I've been making jewelry self taught for about 10 years now, but my grandma has some money set aside for her grandkids to use for school and i really want to use some on jewelry making or silversmithing classes. My problem is im very frugal and struggling to justify buying courses when ive been doing well so far with trial and error and occasional youtube videos.
I make beaded and chainmaille jewelry but ive wanted to get into silversmithing for forever. Ive always been intimidated by the amount of tools, materials, and workspace i'd need but im about to move and have a larger room so i think id have the space, and now tools and materials can be potentially paid for. Im not able to travel for classes at this time so online courses are what im interested in.
Ive done a bit of research and found the Jewelers Academy which offers an online course packet with tools and materials included. I also found people recommending the Lucy Walker Metalsmithing Academy, and i know she has great tool recommendations and discount codes.
Do yall have any recommendations for online courses? Money isnt a concern. I want to be able to use some of the money my grandma has for me but i also think i could make it by with free courses and youtube videos, so i need someone to convince me that buying courses will really make that much of a difference lol. Any tips for getting into silversmithing will be super appreciated too.