Hi
with all the paper work needed these days is there a pro forma test
for high school jewellery students to cover wh&s, oh&s etc.
When I was learning it was simple, this is sharp don’t cut your
self, this is hot, this is poison etc.
We were expected to have enough common sense to work it out from
there.
When we were shown how to do something we were shown the safe way to
do it.
A few horror stories thrown in for good measure got us to pay
attention and work safely.
Like tie up long hair before you use a buff, don’t polish expandable
watch bands on a buff if you want to keep all your fingers.
We are moving up in metal thickness and hence a more powerful torch.
Always fun to light these up the first time.
Scares the heck out of them. But they get used to it.
What is the safest pickle alum or citric acid look good.
Building the students’ bench tomorrow it will be in a professional
wood working shop.
Just starting with a basic bench that the students will modify. Then
we will build a professional bench.
Have a shipping container of wood to play with. The wood working
teacher was worried about my students in the work shop. Guaranteed
him I hand pick who works in silver, it is a privilege not a right.
That rules out 90% of students. I only have 2 per class for 2 hours
in one stretch.
When we do bead jewellery every idiot and his dog is welcome. If
threading beads on tiger tail is a hazard we have an institution for
you LOL. Note some of these students can’t even crimp the ends of the
tiger tail.
I will train the silver smith students with the same care I used in
training my daughter.
Only problem is my budget is only $500, so that will go on
materials. I will use my old tools that I have upgraded from. The deal
is the students make 2 pieces the school gets one to sell the student
keeps the other. Of course the school gets the best quality piece,
keeps the little darlings focussed.
Today they made embossed rings, love hearts, so cute you want to
puke. A big hit with teenage girls.
My father (a production manager) always told me if you want
something done well and quickly get a woman to do the job. That is why
so many production lines have women on them, not sexist they simply do
a better job. Sorry guys. Yep the girls talk sht, aka gossip, but
they sure do a good job. This is why my first students are girls,
loud music talking sht but work precisely and carefully.
The aim of this is for the students, who have 3 more years of
schooling to leave with the skills to run their own business. They
can actually do jewellery for their final school exams. My kids will
rock.
The school will run a market stall once a month in the local
markets.
Any comments much appreciated.
Richard