This one-day workshop is an introduction to chisel engraving and working directly into metal surfaces by hand. You will learn how to control and move a chisel to create engraved lines, textures, and patterns.

The workshop focuses on developing confidence with the technique through practical exercises and experimentation. By the end of the day, you will have produced your own engraved metal piece and gained the basic skills needed to continue exploring the process independently.

What will I make?

You will create chisel-engraved copper discs, developing your own design through line, texture, and mark-making techniques. Two copper discs in different sizes will be provided during the workshop.

If preferred, you are also welcome to bring your own silver sheet to work on; a minimum thickness of 1.2mm is recommended.

At the end of the workshop, participants can either take their engraved pieces home, to cut up and incorporate into jewellery, mount in a frame, or use in other creative ways, or choose to leave one/both discs to be professionally spun into a finished tumbler for an additional £40.

What will I learn?

- Introduction to chisel engraving tools and materials

- Preparing and securing metal using Thermo-Loc

- Basic chisel control and line-making techniques

- Creating engraved textures, patterns, and marks

- Working with both fine and expressive engraving styles

- Developing simple engraved designs

- Understanding how engraved metal can be shaped and formed

What will happen during the workshop?

The workshop will begin with an introduction to tools, materials, and sample pieces, followed by demonstrations of preparing and securing metal using Thermo-Loc.

You will then spend time practising basic chisel control and line-making techniques before developing your own engraved design. Throughout the day, you will explore different types of engraved marks, from fine lines to more expressive textures, and learn how engraved metal can be shaped and formed while preserving the surface pattern.

Participants will have the option to leave their engraved metal disc to be professionally spun into a finished tumbler for an additional £40. Finished pieces will be ready for collection or postage (additional cost) approximately 2–3 weeks later.

What skills do I need?

Beginners: Perfect for those starting out or who have little to no experience.

If you are unsure if you have the correct level of experience, feel free to email  us for advice. 

What should I bring?

– Reading glasses (if you need them!) 

– Notebook and pen (to take notes)

– Apron to protect clothes

What should I wear? 

Clothes: Casual and not too precious as they may get a bit dusty or damaged.  Avoid long, loose fitting sleeves and anything that might catch or get caught whilst you are working.

Shoes: Casual flat shoes and no open toed sandals in case you drop a tool or something hot on them!

Hair: Tie long hair back.

Who is my teacher?

For Morvarid Alavifard, working with metal is both a source of inner peace and self-discovery. She is fascinated by how the movement of her body translates into the movement of the material, creating a unique collaboration between maker and metal. With a passion for sharing this experience, she invites students to explore silversmithing, discovering creativity, mindfulness, and joy while crafting their own piece to take home.

Morvarid is an Iranian interdisciplinary metal artist based in the UK. She has exhibited internationally and received awards including the Silver Fellowship at Yorkshire Artspace. She has been teaching jewellery and silversmithing for three years, and holds a Master’s in Jewellery and Metal from the Royal College of Art, supported by the Behrens Foundation Bursary, as well as the Jane Goodman Award during her residency at Bishopland Educational Trust.

How do I get there? 

FORGE 59 Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TJ

See contact page for details on public transport and parking.

How do I book?

To book your workshop, simply add the number of spaces you'd like and click Add to Cart, then click on the basket icon in the top right corner to proceed to checkout.

Discount codes can be applied at checkout. 

PLEASE PROVIDE BOTH EMAIL & PHONE NUMBER

Please remember to provide your email address and phone number. We use this information only to confirm your booking, share details about the day, and contact you if any issues arise. Your contact details will not be used for marketing purposes unless you choose to opt in by ticking the box to receive updates from us.

Materials Disclaimer

Please note: Workshop material costs are based on metal prices at the time of organising each session. Due to continual fluctuations in precious metal markets, there may be a small increase in the price of materials. If this occurs, we will contact you prior to the workshop to confirm the difference, which can be settled on the day by card

Accessibility

Most of this workshop takes place at street level in our showroom, which is step-free and accessible. Some specialist equipment is located in our lower-level workshop, which can only be accessed via stairs, as the building does not have lift access.

If you have any access requirements, please contact us before booking so we can advise and discuss suitability and any adjustments we can make to accommodate you.