Student profile: Ursula Brucherseifer on studying at LJS as an overseas student

Ursula Brucherseifer completed the Intensive Diploma in Creative Jewellery in 2015, travelling from Germany to live in London for the duration of the course. We interviewed her about her experiences on the course and advice for overseas students coming to the London Jewellery School.

Where do you live?
I live in Frankfurt, Germany.

When did your interest in jewellery making start?
My interest in jewellery making started when I was a teenager. I was (and still am) very attracted by beads and collected them on every holiday and in every bead shop. I made rings and earrings from silver wire and decorated them with beads.

Why did you decide to take the Intensive Diploma?
After my high school exam I have been au-pair in London. There I applied for jewellery design and was directly accepted at several colleges. However, I wasn’t able to afford to live and study in London for a couple of years. Back in Germany I became a carpenter instead, studied afterwards economics and carried out different jobs. Several years ago I started to make and sell jewellery on a part-time basis. I have attended a lot of different jewellery workshops in Germany as well as at the London Jewellery School. In 2014 I found out about the diploma intensive course. In order to finally realize my dream I enrolled for the course.

Work in progress – wire jewellery on the Diploma in Creative Jewellery

What was your favourite class on the diploma and why?
The huge advantage of the diploma is the great variety of techniques and materials you work with. My favourite class was the polymer clay class. With polymer clay you can combine different colours, patterns/designs and shapes. We all had a lot of fun in class. 

Where do you find your inspiration and how do you decide what to do next?
The material itself gives me a lot of inspiration. When I make beaded jewellery I combine different colours, shapes and techniques and play around until it is perfect. I also find inspiration in books or workshops, in working with my students or in talking to customers.
What I do next depends a little bit on my appointments/calendar. If markets or classes are coming up I have to prepare for them. In less busy times I design my collection or do some office work.

What are your goals for the future?
At the moment I take part in the Jewellery Business Bootcamp and work on my business growth plan to get my business going.

Silver and gold earrings by Ursula Brucherseifer

What advice would you give to an overseas student considering taking a course at LJS?
As an overseas student I would do some decent research about the accommodation and check all the university halls of residence. Two months away from home is quite a long time. I would invite a lot of friends and family to London, so that you have someone to talk to and to spend some time with during the weekends.

Take a look at Ursula’s work here
http://www.schoeneliese.de
https://www.facebook.com/schoeneliese/
https://www.instagram.com/schoeneliese/
https://www.pinterest.de/schoeneliese/

Intensive Diplomas
In 2018 we are running two Intensive Diploma courses. They are perfect for overseas students or those that would like to study in a short period of time. The groups are kept small to ensure you get individual attention and your own workspace and tools during the classes.

The Diploma in Creative Jewellery starts on Monday 16th July and runs for seven weeks. This Diploma is for anyone who would like to learn different types of jewellery making including silversmithing, beading, metal clay, mixed media, polymer clay, resin jewellery and more. Installment payments are available. You can find more information here

We have just two places left on the Diploma in Silver Jewellery which runs from Monday 4th June to Friday 20th July. This Diploma course is for anyone who knows they would like to specialise in silver jewellery making. Installment payments are available, find out more here. 

Both Diploma courses are suitable for beginners or those with some experience.

Visa requirements
We suggest that you arrange any visas you might need to study in the UK before enrolling on the course. We are not able to assist with acquiring a visa and it is best to check with your own consulate to find out whether you will meet the eligibility criteria. If you have any questions please give us a call on 0203 176 0546