skills base that really supports my own practice as an artist in metal."
Helen Wyatt

"The classes and Lucas' expertise has taught me how much creativity and skill goes into making a fine and bespoke piece of jewellery. I am looking forward to developing my skills and appreciation over the next few decades, and I'm sure that Lucas and Studio303 will be invaluable in my development."
James Yip

"Lucas has been my teacher for the past two terms and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of his tuition.  He  has a directness about him that is very re assuring and easy to learn from.  Lucas teaches you techniques step by step and guides you through the entire process with a positive “anything is possible” attitude.  Above all, Lucas is a lovely guy with years and years of experience, he is passionate about his craft and loves to impart clever tips and tricks about how to problem solve even the trickiest designs.   He has a great sense of humor and makes me laugh week in and week out. I have made some beautiful pieces under his guidance from chunky gem stone rings to intricate earrings and am currently working on an elaborate multi-stone pendant.   I would thoroughly recommend Lucas to any practioner whether a beginner or someone who wants to hone in their skills - he’s fabulous!"
Anna Baryshev

 

"Thank you Lucas for an absolutely wonderful week.  Your patience and knowledge that you passionately shared with us has been an inspiration and I feel fortunate to have had you as my first teacher into this world of jewellery.  Looking forward to learning more..."
Gabriella Loria

 

"Thank you Lucas for all your help and expertise. During the past year I have learnt so much and appreciate all that you bring into teaching us the "tricks of the trade".  Looking forward to learning more this year! This intensive course brought together a lot of interesting people, and I was very glad to have met you all.  It's always nice to see other people's creativity and work processes.  Hope to meet you all again in the future workshops.
Thank you Sharon for putting together the intensive class, I've enjoyed and loved working on my project on a continuous schedule.  Thank you everyone!"
Jyungbin Kim

"Lucas is able to teach students with various levels of jewellery making experience. As a beginner, I’ve enjoyed being able to follow my own project ideas and designs with Lucas’ assistance. It’s been interesting to learn about not just the technical skills needed for jewellery making but also the art and science behind it. Lucas is an enthusiastic teacher with a huge amount of experience in his profession to draw on."
Dr Lara Boland BVSc MANZCVS (feline medicine)

 

"Lucas has a wealth of knowledge from his decades of experience as a designer and maker of fine jewellery. As a student of his, I refined my bench and soldering skills; I learnt how to set gemstones, and he helped me through some difficult challenges as I realised some complex pieces that were sometimes beyond my initial skill level. His standards are very high and he helped me to reach them. Lucas has generously helped me develop a skills base that really supports my own practice as an artist in metal."
Helen Wyatt

 

 

Why Studio 303?

  • An opportunity to learn from Sydney's most respected and experienced teachers and practitioners
  • Students are taught in a fully equipped authentic gold and silversmith's workshop (not a classroom)
  • Individual tuition, maximum 9 students per class or workshop
  • Design and create your own individual pieces fully guided through every process, at your own pace
  • Ability to learn from a master craftsman is "a rare gift"
  • Students all levels: beginners to advanced will benefit from the experience of working in a fully equipped professional workshop

Location:

  • Centrally located - rear of 303 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt (entrance in Redmond Street)
  • Parking - good untimed street parking & council car park: 2 hour limit until 8pm  (park rear to kerb)
  • Good bus connections - frequent bus services in Parramatta Road

TUTOR: LUCAS BLACKER'S PROFILE

LUCAS BLACKER is a master jewellery goldsmith and designer with 40 years of professional experience and expertise to offer you.  He works with all precious metals : including silver, gold, platinum and paladium.

As a multi award-winning jeweller he has been designing and making his own unique style of jewellery since the late 70’s. His jewellery has been exhibited and collected extensively across Australia and overseas.

Lucas established his first business in 1985 with fellow jeweller Gary Thyregod. In 1986 Lucas and Gary were awarded the Grand Prix Award in the Australian Jewellery Design Awards. In 1989 he travelled to various artistic communities overseas and returned to Australia with a new direction to his designing and making of Jewellery.

In 1990 Lucas became a Fellow of the Gold and Silversmiths Guild of Australia. This is the only Jewellery organisation in Australia to recognise a standard of proficiency. Each member or Fellow has their own Makers Stamp and can use the guild Hallmark on their jewellery, a mark of Quality Craftsmanship.

At this time Lucas developed his first collection, showing at Galleries in Sydney and Melbourne and established his first studio gallery at Balmain. This period encompassed 10 years of exhibiting his work around Australia and Asia and representing up to 50 different artists in his Gallery. Lucas immersed himself in aspects of the arts from painting, sculpture, ceramics to printmaking. This led him to explore different uses of precious metals and a diverse range of gemstones to get a reputation as one of Australia’s leading innovative designers.

