The aim of this class is to provide beginners with a whole day of jewellery making fun!

This class caters for the straight-up novice, completely new to the industry and ready to begin their jewellery journey. In this class, you will learn about the tools required for jewellery making as well as being shown how to use them in a safe and proper manner. In this class we’ll teach you how to make a silver ring, a pair of earrings AND a pendant. Yup, that’s right… you’ll get the chance to learn to make three pieces of silver jewellery and will get to take them all home with you at the end of the day!

CAN I DO THIS CLASS?

No previous jewellery making or any other kind of making experience is required for this class. We will demonstrate everything you need to do and will help you along the way. Those with some experience are also very welcome if they want to revisit the basics of jewellery making.

WHAT HAPPENS?

We will take you through some very simple steps of the following:

Make a silver ring - soldering, forming and finishing
Make a pair of drop earrings - how to apply a hammered/planished finish and apply earring backs
Roll print and saw pierce a silver pendant - a lovely bit of therapeutic piercing to end with

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

You don’t need to bring anything with you as we will provide all the equipment and materials needed. Everyone will have their own bench with access to all the tools required to make the rings.

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!

At this time we can’t let you borrow our aprons, you are advised to bring your own if you want to protect your clothes.

Due to current protocols, students will need to wear a face-covering [unless they are exempt]. You will be sent the most up to date protocols and clear instructions ahead of the class. Unfortunately, we cannot provide refreshments at this time but please feel free to bring your own water bottles/juice or a flask of tea/coffee.

WHO IS TEACHING?

Aimi Cairns is an independent jeweller based in the North East of Scotland who is fascinated by the processes of jewellery making and the different ways metal can be transformed. Her jewellery is often inspired by nature and local landscapes. Aimi loves to use organic textures and botanical motifs along with huge colourful stones to create sculptural statement pieces.

Her jewellery making journey began after completing three years of short courses at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen from 2006-09, turning her hobby into a business in 2014. Aimi has been happily learning and creating ever since!

DATES, TIMES AND EVERYTHING ELSE…

Full-day course

Saturdays and Sundays

10am - 5pm

<< we always take a 1-hour lunch between 1pm - 2pm >>

WE ARE A COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE. EVERY TIME YOU BUY A CLASS FROM VANILLA INK, THE PROFITS ARE INVESTED BACK INTO OUR ‘MAKING AS A FORM OF THERAPY’ PROGRAMME, WHICH ALLOWS US TO HELP OUT VULNERABLE, DISADVANTAGED AND/OR DESERVING PEOPLE BY GIVING THEM THE OPPORTUNITY THAT WOULD OTHERWISE NOT BE AVAILABLE TO THEM. WE BELIEVE EVERYONE SHOULD GET THE CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE JEWELLERY MAKING.

Vanilla Ink The Smiddy
Old Market Place
Banff, AB45 1GE

All prices are inclusive of VAT
Students must be 16+ years
Good eyesight and dexterity is a must.
Please read our full Terms and Conditions before booking.