We’ve changed things a wee bit

Welcome to something a little bit new! We’ve broken up how we teach jewellery making and changed things up a bit. This is one of our Speciality Skills six-week blocks, which focus on the finer points of making jewellery. These sessions have been selected carefully as they match each other nicely and all belong in the same family as one another. Our Speciality Skills Sessions allow you to go at your own pace and choose when you learn.

If this is your first stop on your jewellery journey and you are not familiar with the basics of creating jewellery, then we absolutely insist you take our Introduction to Core Jewellery class before diving into these sessions.

Tell me about it

Let’s play with FIRE! Casting is a vital part of jewellery making, with some of the various techniques being millennia old. But there’s also some new kids on the block that we can take a look at, too. While all of them simply require you to pour molten metal into a negative mould or various surfaces, or just make it splash, it’s the preparation and how you actually pour that shiny melty liquid that makes all the difference. Each of the methods create different results, meaning you can pick and choose which one to use for each individual job you’re creating.

Because things now are far more structured, you can now plan ahead and choose when and how you’d like to learn jewellery making. Once you have completed this six week run, you have plenty of choice! You can choose to focus on Core Jewellery Skills of Necklaces, Rings [both returning for 2026 after running early in the year], Brooches and Bangles/Bracelets, or return for more Speciality Skills of Surface Patterns, Stone Setting [back in ‘26 again], and Alternative Materials. Or if you fancy just relaxing and playing around at your own pace, we offer Freestyle Sessions.

<< We are still in the process of creating and uploading all our content, keep checking back for more Core Jewellery and Speciality Skills! >>

Can I do this class?

If you have already completed our Introduction to Core Jewellery class [or equivalent], these sessions are for you!

What happens?

Please note that in these sessions, the skills stretch across two weeks. There’s loads to show you from each technique. You’ll then get plenty of time to watch, learn, then put into practice what you now know!

Weeks One & Two - Speciality casting - water, salt, pasta [no we’re not making dinner!]
Week Three & Four - Cuttlefish casting
Week Five & Six - Sand casting

Do I need to bring anything?

We will email you our manual ahead of the class, please bring this digitally or printed out. Also a sketchbook or something for taking notes etc.

You don’t need to bring anything with you as we will provide all the equipment needed plus the materials for the entire six weeks. Everyone will have their own bench with access to all the tools required to make jewellery.

Please wear long hair tied up [or bring something to do so], don’t wear open-toed shoes and keep loose-fitting clothing to a minimum.

If you need glasses to see things close up, please bring them with you. Making jewellery is fiddly!

The details

Three-hour sessions

Every Wednesday, 6pm - 9pm

August 20th to September 24th

We are a Community Interest Company who are beyond profit. When you buy a class from The Smiddy, money is invested in our social enterprise programmes. We aim to create a variety of sessions aimed at the most vulnerable, disadvantaged or deserving in society to give a sense of purpose and help them feel connected to those within their community. Our goal is to promote social engagement and support cultural enhancement. We believe everyone should get the opportunity to experience jewellery making.

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