Instruction
Tira offers three methods of instruction: Instruction at the GRS Training Facility in Emporia, Kansas, Private Instruction or you can take a workshop with her at the NAWCC School of Horology.
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.
For an introduction to Hand Engraving, you can take a workshop with Tira at the School of Horology in Columbia, PA. Afiliated with the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc (NAWCC), the School of Horology is a fully accredited school designed to provide training in traditional and modern watch and clock repair. This year, Tira will be holding a workshop in traditional hand engraving without power assisted tools.
Current Instruction Opportunities
- GRS Course
- Private Instruction
- NAWCC Course
Fundamentals of Metal Engraving
Learn Engraving Fundamentals and Core Skills
Skill Level: Basic
Cost: $750
Start Date: April 6, 2009
Instructor: Tira Mitchell
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
Registration
Call 1-800-835-3519 to enroll or be placed on the waiting list.
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.
Introduction to Hand Engraving
March 27-29, 2009 (Complete for 2009 - Look for it again in the Fall!)
School of Horology, Columbia, PA
Workshop Fee:
$280 NAWCC members
$340 non NAWCC members
Lab Fee: $45
This three day workshop will introduce the student to basic hand engraving techniques. The class will examine basic push engraving. Some of the topics covered will include:
- Shaping of gravers (square, flat, script)
- Sharpening of gravers
- Basic layout for design
- Scroll design and construction
- Understanding construction of script and block lettering
- Brief history of hand engraving
- Practice engraving on brass and/or copper
This hands-on workshop is open to all who wish to learn the basics of hand engraving. All materials and supplies will be provided. Class will include time for practicing the basic cuts, sharpening, and drawing/design.
This three day workshop will be held at the NAWCC School of Horology. The class will meet between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm. This includes two 15 minute breaks and 1 hour for lunch.
For more information about this course, click here.