Grillz Making Course for Beginners | 16–17 & 30 Nov 2024

Grillz, also known as 'fronts,' are decorative teeth coverings crafted primarily from precious metals. They come in various shapes and sizes, accommodating the uniqueness of individual teeth. These fashionable dental accessories can be easily attached and detached, either onto a single tooth or multiple teeth.

Our Grillz Course provides an excellent opportunity to learn the essential skills needed to create your own grillz using two techniques: wax and resin. This course welcomes participants with no prior jewellery experience. To accommodate beginners, we have added an introduction to using jewellery tools while crafting a jewellery piece, which will take place on Saturday morning.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DENTAL IMPRESSIONS:

For this course, all participants must bring their own dental impressions (also known as teeth impressions) - either top or bottom set, which will serve as the model for creating your grillz. These impressions must be arranged independently prior to the start of the course. Please contact your local dental practice for details regarding pricing and turnaround time prior to booking this course, as it may take several weeks to obtain your impression. The cost of the impressions is the responsibility of the participant and is not included in the course fees. Failure to provide your dental impressions on time will result in your inability to participate, and we are unable to offer refunds in such cases. It is essential that the impressions are taken by a qualified dental professional to ensure accuracy. Self-impression kits may not produce precise results, which could lead to poorly fitting grillz.

DAY 1

Saturday 16th November, 10:00 - 17:00

Morning: 10:00 - 12:30 (taught by Melvin Faria)

In the morning you will learn basic jewellery making skills, how to handle tools such as a piercing saw, pendant motor, and files, while creating a simple jewellery piece using copper or brass. While participation in this morning session is mandatory for beginners, students with prior jewellery experience may choose to skip it; however, the cost of the morning session is included in the full course fee, so there will be no reimbursement.

Afternoon: 13:30 - 17:00 (taught by David Ogunleye)

In the afternoon, you will learn how to craft grillz using the wax technique.

DAY 2 - taught by Melvin Faria

Sunday 17th November, 10:00 - 17:00

Day 2 is dedicated to learning how to craft grillz using the plastic resin technique.

To learn the fundamentals of grillz making, on this course you will make a single tooth cap using the wax technique (day 1) and single cap in resin (day 2). If time allows, you may be able to make other grillz designs, such as double-caps, ‘windows’ and ‘bars’, but bear in mind that because of time limitations, you may only be able to complete 2 single caps in total.

After Day 2, you will be required to take the pieces you made on Day 1 and Day 2 to a casting company to have them cast in silver and bring them back for Day 3 of the course. There is a two-week gap between Day 1-2 and Day 3 to allow sufficient time for you to have the pieces cast. We will provide guidance on where to get your pieces cast if you have never used casting services. The cost of casting is not included in the course fee. Depending on your choice of casting company, the casting cost in silver is £18+ per tooth.

DAY 3 - taught by Melvin Faria

Saturday 30th November, 10:00 - 17:00

On the last day of the course, we will focus on the final stages of creating your grillz- finishing the cast pieces and ensuring a proper fit onto the teeth.

What should I bring to the course?

STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING THEIR DENTAL IMPRESSIONS TO THIS COURSE. PLEASE SEE THE NOTRE ABOUT THE DENTAL IMPRESSIONS AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE.

In terms of tools and materials, all tools and materials used during the course will be provided. If you happen to own an electric wax carving pen, you are welcome to bring it with you (optional).

Health and Safety notice: Please wear closed shoes in the workshop (no open-toes) and clothes that are suitable for a workshop space which you don’t mind getting dirty. We have aprons available. Students with long hair will be required to tie it up while using some tools such as pendant motors.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for beginners. No prior skills and experience is required to attend this course.

It is also suitable for jewellery makers who have a passion for custom, creative, and urban jewellery and are interested in adding grillz-making to their jewellery practice. If you've attempted making grillz before but found it challenging, joining this course will help you enhance your skills, address issues such as poor fit, and gain valuable tips from a professional grillz maker.

About the tutors:

Melvin Faria is a London native with a diverse African-Portuguese background. With relentless dedication and pursuit of perfection, he established his own successful grillz brand called Mpire Gold in 2021. David Ogunleye, Melvin’ collaborator, will join the course to teach the wax technique. David embarked on his own grillz-making journey during a similar period, and together they have witnessed the remarkable growth of their respective businesses in recent years. They are both excited to pass on the wisdom they have acquired along the way, aiming to inspire and educate students on creating top-quality, perfectly-fitted grillz.

Meet the tutors here.

Images by Karolina Brodnicka