This workshop introduces working with ox horn as a material for contemporary jewellery making. Described as “nature’s first plastic,” horn is a traditional, versatile material with a long history of use in decorative and functional objects.

You will learn how to handle, cut, form, and polish horn, and how it can be combined with sterling silver to create jewellery pieces. The workshop focuses on practical making skills, while also introducing the material’s properties and its place within historic and contemporary craft practice.

What will I make?

You will create a small piece of jewellery made from horn and brass. You are welcome to bring your own design ideas, or work from ideas and projects supplied by the tutor.

If you prefer to work with silver, you may want to bring your own 0.6mm silver sheet.

What will I learn?

- Piercing, filing, and polishing horn
- Shaping horn for jewellery applications
- Combining horn with sterling silver
- Basic finishing and assembly techniques
- Advice on using cold connections, such as riveting, to securely join horn and metal components

What will happen during the workshop?

The workshop will begin with an introduction to ox horn, including its structure, properties, and historical use in craft and everyday objects. There will be a discussion of safety considerations when working with the material, followed by demonstrations of key techniques.

You will handle examples of horn objects and jewellery before moving into practical exercises. The session will cover cutting, shaping, filing, and polishing horn, alongside guidance on incorporating brass elements. You will also be introduced to cold connection methods, such as riveting, as a way of assembling components without heat.

You will then develop and make your own simple jewellery piece with support throughout the process. The workshop will finish with a group discussion and review of completed work.

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

– Any simple design ideas (optional, as guidance and examples will be provided)

– If you prefer to work with silver, you may want to bring your own 0.6mm silver sheet.

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?

Nicola has been been working with cattle horn since 2011, having been introduced to the material while at university. She was intrigued by the tactility of horn and its infinite creative possibilities for the creation of jewellery and objects. She combines horn with precious metals and develops specialist processes that inform her work flow and creative outcomes.

Nicola’s work in horn has seen her win first prize in the Worshipful Company of Horners Student Jewellery competition and two Goldsmiths Craft & Design Council awards in the Horn & Polymers category. She continues to remain inspired by this intriguing material and the many ways it can be manipulated and combined with precious metals to create beautiful pieces of fine or art jewellery.

Nicola continues to explore and push the boundaries of the material and passes on her knowledge to to fellow jewellers; curious about cattle horn and the creative possibilities in the application of contemporary jewellery as a sustainable and highly attractive, natural plastic.

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.