Course summary  Step up your tiara-making skills and learn how to wire metal components together to make a bespoke tiara with added crystals, in a day, plus a matching comb (time permitting) .

Dates & times  This is a one-day intermediate course.  The course starts promptly at 11:00hrs and is scheduled to end at 16:00hrs.  However, as students work at different paces, you should be prepared to stay on for up to 15min if needed at the end of the day, to complete your tiara and accessories.

Who can take this course?  This course is suitable if you have already completed our Beginners' Tiara-making course. 

Why should I take the course?  You'll learn how to design and create a unique tiara, whether it be for your special day, to add another technique to existing beading skills, or even to start your own home-based business.  By learning to make a band from scratch, you will have the edge over other tiara makers by making a the right-sized band. This intermediate course also expands your knowledge from beaded tiaras into using metal components.

What will I learn?  On this workshop, you will learn what metal components to use and how to fit them together. You will create a frame for your design and use your previous level one skills of making a bespoke-fitting tiara band to create your unique tiara.  Finally using crystal chatons, you will give your tiara some added sparkle.

What will I make?  You will make at least one tiara. Time permitting, we will use the components to make a matching comb. And you'll also have the skills to carry on making tiaras at home!

Can I make a gold-coloured tiara and hairpin(s), instead of silver ones?  Yes, as long as you advise us at the time of booking, we can usually provide gold-plated wire for you instead of the standard silver-plated wire (at extra cost) as long as you request an upgrade to gold-plated wire in time for us to order in special supplies for you.

Do I get to keep what I make?  Absolutely.  Find the Sussex Jewellery School on Facebook to see more jewellery made by students on this course.

Are materials included?  Yes - the course fee includes silver-plated wire in various gauges (diameters), and a range of silver-coloured tiara components, plus crystal chatons.  

How many other students will there be?  This course is taught in a small group, to ensure plenty of individual tutor attention - places on this course are limited to a maximum of seven students.  

What's the tutor like?  This course is taught by Gail Florio, a professional tiara maker and milliner. Gail runs her own successful business in tiaras, bridal jewellery and associated headwear.  Gail also holds a BTEC with merit in Millinery from Kensington & Chelsea college.  [See Tutor profiles].

What do past students say?  This is a new course, but here's what a past student wrote about their Beginners' Tiara-Making day with Gail:  "A wonderful day - I can't wait to try out my new skills and put into practice some of the techniques.  And I just love my tiara!"  Mary Herns [See Reviews  for more]

What can I go on to do after the course?  Students can progress to our Making Feather & Flower Fascinators and Millinery courses (coming soon), or may wish to learn how to work with pure silver to make real silver embellishments for tiaras on the Beginnings in Silver course. 

Can I change my booking?  Please note that, for logistical reasons, we are unable to offer transfers or refunds on this course.