As we all submit to the changes in our lifestyles,  it is even more apparent that we need to keep connected and support one another during this pandemic.  Staff at ASCEND are doing their part to support our learners through this situation as we are aware that many people will be feeling stressed and anxious.

ASCEND’s jewellery courses have been popular over the years, not only through the development of skills and techniques, but also because of the impact it has on well-being and isolation.  Our learners have become friends, sharing and exchanging ideas; and sometimes even attending external craft fairs and events together.

Ekky Archibong tutors this class.  As an artist, creative entrepreneur and tutor for our jewellery classes, she is a strong advocate for creativity as a pathway to well-being.   This is why she is currently working with ASCEND to ensure that we continue to support our learners with free online jewellery projects and networking with one another, until we are able to get back face to face again.

So yesterday (Thursday 26th March 2020) our jewellery class met up virtually to look at Bangle Making using Mandrel, Hammers and Anvils.   A ring or bangle mandrel is a large, tapered tool made from steel or wood.  It is used to form and shape metals and also for creating wire wrapped rings and bangles.  They also looked at anvils and bench blocks and how to use them to provide a secure work surface for cutting, drilling, filing and hammering/shaping metal.  Their challenge is to design a Bangle using 1.0mm or 1.2mm jewellery wire and we will be creating a Facebook gallery of all their efforts.

In the meantime, if you are interested in the sort of jewellery our group are making, you might like to visit the following… https://youtu.be/yMI-xVd06Go     or   https://youtu.be/-yfxx9itQyk   to see examples of what can be done.