Tell me about it

Ever watched your solder flow everywhere except where you actually wanted it? You're not alone! Soldering is one of the most important skills in jewellery making, but it's also one of the most misunderstood.

Too much heat, not enough heat, solder that refuses to flow, or that terrifying moment when your carefully constructed piece starts looking suspiciously like it's about to melt.

Sound familiar?

Welcome to Soldering, Joining & Fusing, our full-day Professional Class at Vanilla Ink CIC in Glasgow, designed to help you understand the science, techniques and little tricks that make successful soldering possible. We'll explore how heat moves through metal, how different solders behave and how to control your torch to create strong, clean and accurate joins.

You'll also discover techniques that go beyond conventional soldering, including touch soldering, sweat soldering and fusing metal without solder. Whether you're looking to improve your existing skills, tackle more complicated constructions or simply stop having arguments with your soldering torch, this course will help you work with greater confidence and control.

And yes, there'll be plenty of FIRE! 🔥

Can I do this class?

If you've made jewellery before but soldering still gives you the fear, this one's for you! This course is designed for jewellery makers with some basic bench experience who want to improve their soldering skills and develop a better understanding of joining techniques.

You should already be familiar with fundamental jewellery-making processes, including basic soldering, filing and metal preparation. You don't need to be particularly confident with a torch. In fact, if you've ever struggled with solder that won't flow, accidentally melted something or wondered why your joins aren't as clean as you'd like, you're exactly the sort of maker we're hoping to help.

It's equally useful for developing jewellers looking to build their skills and more experienced makers who want to revisit the fundamentals and improve their technique.

Not sure whether you're ready? Get in touch before booking and we'll happily help you decide.

What happens?

Throughout this practical, hands-on day, we'll explore the principles and techniques behind successful soldering, joining and fusing. We'll focus on understanding how metal and solder behave under heat, giving you the knowledge to make better decisions at the bench.

During the class, you'll learn how to:

• Improve your soldering technique: Understand heat control, solder flow and the importance of proper preparation

• Create multiple joins: Learn how to solder several components cleanly and securely without disturbing previous joins

• Touch solder: Develop the control and stability needed to apply solder precisely

• Sweat / flood solder: Explore techniques for joining surfaces and creating clean, consistent results

• Fuse metal without solder: Discover how to join suitable metals using heat alone

• Explore decorative fusing: Learn how fusing can become a creative technique rather than simply a method of joining

Along the way, we'll share practical tips, demonstrate common mistakes and explore how small adjustments to your technique can make a significant difference. You'll have plenty of opportunities to practise, experiment and develop greater confidence working with your torch.

By the end of the day, you'll have a stronger understanding of soldering and fusing, greater control over your heat and a collection of practical techniques you can apply to your own jewellery making. And hopefully, considerably fewer melted disasters in your future!

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring a sketchbook or similar for taking notes. Please note that glasses/optivisors are advised for this class [get in touch if you’re unsure]. Please wear long hair tied up [or bring something to do so], don’t wear open-toed shoes and keep loose-fitting clothing to a minimum.

All materials and metals are included, which you can take away with you after the class. You will each have your own bench where we have access to all of our essential tools but do feel free to bring your own if you are more comfortable.

The details

🔨 Full-day Skills Workshop
🕑 10am - 5pm [we take a one-hour lunch break between 1pm – 2pm]
📅 Choose your date from the booking options below

Why book with Vanilla Ink CIC?

At Vanilla Ink, we believe there's always something new to learn at the jewellery bench, whether you've been making for six months or sixteen years! Our Skills Workshops are designed to help you build confidence, improve your techniques and discover new ways of making. With practical, hands-on tuition and plenty of opportunities to ask questions, we'll help you develop skills you can take straight back to your own jewellery projects.

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 16+ years
Good eyesight and hand dexterity is essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking

Vanilla Ink CIC
60 Brook Street
Glasgow
G40 2AB