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

Here, we take a look at Surface Patterns and how they affect jewellery. Each of these skills influence how the pieces look in their own way. Some are imprinted by brute force, where others require a delicate touch. And then there are some that require fire! While we take a gentle exploration into surface patterns in our Introduction to Core Jewellery, we take a much deeper dive into how hammering or striking metal with something, anything, can be used to create pattern, texture and markings. Using workshop machinery is also taken into consideration with our roll printing sessions, where we’ll get up to all sorts of tricks to create stunning patterns that can be combined with different finishes to create various overall looks. And things then get super melty with reticulation and granulation, where we explore the unpredictable, organic side of things.

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 Brooches, Rings, and Bangles/Bracelets [Necklaces will run parallel with this sessions and will return in 2026], or return for more Speciality Skills of Casting, Stone Setting, 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 - Further hammering and texturing
Week Three & Four - Further roll printing techniques
Week Five & Six - Reticulation and granulation

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

January 29th to March 5th

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