Tell me about it

Welcome to the wonderful world of traditional hand engraving! Join us at Vanilla Ink CIC in Glasgow for an immersive two-day workshop exploring one of the oldest and most respected techniques in jewellery making, taught by award-winning engraver Dario Batzella.

Hand engraving is the art of cutting lines, patterns and decorative details directly into metal using specialised tools called gravers. It's a technique that has been used for centuries to embellish jewellery, silverware, medals and fine metalwork. And despite all the modern technology available today, there's still something rather special about the precision and character of engraving done entirely by hand.

Over two days, Dario will introduce you to the essential skills of traditional engraving, from understanding and sharpening your tools to developing control, cutting consistent lines and creating decorative patterns.

You'll watch expert demonstrations, practise a range of techniques and gradually build the confidence to engrave your own design onto a copper plate. And because learning a specialist craft is much easier when you've got the right equipment, you'll also receive a gravers kit personally made by Dario for the class.

This is a hands-on, technique-focused weekend with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, practise your cuts and learn directly from someone who has spent years mastering this remarkable craft.

Can I do this class?

Already comfortable at the jewellery bench? Fancy learning something completely different? This one's for you!

Our Introduction to Hand Engraving workshop is designed for jewellers and makers who already have some practical experience working with metal and using jewellery-making tools. You don't need to be a professional jeweller, and you certainly don't need any previous engraving experience.

However, this isn't a class for complete beginners. You'll benefit from having a good understanding of basic jewellery-making processes and the confidence to work carefully with specialist hand tools.

This workshop is particularly suitable for:

• Jewellers who want to introduce engraving into their designs

• Makers interested in traditional and historical metalworking techniques

• Bench jewellers looking to improve their precision and tool control

• Silversmiths who want to explore decorative surface techniques

• Anyone with existing metalworking experience who's ready for a new challenge

Hand engraving requires patience, concentration and a willingness to practise. Your first cuts probably won't be perfect. That's entirely normal! Dario will help you understand what makes a good cut, how to improve your technique and how to develop the control needed to progress.

Not sure whether you've got enough experience? Just get in touch and we'll happily help you decide.

What happens?

You'll spend two days learning the fundamentals of traditional hand engraving through demonstrations, practical exercises and a guided final project.

Day One: Tools, Techniques & Finding Your Groove

The first day is all about building strong foundations. Dario will introduce you to the tools and techniques used in traditional hand engraving, explaining how the shape, sharpness and movement of a graver affect the cuts you make.

You'll explore:

• Understanding different gravers and their uses

• Tool geometry and why sharpening matters

• A full demonstration of traditional graver sharpening

• How to create your own sharpening jig

• Holding and controlling engraving tools

• Repetitive cutting exercises to develop accuracy

• Creating consistent lines and controlling cutting depth

• Moving from basic cuts towards simple decorative patterns

You'll spend plenty of time practising, gradually developing a feel for how the tool moves through metal. And yes, cutting a beautifully consistent line is far more satisfying than you might imagine!

Towards the end of the day, you'll discuss ideas for your final project, exploring possible patterns and decorative designs with Dario's guidance.

Day Two: Designing & Engraving Your Own Piece

Time to put those new skills to work! You'll begin with some warm-up exercises to refresh your technique before developing the design for your final engraved piece.

Dario will guide you through:

• Reviewing and refining your chosen design

• Planning a decorative composition

• Transferring your design onto a copper plate

• Testing different cuts and patterns

• Building your design through carefully controlled engraving

• Improving line quality, consistency and accuracy

• Refining and finishing your engraved work

Throughout the day, Dario will offer individual advice, helping you identify areas for improvement and develop greater confidence with your tools. By the end of the weekend, you'll have created your own engraved copper plate and gained a solid introduction to the techniques needed to continue practising traditional hand engraving.

And perhaps most importantly, you'll understand just how much skill goes into those beautiful little lines!

Do I need to bring anything?

We'll provide the materials and equipment needed for the workshop, including your copper plate and a fully equipped workspace. You'll also receive a gravers kit personally made by Dario for this class.

Please bring a sketchbook or notebook for recording techniques, sketching ideas and making notes during demonstrations. If you have ideas for decorative patterns or lettering you'd like to explore, feel free to bring those along too.

Hand engraving involves extremely precise, detailed work, so if you use reading glasses, magnification or an Optivisor at the bench, please bring them. For safety, please tie back long hair, avoid open-toed shoes and keep loose-fitting clothing to a minimum.

And bring a little patience. This is a technique where practice really does make all the difference!

Who is teaching me?

Dario Batzella is an award-winning hand engraver and specialist metalworker, who trained at the prestigious Scuola dell'Arte della Medaglia in Rome, an institution renowned for its teaching of traditional engraving, medal making and specialist metalworking techniques.

Now based in Edinburgh, Dario has established himself as a highly skilled engraver, with recognition for his exceptional craftsmanship. His achievements include a Silver Award in the Senior Engravers category at the Goldsmiths' Awards, alongside two Bronze Awards recognising his work in Small Mechanism Design and Craft. He's also the designer of the Cuttitta Cup, the trophy contested by Scotland and Italy during the Six Nations Championship.

Beyond engraving, Dario's skills extend into blacksmithing, sword making and knife making, giving him a remarkable understanding of traditional metalworking processes.

Dario is a patient, approachable and highly knowledgeable tutor who understands the importance of getting the fundamentals right. He'll guide you through each technique, helping you develop confidence, precision and a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary craft.

The details

🔨 Two-day Professional Class
🕑 10am – 6pm daily [includes a 1-hour lunch break, 1pm – 2pm]
📅 Choose your preferred date from the booking options below

Why book with Vanilla Ink CIC?

At Vanilla Ink, we believe there's always something new to learn, no matter how long you've been making jewellery. Our Professional Classes give experienced makers the opportunity to develop specialist skills, explore traditional techniques and learn directly from talented craftspeople who are experts in their fields.

We keep our workshops welcoming, practical and focused on genuine skill development, with experienced tutors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Whether you're looking to expand your creative practice, improve your technical confidence or introduce a new technique into your work, we're here to help you take that next step.

We're also a Community Interest Company, which means every class you book helps us deliver creative programmes supporting people experiencing disadvantage, isolation and barriers to opportunity. So while you're developing your own skills, you're helping someone else discover theirs.

Educate. Inspire. Empower. That's what we're all about.

All prices are inclusive of VAT.

Students must be aged 16 or over.

Good eyesight and hand dexterity are particularly important for this workshop.

Please read our full Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policies before booking.

Vanilla Ink CIC
60 Brook Street
Glasgow
G40 2AB