Instruction
Tira offers two methods of instruction: Instruction at the GRS Training Facility in Emporia, Kansas, or Private Instruction.
Instruction at the GRS Training Facility is coordinated by GRS in Emporia. Courses are offered on annual schedules in either of two state-of-the-art engraving labs, each of which are fully equipped for twelve students. Tuition generally includes use of all tools and the materials to create a classroom project. Travel, room & board are at the student's separate expense. The course Tira is scheduled to teach is listed below.
Tira also offers Private Instruction. People interested in one-on-one instruction can contact Tira directly and arrange for instruction either in Tira's Doylestown, PA studio or at another agreed-upon location. More information about Private Instruction can be found under the tab below.
Current Instruction Opportunities
- GRS Course
- Private Instruction
Basic Engraving
Learn Engraving Fundamentals and Core Skills
Skill Level: Basic
Cost: $750
Start Date: May 5, 2007
Instructor: Tira Mitchell
This course has already taken place. Thanks to everyone who enrolled! If you are interested in taking a GRS Course with Tira in the future, please let us know by sending us an e-mail (click here).
Course Description
This course teaches basic hand engraving skills quickly in a friendly and organized surrounding. Using GRS tools, students study and execute fundamental engraving cuts on a variety of metals.
This curriculum includes a special series of training plates precisely marked with designs that build confidence and accuracy as students engrave them.
This system speeds learning and overcomes the beginning artwork challenge. Each class is built around the instructor’s professional experience, giving each attendee personal access to a wealth of practical knowledge.
This course provides a skilled foundation for other specialized GRS courses.
Learning Objectives
- Correct setup of each person’s workstation
- How to operate common classroom tools
- Theory and practice of basic tool sharpening
- Shaping gravers; bench grinder operation
- Metal preparation before engraving
- Layout and design of scrolls and borders
- Transferring designs to metal
- Executing straight and curved engraving cuts
- Shading techniques, background treatments
- Effective use of the rotary handpiece
- How to engrave block and script letters
- Introduction to gold inlay
- Workholding fixtures and devices
- Business practices and pricing your work
Prerequisites
None
Tira conducts private instruction in her personal studio. The content and scheduling of this instruction vary with the needs and desires of each student, as well as Tira's availability.
To learn more about private instruction opportunities, contact Tira at 215 512-6258 or send her an e-mail at tira@engraver.com.