Experiences
Welcoming introductions to making
Experiences are short, carefully structured sessions designed to introduce people to making in a calm and supportive environment.
They are ideal for people who are curious about jewellery or silversmithing and want to work with tools and materials without committing to a longer course. Experiences offer a genuine encounter with the Smiddy workshop and its way of working, prioritising confidence, clarity, and care.
No prior experience is required unless clearly stated.
About the workshop
This bowl making workshop offers an introduction to traditional silversmithing techniques through the process of forming a flat sheet of metal into a finished bowl. Working in copper you will learn how vessels are shaped using hand tools and repeated forming, resulting in a functional and enduring object.
During the session you will be guided through the technique of blocking, gradually forming your metal into a bowl shape before soldering a simple foot to complete the piece. The workshop focuses on understanding process, material and form, while allowing you to create a finished bowl that reflects the marks and character of hand making.
Who is this workshop for
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. The structured, guided nature of the session makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to try something new. It is also well suited to those with some making experience who would like to explore traditional silversmithing techniques.
What you will learn
During the workshop you will be introduced to core silversmithing techniques, including:
Understanding metal sheet and material choice
Blocking a flat sheet into a bowl form
Annealing and repeated forming
Soldering a simple foot
Cleaning and finishing a formed vessel
You will work using traditional silversmithing tools and professional equipment throughout the session.
What is included
All materials, tools and equipment are provided as part of the workshop.
Each participant has their own dedicated workspace within the studio.
What to bring and wear
Please wear closed-toe shoes and ensure long hair is tied back. Loose clothing should be kept to a minimum for comfort and safety. If you use glasses for close work, we recommend bringing them, as silversmithing involves fine detail and close observation.
Practical details
This is a four hour workshop.
Sessions run from 10am to 2pm.
Private bookings for small groups are also available and can be arranged for special occasions, creative days out or team experiences.
Additional information
All prices are inclusive of VAT
Students must be 16+ years
Good eyesight and hand dexterity is essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking
Vanilla Ink The Smiddy
Old Market Place
Banff
AB45 1GE
About the workshop
Make a Silver Ring is a carefully guided introduction to traditional jewellery making, designed for those who would like to experience working with precious metal in a professional studio environment. During the workshop you will create a silver ring from scratch and take home a finished piece at the end of the session.
Working from a selection of sample styles, you will be supported step by step through the making process, from measuring and forming your ring to soldering and finishing. The focus is on learning core techniques in a calm, supportive setting, with time to personalise your ring through surface finish and form.
Who is this workshop for
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. The structured, guided nature of the session makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to try something new.
What you will learn
During the session you will be introduced to essential jewellery making techniques, including:
Sawing and preparing metal
Shaping and forming a ring
Texturing
Soldering
Filing and finishing
You will work at a traditional jeweller’s bench using professional tools and equipment throughout the workshop.
What is included
All materials, tools and equipment are provided as part of the workshop. Each participant has their own dedicated workspace within the studio.
What to bring and wear
Please wear closed-toe shoes and ensure long hair is tied back. Loose clothing should be kept to a minimum for comfort and safety. If you use glasses for close work, we recommend bringing them, as jewellery making involves fine detail.
Practical details
This is a three hour workshop.
Morning sessions run from 10am to 1pm.
Afternoon sessions run from 2pm to 5pm.
Private bookings for small groups are also available and can be arranged for special occasions, creative days out or team experiences.
Additional information
All prices include VAT.
Participants must be aged 16 or over.
Good hand dexterity and close-up vision are important for this workshop.
Please read our full terms and cancellation policy before booking.
All prices are inclusive of VAT
Students must be 16+ years
Good eyesight and hand dexterity is essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking
Vanilla Ink The Smiddy
Old Market Place
Banff
AB45 1GE
About the workshop
Silver Clay Jewellery offers an introduction to working with metal clay, a contemporary material that allows fine silver to be shaped, textured and formed before being fired into solid metal. This workshop provides a calm and supportive environment in which to explore the material and create a small collection of finished silver jewellery.
During the session you will work with silver clay from its raw state through to firing and finishing, gaining an understanding of its unique properties and creative potential. You will be supported step by step as you shape, refine and fire your pieces, resulting in completed silver jewellery that you can take home at the end of the session.
Who is this workshop for
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. The structured, guided nature of the session makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to try something new. It is also well suited to those with some jewellery experience who would like to explore a new material.
What you will learn
During the workshop you will be introduced to key techniques for working with silver clay, including:
Preparing and handling silver clay
Shaping, texturing and refining forms
Drying and firing using torch or kiln methods
Finishing and polishing fired silver
You will work between individual jewellers’ benches and a shared central workbench, using professional tools and equipment throughout the workshop.
What is included
The workshop includes an initial allocation of silver clay, along with all tools and equipment required for the session. Each participant has their own dedicated workspace within the studio. Additional silver clay may be purchased on the day if you wish to continue developing your work.
What to bring and wear
You are welcome to bring a sketchbook or notebook if you enjoy planning or recording ideas, though this is optional. Please wear closed-toe shoes and ensure long hair is tied back. Loose clothing should be kept to a minimum for comfort and safety. If you use glasses for close work, we recommend bringing them, as jewellery making involves fine detail.
Practical details
This is a four hour workshop.
Sessions run from 10am to 2pm.
Private bookings for small groups are also available and can be arranged for special occasions, creative days out or team experiences.
Additional information
All prices are inclusive of VAT
Students must be 16+ years
Good eyesight and hand dexterity is essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking
Vanilla Ink The Smiddy
Old Market Place
Banff
AB45 1GE
About the workshop
Silver Stacking Rings is a guided introduction to making a small collection of silver rings designed to be worn together or individually. During the workshop you will create three slender silver rings from scratch, developing confidence with core jewellery techniques while exploring variation in surface, texture and finish.
