Experiences
Current experiences at the Smiddy
This page lists all currently available Smiddy Experiences.
Experiences are short, carefully structured sessions that offer an introduction to making in a calm and supportive environment. They are designed for people who want to try working with tools and materials without committing to a longer course.
If you are new to the Smiddy or unsure whether an experience is right for you, you may wish to read the Experiences overview page before booking.
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Below you will find a list of current experiences.
Each listing includes a brief summary. Clicking on an experience will take you to the full experience page, where you will find detailed information about what you will make, session length, pricing, and booking options.
Booking and payment take place on the individual experience pages.
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Experiences are introductory sessions rather than full training courses.
Please read the full experience description carefully before booking to ensure it matches your expectations, availability, and interests.
If you are looking for more in-depth learning, you may wish to explore Courses or Private Skills Sessions instead.
If you have questions before booking, you are welcome to get in touch.
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Experiences can be booked using a Gift Voucher.
A voucher allows the recipient to choose an experience that feels right for them. Vouchers are valid for six months from the date of purchase. The experience itself may take place after the voucher expiry date, provided the booking is made within that timeframe.
Gift Vouchers are a thoughtful option if you are buying for someone else and want to offer flexibility rather than selecting a specific date.
Available Experiences
Current experience listings are shown below.
Experiences are updated throughout the year based on capacity and programme planning.
About the workshop
Make a Silver Ring is a carefully guided introduction to traditional jewellery making, designed for those who would like to experience working with precious metal in a professional studio environment. During the workshop you will create a silver ring from scratch and take home a finished piece at the end of the session.
Working from a selection of sample styles, you will be supported step by step through the making process, from measuring and forming your ring to soldering and finishing. The focus is on learning core techniques in a calm, supportive setting, with time to personalise your ring through surface finish and form.
Who is this workshop for
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. The structured, guided nature of the session makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to try something new.
What you will learn
During the session you will be introduced to essential jewellery making techniques, including:
Sawing and preparing metal
Shaping and forming a ring
Texturing
Soldering
Filing and finishing
You will work at a traditional jeweller’s bench using professional tools and equipment throughout the workshop.
What is included
All materials, tools and equipment are provided as part of the workshop. Each participant has their own dedicated workspace within the studio.
What to bring and wear
Please wear closed-toe shoes and ensure long hair is tied back. Loose clothing should be kept to a minimum for comfort and safety. If you use glasses for close work, we recommend bringing them, as jewellery making involves fine detail.
Practical details
This is a three hour workshop.
Morning sessions run from 10am to 1pm.
Afternoon sessions run from 2pm to 5pm.
Private bookings for small groups are also available and can be arranged for special occasions, creative days out or team experiences.
Additional information
All prices include VAT.
Participants must be aged 16 or over.
Good hand dexterity and close-up vision are important for this workshop.
Please read our full terms and cancellation policy before booking.
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 workshop
This bowl making workshop offers an introduction to traditional silversmithing techniques through the process of forming a flat sheet of metal into a finished bowl. Working in copper you will learn how vessels are shaped using hand tools and repeated forming, resulting in a functional and enduring object.
During the session you will be guided through the technique of blocking, gradually forming your metal into a bowl shape before soldering a simple foot to complete the piece. The workshop focuses on understanding process, material and form, while allowing you to create a finished bowl that reflects the marks and character of hand making.
Who is this workshop for
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. The structured, guided nature of the session makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to try something new. It is also well suited to those with some making experience who would like to explore traditional silversmithing techniques.
What you will learn
During the workshop you will be introduced to core silversmithing techniques, including:
Understanding metal sheet and material choice
Blocking a flat sheet into a bowl form
Annealing and repeated forming
Soldering a simple foot
Cleaning and finishing a formed vessel
You will work using traditional silversmithing tools and professional equipment throughout the session.
What is included
All materials, tools and equipment are provided as part of the workshop.
Each participant has their own dedicated workspace within the studio.
What to bring and wear
Please wear closed-toe shoes and ensure long hair is tied back. Loose clothing should be kept to a minimum for comfort and safety. If you use glasses for close work, we recommend bringing them, as silversmithing involves fine detail and close observation.
Practical details
This is a four hour workshop.
Sessions run from 10am to 2pm.
Private bookings for small groups are also available and can be arranged for special occasions, creative days out or team experiences.
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 workshop
Silver Clay Jewellery offers an introduction to working with metal clay, a contemporary material that allows fine silver to be shaped, textured and formed before being fired into solid metal. This workshop provides a calm and supportive environment in which to explore the material and create a small collection of finished silver jewellery.