As well as designing for his own clients, Lucas also designed pieces for 10 years for the worlds premier producer of Australian South Sea Pearls, Paspaley Pearls where he developed a understanding and love of pearls that makes his pearl designs truly outstanding.

The diverse directions that Lucas has explored has led to him being invited to exhibit in the Artistic Australia Events in Japan and Korea where, over 4 years Lucas exhibited and sold jewellery in over 150 shows. He also visited Japan and Korea many times for these exhibitions and became the most successful jewellery designer of over 50 Australian jewellers that participated in the events.

In 2004 he established his current studio (www.lucasblacker.com.au).  Since then Lucas has concentrated on design, individual craftsmanship and the relationship with his clients. This has led Lucas to study hand engraving and becoming a specialist in wax carving as well as developing a whole new skill base and direction in design.

After over 40 years creating stunning pieces, Lucas looks forward to exploring all directions of jewellery and design for many years to come and he is very excited to be teaching and sharing his skills, knowledge and experience with his students at a private school at Studio 303 - Ernst Pfenninger’s School for Gold and Silversmiths in Leichhardt N.S.W.

Products

Jewellery

 - Women's Jewellery

 - Men's Jewellery

 - Engagement & Wedding

Awards & Trophies 

Corporate

Ceremonial

Silverware

Special Items

Religious

About Us

Testimonials

  • Ernst Pfenninger is a creative, high quality jeweller, goldsmith and silversmith. We had many pieces individually made over a number of years and were excited every time we saw the finished article. People often noticed and commented on my wife's jewellery as it was original and superbly crafted.
    I recommend Ernst to the discerning.

    Ernst Pfenninger is a creative, high quality jeweller, goldsmith and silversmith. We had many pieces individually made over a number of years and were excited every time we saw the finished article. People often noticed and commented on my wife's jewellery as it was original and superbly crafted.
    I recommend Ernst to the discerning.

    Brian Stanwell

  • Having been a student taught by Ernst Pfenninger at Studio 303 for over 20 years I highly recommend Ernst as a teacher for anyone wanting to learn about or improve their jewellery and silversmithing skills. I had previously learnt at other schools but none can compare with that so generously taught to me by Ernst. This school is one of our cities hidden secrets.

    Having been a student taught by Ernst Pfenninger at Studio 303 for over 20 years I highly recommend Ernst as a teacher for anyone wanting to learn about or improve their jewellery and silversmithing skills. I had previously learnt at other schools but none can compare with that so generously taught to me by Ernst. This school is one of our cities hidden secrets.

    Brian Levy

  • What I like best is unsparing access to the best equipment plus unstinting advice and support from Ernst in all my projects. Others in the class do interesting projects which gives additional inspiration and the friendly atmosphere adds to it as well.

    What I like best is unsparing access to the best equipment plus unstinting advice and support from Ernst in all my projects. Others in the class do interesting projects which gives additional inspiration and the friendly atmosphere adds to it as well.

    Lila Cohen

  • I found the workshops with Ernst to be fun friendly and most of all educational and inspirational. His professionalism is outstanding and pieces I made at the workshops helped me to secure an apprenticeship. Well worth the money and time and definitely not to be missed.

    I found the workshops with Ernst to be fun friendly and most of all educational and inspirational. His professionalism is outstanding and pieces I made at the workshops helped me to secure an apprenticeship. Well worth the money and time and definitely not to be missed.

    Tyrus Shay

  • Ernst is a teacher of outstanding skill and workmanship. The environment in which one learns is educational & inspirational yet relaxed ~ altogether an enjoyable experience which leads one into many aspects of the jewellery trade. Ernst seems to have an inexhaustible well of expertise & experience for his students to draw from... I could attend these classes till I'm 99!

    Ernst is a teacher of outstanding skill and workmanship. The environment in which one learns is educational & inspirational yet relaxed ~ altogether an enjoyable experience which leads one into many aspects of the jewellery trade. Ernst seems to have an inexhaustible well of expertise & experience for his students to draw from... I could attend these classes till I'm 99!

    Maia Eliott

  • On behalf of everyone at the Australian Tourist Commission in Los Angeles and the many Aussie Specialists vying for the opportunity to win one, thank you for the Opal Award. The Awards are in recognition of the significant achievements amongst travel agents in the sales and marketing of Australia - competition among the agents for the Award and the beautiful trophy is fierce.

    On behalf of everyone at the Australian Tourist Commission in Los Angeles and the many Aussie Specialists vying for the opportunity to win one, thank you for the Opal Award. The Awards are in recognition of the significant achievements amongst travel agents in the sales and marketing of Australia - competition among the agents for the Award and the beautiful trophy is fierce.