Working within our professional makers’ workshop, you will be supported step by step through the making process, from measuring and forming each ring to soldering and finishing. You may choose to keep your designs refined and minimal, or introduce subtle texture or patination, resulting in a set of rings that feel cohesive while retaining individual character.
Who is this workshop for
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. The structured, guided nature of the session makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to try something new.
What you will learn
During the session you will be introduced to essential jewellery making techniques, including:
Sawing and preparing silver
Shaping and forming multiple rings
Texturing
Soldering
Filing and finishing
You will work at a traditional jeweller’s bench using professional tools and equipment throughout the workshop.
What is included
All materials, tools and equipment are provided as part of the workshop. Each participant has their own dedicated workspace within the studio.
What to bring and wear
Please wear closed-toe shoes and ensure long hair is tied back. Loose clothing should be kept to a minimum for comfort and safety. If you use glasses for close work, we recommend bringing them, as jewellery making involves fine detail.
Practical details
This is a three hour workshop.
Morning sessions run from 10am to 1pm.
Afternoon sessions run from 2pm to 5pm.
Private bookings for small groups are also available and can be arranged for special occasions, creative days out or team experiences.
Additional information
All prices are inclusive of VAT
Students must be 16+ years
Good eyesight and hand dexterity is essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking
Vanilla Ink The Smiddy
Old Market Place
Banff
AB45 1GE
About the workshop
This spoon making workshop offers an introduction to traditional silversmithing through the creation of a hand formed spoon. The workshop focuses on making a caddy or toddy spoon, offering a strong introduction to spoon making before progressing to more complex spoon forms.
Working in copper you will shape the bowl and handle separately before attaching them to create a finished spoon. The process emphasises careful hand forming and controlled soldering, resulting in a functional object that clearly reflects the marks of hand making.
Who is this workshop for
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. The structured, guided nature of the session makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to try something new. It is also well suited to those with some making experience who would like to explore traditional silversmithing techniques.
What you will learn
During the workshop you will be introduced to core silversmithing techniques, including:
Forming a spoon bowl
Shaping and refining a handle
Joining components through soldering
Cleaning, finishing and refining a formed object
You will work using traditional silversmithing tools and professional equipment throughout the session.
What is included
All materials, tools and equipment are provided as part of the workshop.
Each participant has their own dedicated workspace within the studio.
What to bring and wear
Please wear closed-toe shoes and ensure long hair is tied back. Loose clothing should be kept to a minimum for comfort and safety. If you use glasses for close work, we recommend bringing them, as silversmithing involves fine detail and close observation.
Practical details
This is a four hour workshop.
Sessions run from 10am to 2pm.
Private bookings for small groups are also available and can be arranged for special occasions, creative days out or team experiences.
Additional information
All prices are inclusive of VAT
Students must be 16+ years
Good eyesight and hand dexterity is essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking
Vanilla Ink The Smiddy
Old Market Place
Banff
AB45 1GE
About the workshop
Sand Cast Silver offers an introduction to traditional casting techniques, using sand moulds to create silver jewellery with distinctive texture and character. In this workshop you will create either a pendant or a ring using pre-made masters, allowing you to focus on the casting process while producing a unique finished piece.
Working within our professional makers’ workshop, you will be guided through each stage of the sand casting process, from preparing the mould through to casting, cleaning and finishing your silver piece. The process embraces the natural surface qualities created by the sand, resulting in jewellery with a raw and individual character.
Who is this workshop for
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. The structured, guided nature of the session makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to try something new. It is also well suited to those with some making experience who would like to explore casting for the first time.
What you will learn
During the workshop you will be introduced to the fundamentals of sand casting, including:
Understanding pre-made masters and mould preparation
Creating and packing a sand mould
Casting molten silver into the mould
Cleaning, refining and finishing cast silver
You will work between individual jewellers’ benches and a shared central casting area, using professional equipment and traditional jewellery tools throughout the session.
What is included
All materials, tools and equipment are provided as part of the workshop. Each participant has their own dedicated workspace within the studio. The silver required to complete one cast pendant or ring is included.
What to bring and wear
Please wear closed-toe shoes and ensure long hair is tied back. Loose clothing should be kept to a minimum for comfort and safety. If you use glasses for close work, we recommend bringing them, as jewellery making involves fine detail.
Practical details
This is a four hour workshop.
Sessions run from 10am to 2pm.
Private bookings for small groups are also available and can be arranged for special occasions, creative days out or team experiences.
Additional information
All prices are inclusive of VAT
Students must be 16+ years
Good eyesight and hand dexterity is essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking
Vanilla Ink The Smiddy
Old Market Place
Banff
AB45 1GE
Choosing an experience
Each experience listing explains what you will make, how long the session lasts, and what is included.
If you are unsure which experience is right for you, take your time reading descriptions or get in touch to ask questions.
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Experiences are suitable for people who are completely new to making, those returning after time away, and visitors looking for a meaningful hands-on activity.
Some people attend a single experience and stop there. Others use experiences as a first step before further learning. Both are equally valid.
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Experiences are guided sessions with a clear structure and defined process.
Participants are supported step by step, with time to understand what they are doing and why. Each experience works towards a finished piece, but understanding process always comes before outcome.
Experiences are designed to feel welcoming, contained, and achievable.
How Experiences fit within the Smiddy
Experiences sit within the Learn section as an introduction to making.
They may sit alongside Courses or Private Skills Sessions, but they do not imply progression and are not designed to lead anywherebeyond the experience itself, unless the participant chooses.
If you are looking for more in-depth learning, Courses or Private Skills Sessions may be more appropriate.