During the session you will work with silver clay from its raw state through to firing and finishing, gaining an understanding of its unique properties and creative potential. You will be supported step by step as you shape, refine and fire your pieces, resulting in completed silver jewellery that you can take home at the end of the session.
Who is this workshop for
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. The structured, guided nature of the session makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to try something new. It is also well suited to those with some jewellery experience who would like to explore a new material.
What you will learn
During the workshop you will be introduced to key techniques for working with silver clay, including:
Preparing and handling silver clay
Shaping, texturing and refining forms
Drying and firing using torch or kiln methods
Finishing and polishing fired silver
You will work between individual jewellers’ benches and a shared central workbench, using professional tools and equipment throughout the workshop.
What is included
The workshop includes an initial allocation of silver clay, along with all tools and equipment required for the session. Each participant has their own dedicated workspace within the studio. Additional silver clay may be purchased on the day if you wish to continue developing your work.
What to bring and wear
You are welcome to bring a sketchbook or notebook if you enjoy planning or recording ideas, though this is optional. Please wear closed-toe shoes and ensure long hair is tied back. Loose clothing should be kept to a minimum for comfort and safety. If you use glasses for close work, we recommend bringing them, as jewellery making involves fine detail.
Practical details
This is a four hour workshop.
Sessions run from 10am to 2pm.
Private bookings for small groups are also available and can be arranged for special occasions, creative days out or team experiences.
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 workshop
This spoon making workshop offers an introduction to traditional silversmithing through the creation of a hand formed spoon. The workshop focuses on making a caddy or toddy spoon, offering a strong introduction to spoon making before progressing to more complex spoon forms.
Working in copper you will shape the bowl and handle separately before attaching them to create a finished spoon. The process emphasises careful hand forming and controlled soldering, resulting in a functional object that clearly reflects the marks of hand making.
Who is this workshop for
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. The structured, guided nature of the session makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to try something new. It is also well suited to those with some making experience who would like to explore traditional silversmithing techniques.
What you will learn
During the workshop you will be introduced to core silversmithing techniques, including:
Forming a spoon bowl
Shaping and refining a handle
Joining components through soldering
Cleaning, finishing and refining a formed object
You will work using traditional silversmithing tools and professional equipment throughout the session.
What is included
All materials, tools and equipment are provided as part of the workshop.
Each participant has their own dedicated workspace within the studio.
What to bring and wear
Please wear closed-toe shoes and ensure long hair is tied back. Loose clothing should be kept to a minimum for comfort and safety. If you use glasses for close work, we recommend bringing them, as silversmithing involves fine detail and close observation.
Practical details
This is a four hour workshop.
Sessions run from 10am to 2pm.
Private bookings for small groups are also available and can be arranged for special occasions, creative days out or team experiences.
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 workshop
Sand Cast Silver offers an introduction to traditional casting techniques, using sand moulds to create silver jewellery with distinctive texture and character. In this workshop you will create either a pendant or a ring using pre-made masters, allowing you to focus on the casting process while producing a unique finished piece.
Working within our professional makers’ workshop, you will be guided through each stage of the sand casting process, from preparing the mould through to casting, cleaning and finishing your silver piece. The process embraces the natural surface qualities created by the sand, resulting in jewellery with a raw and individual character.
Who is this workshop for
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. The structured, guided nature of the session makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to try something new. It is also well suited to those with some making experience who would like to explore casting for the first time.
What you will learn
During the workshop you will be introduced to the fundamentals of sand casting, including:
Understanding pre-made masters and mould preparation
Creating and packing a sand mould
Casting molten silver into the mould
Cleaning, refining and finishing cast silver
You will work between individual jewellers’ benches and a shared central casting area, using professional equipment and traditional jewellery tools throughout the session.
What is included
All materials, tools and equipment are provided as part of the workshop. Each participant has their own dedicated workspace within the studio. The silver required to complete one cast pendant or ring is included.
What to bring and wear
Please wear closed-toe shoes and ensure long hair is tied back. Loose clothing should be kept to a minimum for comfort and safety. If you use glasses for close work, we recommend bringing them, as jewellery making involves fine detail.
Practical details
This is a four hour workshop.
Sessions run from 10am to 2pm.
Private bookings for small groups are also available and can be arranged for special occasions, creative days out or team experiences.
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 workshop
Silver Stacking Rings is a guided introduction to making a small collection of silver rings designed to be worn together or individually. During the workshop you will create three slender silver rings from scratch, developing confidence with core jewellery techniques while exploring variation in surface, texture and finish.
