250 Educators providing Jewellery Making courses

Make It With Kim - Jewellery Workshops

make it with kim - jewellery workshops

5.0(35)

Bristol

My Grandpa Stanley Waughman started me off with woodwork at the age of 3 - a good solid age for a girl to start working with hand tools. He was a leather worker by trade and, because of this, his hands were huge, hard and calloused – he could cusp a wasp in them without feeling its sting. As a child I knew he must be very important because his name, Stanley, was written on all his tools. My Grandpa Stanley Waughman started me off with woodwork at the age of 3 - a good solid age for a girl to start working with hand tools. He was a leather worker by trade and, because of this, his hands were huge, hard and calloused – he could cusp a wasp in them without feeling its sting. As a child I knew he must be very important because his name, Stanley, was written on all his tools. Up until I was 6 years old I lived in Galston, Ayrshire, and just two doors down from my Grandparents. Ours was a quiet little cul-de-sac, except on days where I played my bright, plastic Fisher Price record player on the street corner. This was in the early 80’s, when we all played outside and scuffed knees and grubby nails were a sign of a good days play. I’d pick up pretty bits and bobs and pop them in my pockets to show my friends – some pretty stones, a handful of gooseberries, and once, the severed head of a pheasant that sent them scarpering and squealing. I just thought the feathers were beautiful. To this day, I still have a soft spot for pheasants.

The Fox Studios

the fox studios

I set up The Fox Studios so that I had a bricks and mortar place in Warrington, where I could teach my passion, Jewellery. I had been planning this for some time (around 3 years), before I went ahead and took the plunge. I chose Warrington for a few reasons, it's my home town, it's quite central (directly between Liverpool and Manchester) and because, well, where else would I set up Jewellery Classes? I have been creative for as long as I can remember. When I left school I couldn't decide whether I wanted to do Fashion or Fine Art. I chose Fashion. I'm not quite sure why. It was an experience, and I enjoyed the journey, but I'm not sure I'm very fashionable. I have continued to sketch and paint, and have done so for many years. Due to a big life change in 2000, I started an evening class in Jewellery and Silversmithing and I can quite safely say I was hooked. I eventually went back to University as a mature student and finished my degree in 2008. A few short months later I was back teaching on the evening class where I'd first picked up the bug and it turned out I loved teaching. I've been a jeweller for around 20 years now. I never expected to become a teacher, but it's something I really enjoy it (and I hope it's something I'm good at, students do keep returning). I try to tailor the learning experience to the individual student, so that you can get the most out of the course. The Fox Studios is a friendly workshop where you can come and spend a couple of hours and make something beautiful, no matter what skill level you are. You will find it a lovely relaxing environment where you're supported and encouraged to make your ideas a reality, or if you're not sure what they are, I can help you make a sparkly thing or two to get you started. You will learn at your own pace, no pressure. The workshop is fully equipped for a range of different jewellery techniques, from simple ring making, stone setting, to enamelling and even colouring your own anodised aluminium. What I'm trying to say is that I have a variety of skills and a whole load of interesting equipment which you can use to make pieces of jewellery that are unique to you. I have a range of different Jewellery Classes, from taster sessions, one day classes and term time sessions as well as one to one sessions. They are all for a range of abilities, from beginners, intermediate and some more advance techniques. I am based in The Old School in Warrington, which is full of amazing creative people, as well as a quirky cafe that sells fabulous food. In the workshop you'll always find refreshments are on tap, tea, coffee (both normal and decaf), and if I'm organised, biscuits as well, but there is always Mini Rolls. I had grand plans of having beautiful cakes, but I've realised I'm just not that organised (and haven't baked in years). I hope I've covered everything, but if you do have any questions please get in touch and I'll get back to you as soon as I can! Heather x

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