Courses
Structured learning taught properly
Courses are the Smiddy’s core learning programmes in jewellery and silversmithing. They are designed to teach skills properly, build confidence at the bench, and support people in developing a meaningful relationship with making.
Courses are calm, focused, and welcoming. Professional standards are present throughout, but never in a way that creates pressure or intimidation. Teaching is delivered in small groups, allowing time for explanation, repetition, and individual support.
About the course
Introduction to Jewellery Making is a two day weekend course designed to establish a strong foundation in traditional jewellery making. As a core course within the Smiddy programme, it introduces essential bench skills and techniques, offering a broad and practical understanding of how jewellery is made using hand tools and precious metal.
Working within our professional makers’ workshop, you will be guided through a series of structured bench exercises rather than a single finished project. This approach allows techniques to be understood in context and shows how skills interconnect across different forms of jewellery making. The course focuses on building confidence, accuracy and good working habits that can be applied to future making.
This course forms a solid first step for anyone wishing to explore jewellery making seriously, whether as a personal practice or as the beginning of a longer learning journey.
Who is this course for
This course is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. It is also well suited to those returning to jewellery making after time away, or those seeking a structured refresher of core skills.
The structured, guided nature of the course makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to develop practical making skills.
What you will learn
Over the weekend you will be introduced to core jewellery making techniques, including:
Understanding the jeweller’s bench and essential tools
Piercing and preparing metal
Filing, sanding and refining form
Forming techniques for simple jewellery components
Basic soldering techniques
Surface texturing and pattern
Disc cutting
Recycling and reworking silver
These processes are taught through a sequence of skill-building exercises, giving you a clear overview of foundational jewellery techniques and how they are used in practice.
What is included
All tools, equipment and materials are included as part of the course. All practical activities are carried out in sterling silver, allowing you to develop confidence working with precious metal from the outset.
Teaching is delivered in small groups, with a maximum of five to six participants, ensuring individual support and a focused learning environment.
Practical details
This is a two day weekend course.
Sessions run from 10am to 5pm, with a break for lunch between 1pm and 2pm.
Additional information
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
About the course
Introduction to Silversmithing is a structured weekend course designed to introduce the fundamental skills and processes used in traditional silversmithing. As a core course within the Smiddy programme, it focuses on vessel-based making through forming and shaping metal by hand.
Through the making of two small vessels in copper, you will learn how form is developed using traditional silversmithing techniques. The course prioritises process and material understanding, building confidence with hand tools and heat while developing control, accuracy and surface quality. The skills introduced provide a foundation for further exploration of vessel and object making.
Who is this course for
This course is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. It is also well suited to those returning to silversmithing after time away, or to jewellery makers who would like to expand their skills into vessel and object making.
The structured, guided nature of the course makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to develop practical making skills.
What you will learn
Over the weekend you will be introduced to core silversmithing techniques, including:
Understanding silversmithing tools and equipment
Marking out and preparing metal sheet
Forming vessels through blocking
Raising techniques to develop depth and form
Planishing to refine surface and shape
Annealing and working with heat
Cleaning, finishing and surface refinement
Through making two vessels, you will gain a clear understanding of how these processes relate to one another and how form is developed through repeated, controlled working of the metal.
What is included
All tools, equipment and materials are included as part of the course. Copper sheet is used throughout, allowing you to focus on learning core silversmithing techniques without the pressure of working in precious metal.
Teaching is delivered in small groups, with a maximum of five to six participants, ensuring individual support and a calm, focused learning environment.
Practical details
This is a weekend course delivered over two consecutive days.
Sessions run from 10am to 5pm, with a break for lunch.
Additional information
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
Choosing a course
If you are unsure which course is right for you, you are encouraged to read course descriptions carefully and take your time deciding.
If questions remain, you are welcome to get in touch before booking. Clear information matters more than quick decisions.
How Courses fit within the Smiddy
Courses form the foundation of learning at the Smiddy.
They often sit alongside or lead into other areas of the Smiddy, such as Experiences, Private Skills Sessions, Membership, or Residencies. There is no expectation to move on to anything else unless it feels right for you.
Courses are a place to learn, not a gateway you are required to pass through.
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Courses are suitable for complete beginners, with no prior experience required unless clearly stated.
They are also well suited to people returning to jewellery or silversmithing after time away, and to hobbyists who want to improve skills and confidence.
Some participants attend courses as part of a longer relationship with making. Others attend a single course and stop there. Both are equally valid.
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Courses focus on building real, transferable skills. They prioritise understanding tools, materials, and processes, rather than rushing towards finished outcomes.
Teaching emphasises safe working, good habits at the bench, and confidence through doing. Learning is structured and process-led, with skills building steadily over time.
Courses are where skills are taught properly at the Smiddy.
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Courses take place in the Smiddy workshop, a professional makers’ space used by tutors, residents, and members.
You will work at a traditional bench using professional tools and equipment. Group sizes are kept small to ensure a calm environment and clear guidance throughout.