Welcome to vanilla ink - the smiddy
We offer silversmithing and jewellery making classes for beginners, intermediate, advanced and professionals.
We have in-house jewellers and silversmiths for custom silver pieces and commissions.
We are a Social Enterprise bringing silversmithing and jewellery opportunities to emerging makers and disadvantaged young people in Scotland.
Vanilla Ink is a community interest company that has social equality, tolerance and justice at our core, where we strive to improve the lives of others through making
The Smiddy…
The Smiddy is the second location for Vanilla Ink after our Glasgow HQ, situated in the city’s East End.
Vanilla Ink: The Smiddy is a Centre for Excellence for Silversmithing and Jewellery based in Banff, Aberdeenshire. As the name suggests, The Smiddy was once a Blacksmith’s Workshop and lay derelict for over 30 years until Aberdeenshire Council embarked on a restoration project, rebuilding the workshop as part of Banff’s Regeneration Programme.
In September 2018, Vanilla Ink opened for business in this beautiful workshop in this historic town.
what our clients say…
“ I’ve been here a few times now with work and privately...the tuition is great. Dedicated and informative staff. Beautiful working environment. Highly recommended.”
David Herd, Curriculum and Quality Manager: Business Enterprise & Creative Industries, North East Scotland College
“ The Carve a Silver Ring workshop is beautiful! I LOVE my new ring. Gorgeous studio and lovely people running it. Highly recommend!”
Becca, Carve a Silver Ring participant
WHAT CLASSES DO WE OFFEr?
We run both silversmithing classes and fine jewellery classes here at the Smiddy in Banff, Aberdeenshire. There is a difference! Just because it’s in the name, it doesn’t mean that all silver jewellery making is silversmithing. The creation of fine jewellery is technically goldsmithing, and again is not exclusive to being in gold! So. Damn. Confusing.
To break it down, think of this - if it’s the creation of large objects such as bowls, dishes, plates, boxes, trophies, cutlery, candlestick holders etc, it is SILVERSMITHING
However, if it is rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, stone setting, wax carving etc, it is FINE JEWELLERY
We have classes from complete beginners through to professional classes for silversmiths and jewellers. Whether you want to make a silver ring, a pair of earrings, learn to cast in silver or complete a block of lessons in jewellery or silversmithing, there is something for everyone.
We are continually developing classes so if there is something you would like to see us run at The Smiddy please get in touch with us: hello@vanillainkthesmiddy.co.uk
We operate as a small business and regularly run classes, workshops and meetings in the building. Please note The Smiddy shop is not accessible to visitors during dedicated workshop times.
THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING
Read our latest blogs!