    Warren Grau

  • Thank you for joining us at the third Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Award at the Hotel Inter-Continental. We appreciate your support and enthusiasm, which has helped to make this dinner such a success and an important event on the wine industry calendar. With your continued support next year’s event should be even more successful.

    Thank you for joining us at the third Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Award at the Hotel Inter-Continental. We appreciate your support and enthusiasm, which has helped to make this dinner such a success and an important event on the wine industry calendar. With your continued support next year’s event should be even more successful.

    Dan Stafford

  • Ernst was my teacher for many years, it was a wonderful experience. Ernst has designed and executed pieces of jewellery for me over many years, these pieces are unique and as fashionable today as when he designed them. Ernst's workmanship is outstanding, unique and perfect. Thanks for your excellent service over the years.

    Ernst was my teacher for many years, it was a wonderful experience. Ernst has designed and executed pieces of jewellery for me over many years, these pieces are unique and as fashionable today as when he designed them. Ernst's workmanship is outstanding, unique and perfect. Thanks for your excellent service over the years.

    Ulla

  • I was a student of Ernst Pfenninger for a long time & enjoyed the many years I attended the classes. Ernst is always helpful & patient in his advice & I found his work inspirational. His attention to detail & precise instruction in the use of the tools made it "seem" easy to a beginner. All the skills I learnt from Ernst enabled me to do today what I love most: making jewellery! Thank you Ernst

    I was a student of Ernst Pfenninger for a long time & enjoyed the many years I attended the classes. Ernst is always helpful & patient in his advice & I found his work inspirational. His attention to detail & precise instruction in the use of the tools made it "seem" easy to a beginner. All the skills I learnt from Ernst enabled me to do today what I love most: making jewellery! Thank you Ernst

    Catherine Grisard

  • It has been my pleasure to work with Swiss trained jeweller Ernst Pfenninger on special projects over a number of years, one of which was most complicated because of the mechanics & originality. Ernst has the rare talent of working in different mediums & can visualise a finished product immediately. In addition, Ernst is an outstanding hands-on highly sought after jewellery teacher here in Sydney.

    It has been my pleasure to work with Swiss trained jeweller Ernst Pfenninger on special projects over a number of years, one of which was most complicated because of the mechanics & originality. Ernst has the rare talent of working in different mediums & can visualise a finished product immediately. In addition, Ernst is an outstanding hands-on highly sought after jewellery teacher here in Sydney.

    George R.

  • Ernst believes in originality & perfection. He pushes you to explore your design, expand on the theme but guides you to find the best way of achieving a professional result. I like the way the classes are kept small, assuring each one of us has ample time for questions or for help with a complex piece. I wear the jewelley I made every day because they are unique & express who I am.

    Ernst believes in originality & perfection. He pushes you to explore your design, expand on the theme but guides you to find the best way of achieving a professional result. I like the way the classes are kept small, assuring each one of us has ample time for questions or for help with a complex piece. I wear the jewelley I made every day because they are unique & express who I am.

    Anneke Mackay - Smith

  • Ernst is very generous with design ideas & the use of all of the tools. He has an amazing breadth of knowledge about jewellery construction & the workshop is very well equipped to handle any project. Ernst & Sharon provide an enjoyable & welcoming atmosphere & I can certainly recommend Studio 303 Jewellery School to anyone interested in learning the art of jewellery making & silversmithing.

    Ernst is very generous with design ideas & the use of all of the tools. He has an amazing breadth of knowledge about jewellery construction & the workshop is very well equipped to handle any project. Ernst & Sharon provide an enjoyable & welcoming atmosphere & I can certainly recommend Studio 303 Jewellery School to anyone interested in learning the art of jewellery making & silversmithing.

    Raimonde Maine

  • Studio 303 is a fantastic place to learn silversmithing. Ernst is technically the best lecturer I have come across in Sydney. I highly recommend the school.

    Studio 303 is a fantastic place to learn silversmithing. Ernst is technically the best lecturer I have come across in Sydney. I highly recommend the school.

    Anna Yeung

  • Ernst helps his students achieve their goals in creating their own individual jewellery and make their design concepts a reality. Challenges that arise are met with calmness & ingenuity. There is no one better to inspire a love of the creative process and leave you with the belief that in the world of jewellery anything is possible.

    Ernst helps his students achieve their goals in creating their own individual jewellery and make their design concepts a reality. Challenges that arise are met with calmness & ingenuity. There is no one better to inspire a love of the creative process and leave you with the belief that in the world of jewellery anything is possible.

