Looking to learn jewellery skills in a way that works for you?

Art school and evening classes not quite cutting it?

Been there, done that.

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I offer one on one lessons and mentorship in my own studio workshop in south-west Scotland that are individually curated to you and your way of learning. Having taught myself and hundreds of students over the years, I have come to discover that there is no universal blueprint for creativity nor is there ever just one way of learning. Unlike most other jewellery classes, we work together to cut through the 'Should do's' and 'best practices', toss them in the bin and lean into the 'I wonder' and 'why nots?' of making. Beginner or seasoned pro, there is a seat at my bench waiting to welcome you down the metal workers rabbit hole with hammer and blow torch in hand. This is not learning in its traditional sense, it's a deep exploratory dive into discovering where your own creativity resides. A passing on of skills and wisdom I only gained by abandoning a well trodden path that was never going to work for me. If it doesn't work for you either and frustration has kicked in, a one on one might just be the ticket. 

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Special areas of lesson focus ​:

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Recycling metal

Jewellery re-modelling

Intuitive design

Surface texture

Experimental techniques

Hand forging

Alternative stone setting

Product photography and editing

Online selling

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What will we do in a lesson?

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• In short ; whatever you feel like! If you are looking to gain practical smithing skills, we can either focus in on developing them individually to create samples or embark upon a project such as a ring or bangle that incorporates them. If you have an existing piece in progress that you need a hand with, we'll collaborate to move it towards completion. All practical work will be created in silver or gold, whichever is you'd prefer. I can also help you develop skills in the less practical side of jewellery making such as online selling, photography and general critiquing (what a gross word.) of any previous work. But going back to the original sentiment...your lesson time is about you and what you would like to get out of it. I'll just help guide you to that.

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How does this work?

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• You can book either a half or full day lesson at the cost of £125 or £250. These can be arranged for a day that is agreeable to us both, whether a week or weekend day. The lesson will take place at my studio in Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway. Half days start at either 9:30am or 1pm and last 3-3.5 hours, with a wee break for a cuppa. Full days start around 9.30, end around 5ish and have a couple of interludes for lunch and caffeine as required. You are very welcome to bring your own stash of metal and stones to work with if you have them but if not, I am able to supply a wide range of metals and stones for you to buy at trade price

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What do I need to do this?

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• Yourself in the main, a hair putter upper if you have long, luscious locks and some comfortable, relaxed clothes you don't mind getting mucky. Closed toe shoes are a good idea, too.  You don't need any experience in jewellery making but you are equally as welcome if you do. You don't need to be 'good at art'. If you have never picked up a hammer, that is cool by me; I'll show you how. Openness and a willing to be creatively challenged is a must, though.

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