Working within our professional makers’ workshop, you will be supported step by step through the making process, from measuring and forming each ring to soldering and finishing. You may choose to keep your designs refined and minimal, or introduce subtle texture or patination, resulting in a set of rings that feel cohesive while retaining individual character.
Who is this workshop for
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. The structured, guided nature of the session makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to try something new.
What you will learn
During the session you will be introduced to essential jewellery making techniques, including:
Sawing and preparing silver
Shaping and forming multiple rings
Texturing
Soldering
Filing and finishing
You will work at a traditional jeweller’s bench using professional tools and equipment throughout the workshop.
What is included
All materials, tools and equipment are provided as part of the workshop. Each participant has their own dedicated workspace within the studio.
What to bring and wear
Please wear closed-toe shoes and ensure long hair is tied back. Loose clothing should be kept to a minimum for comfort and safety. If you use glasses for close work, we recommend bringing them, as jewellery making involves fine detail.
Practical details
This is a three hour workshop.
Morning sessions run from 10am to 1pm.
Afternoon sessions run from 2pm to 5pm.
Private bookings for small groups are also available and can be arranged for special occasions, creative days out or team experiences.
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
Wedding rings are one of the most significant decisions you will make when it comes to getting married. There are so many options to choose from which can make the process stressful and unenjoyable. Why not cut out the tension by taking control and creating your own wedding rings?
The process is empowering and will ensure life-long memories of this special time in your life. What better way to make your marriage even more special than making your own rings?
We make the session relaxed and intimate by having the workshop to yourselves. The class takes approximately 3 hours, where we provide Afternoon Tea! We also capture the session and produce a photo book so you always have a constant reminder of your special day.
The cost of the experience
The experience itself costs £350 per couple (not per person) and covers an initial 20-minute consultation (either in The Smiddy or online) followed later by your private workshop which includes lunch, a photo book, a wedding ring box, all tools and hire of our workshop. The cost of your chosen material is then added to the workshop cost afterwards as there is a huge variance in the cost of different metals (see below).
Material Costs
Material costs can vary depending on your needs but we will discuss your options and pricing prior to the day. We will get you in for an appointment where we can fine-tune your demands and create a better picture of what you would like. Once you have purchased the session, please contact us with regards to the next step. You also have the option to up-cycle your own metal, using sentimental materials rather than brand new. You have a choice of making your rings in the following materials:
Silver
9ct Yellow, White Gold & Rose Gold
14ct Yellow, White Gold & Rose Gold
18ct Yellow, White Gold & Rose Gold
Platinum
Please note, for all metals above 9ct gold, you will create a master pattern of your ring in silver, which is then cast in your chosen material. This way, there is no fear of messing up on the day… we’ve got your back!
To help you gauge the cost of materials we have provided approximate costs of a classic ‘court-shaped’ wedding band at 3mm and 5mm.
< please note that these costs are subject to change based on the size, width, design and weight of the ring >
The figures indicated below include the price of material plus casting costs
Prices were updated in May 2024 and are liable to change
3mm court shape wedding band size M
Silver - £147
9ct white gold - £484
18ct yellow gold - £996
Platinum - £1125
5mm court shape wedding band size S
Silver - £189
9ct white gold - £998
18ct yellow gold - £1993
Platinum - £2369
Please note that due to the current climate, the increase in the price of palladium has skyrocketed, leading it to be essentially cost out of the market.
Should you require a palladium ring, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Extras
There are things that you can add to your rings at an extra cost, including:
Engraving from £25
Stone Setting from £25
Please get in touch if you would like to make your wedding rings. We always try our best to make this a very special occasion for you. We can run workshops at any time of the week and can be flexible to suit your needs. Adding extras can add 1 - 2 weeks to the delivery of the rings depending on the request.
Please note that due to UK law, we will have to send your rings for hallmarking. This cost comes out at £25 per item.
Timing
We recommend that you leave at least three months before your wedding date to receive your rings in time. However, if you are short on time there are things we can do to speed the process up a little. Get in touch and we can see if we can work our magic.
The class is to be paid upfront with the material costs being due on return from hallmarking at Edinburgh Assay Office.
Please note that precious materials fluctuate in price daily and you will be given the exact price upon receipt of purchase of the materials.
Who is this for?
This class is designed for complete beginners. You do not need to have any prior knowledge of jewellery making, we take you through every step of the way.
The workshop will take place in our beautiful studio in Banff at The Smiddy, Old Market Place, Banff, AB45 1GE
After your experience
Some participants choose to continue after an experience through Courses or Private Skills Sessions. Others attend a single experience and stop there.
There is no expected pathway. Experiences are designed to stand on their own.
If you would like to explore other ways of engaging with the Smiddy, you may wish to return to the Learn overview.