    Michelle Clark

  • Now that we are back from the AILA Congress in Singapore we wish to thank you both for the Gold Medal being such a splendid object. The recipient, Professor Halliday was very impressed, as were all our Executive Board, International Committee and Congress participants. Thank you for your skills, co-operations and understanding what the Medal was supposed to achieve.

    Now that we are back from the AILA Congress in Singapore we wish to thank you both for the Gold Medal being such a splendid object. The recipient, Professor Halliday was very impressed, as were all our Executive Board, International Committee and Congress participants. Thank you for your skills, co-operations and understanding what the Medal was supposed to achieve.

    Professor Christopher N Candlin

  • I have loved the creative atmosphere of Ernst's studio... I particularly enjoyed the small group situation that allowed me to progress at my own pace, developing ideas & designs into really individual pieces of work. Ernst is a patient teacher with a wicked sense of humour. He & Sharon open their workshop to students & encourage a camaraderie within the group that develops creativity & enjoyment for all participants.

    I have loved the creative atmosphere of Ernst's studio... I particularly enjoyed the small group situation that allowed me to progress at my own pace, developing ideas & designs into really individual pieces of work. Ernst is a patient teacher with a wicked sense of humour. He & Sharon open their workshop to students & encourage a camaraderie within the group that develops creativity & enjoyment for all participants.

    Judy Muir

  • I am writing to say how very much the silver oar mace has been admired by the judges and the members of the legal profession. I think it is superb, only today I received a comment from a member of the House of Lords, his Lordship said it was “beautiful” and “a fitting enhancement of the Admiralty Court”. The Court is very proud of it.

    I am writing to say how very much the silver oar mace has been admired by the judges and the members of the legal profession. I think it is superb, only today I received a comment from a member of the House of Lords, his Lordship said it was “beautiful” and “a fitting enhancement of the Admiralty Court”. The Court is very proud of it.

    M.E.J. Black, Chief Justice

  • I have enjoyed attending Ernst Pfenninger’s closely supervised workshops for over three years, during which time my interest in silver-smithing & decorating items with semi-precious stones in the “Arts and Crafts” style has been realised many times... Ernst will provide projects to suit all abilities, particularly for those students just beginning the hobby and requiring more direction.

    I have enjoyed attending Ernst Pfenninger’s closely supervised workshops for over three years, during which time my interest in silver-smithing & decorating items with semi-precious stones in the “Arts and Crafts” style has been realised many times... Ernst will provide projects to suit all abilities, particularly for those students just beginning the hobby and requiring more direction.

    Dr.Barrie Egerton, PhD., CPhys., MInstP.

  • I've done 2 terms at Studio 303 (1 Days and 1 Nights) with Ernst, and I really like the freedom to create anything I want. Ernst has so much knowledge from his many years of experience that he is able to help fine tune designs so I could bring them to a finished piece.

    I've done 2 terms at Studio 303 (1 Days and 1 Nights) with Ernst, and I really like the freedom to create anything I want. Ernst has so much knowledge from his many years of experience that he is able to help fine tune designs so I could bring them to a finished piece.

    Matthew Morin

  • I have been a student at studio 303 for years now, I love that I can turn my ideas into reality and create one of a kind pieces. Ernst is a fun and extremely patient teacher who has helped me learn any new technique I wish to learn. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to learn from a master artisan such as Ernst.

    I have been a student at studio 303 for years now, I love that I can turn my ideas into reality and create one of a kind pieces. Ernst is a fun and extremely patient teacher who has helped me learn any new technique I wish to learn. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to learn from a master artisan such as Ernst.

    Jody Shipway

  • I have learned a huge amount about silver smithing from Ernst who is a master craftsman. He encourages you to show initiative and try out your own ideas but is always there to give you help when you need it.

    I have learned a huge amount about silver smithing from Ernst who is a master craftsman. He encourages you to show initiative and try out your own ideas but is always there to give you help when you need it.

    Angela

  • I have learned a huge amount about silver smithing from Ernst who is a master craftsman. He encourages you to show initiative and try out your own ideas but is always there to give you help when you need it.

    I have learned a huge amount about silver smithing from Ernst who is a master craftsman. He encourages you to show initiative and try out your own ideas but is always there to give you help when you need it.

    Angela

  • I attended Studio 303 for approx. 8 years and enjoyed the creative atmosphere, a workshop stocked with every imaginable tool and the unrivalled experience of Ernst Pfenninger. I learnt a lot from Ernst and was able to make many pieces, with his guidance, that I am very happy to wear.

    I attended Studio 303 for approx. 8 years and enjoyed the creative atmosphere, a workshop stocked with every imaginable tool and the unrivalled experience of Ernst Pfenninger. I learnt a lot from Ernst and was able to make many pieces, with his guidance, that I am very happy to wear.

    Lyn S

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