Your SilverAli Workshop Experience
Do you fancy making your own jewellery?
My small-group jewellery workshops and creative sessions are a relaxed and welcoming way to try something new, enjoy a few creative hours and leave with something you have made yourself.
They take place at my studio in Drybrook, in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, and are suitable for complete beginners. You don’t need any previous experience - or even a finished design in mind. I’ll help you explore the possibilities and guide you through the process.
Sterling Silver Jewellery Workshops
Create your own jewellery from solid sterling silver while learning traditional silversmithing techniques - sometimes with a few modern twists.
Depending on the project you choose, you can learn how to measure, cut, texture, form, solder and finish your silver. Projects include:
Hammer-textured band rings
Pattern-stamped band rings
A trio of stacking rings
Pendants - leaves and flowers are firm favourites
Earrings - bats, hearts, butterflies and paw prints are some popular go-tos
Bangles - choose from a plain high-polish, hammered or stamped finish, although hammered is usually the winner!
These are my most technical workshops, with plenty of hands-on teaching and access to a wide range of silversmithing tools.
Sterling silver for your chosen project is included.
Cutlery Upcycling Workshops
Give an old spoon or fork a completely new purpose by transforming it into a spoon ring, fork ring or another unique piece of jewellery!
These relaxed, hands-on workshops allow you to transform a suitable piece of cutlery into something completely new. You won’t be restricted to one particular project - you can explore what you would like to make within the time available and the possibilities offered by your chosen spoon or fork.
Possible projects include:
Spoon rings and fork rings
Pendants
Bracelets
Earrings
There is no soldering or heat involved. I’ll show you how to cut, shape, texture, drill and finish your chosen piece using a range of tools and techniques.
As shaping cutlery can be quite physical, good hand strength is required for these workshops.
One piece of non-precious metal cutlery is included in the workshop price. You’re also welcome to bring your own suitable cutlery, or additional pieces can be purchased on the day, typically ranging from £5 to £10 each.
Pewter Casting Workshops
Explore the wonderfully unpredictable process of casting molten pewter.
My current pewter casting sessions use real snail shells to create beautifully textured, one-of-a-kind castings. No two results are ever quite the same - which is all part of the fun!
I’ll guide you through preparing for the cast, safely pouring the pewter and cleaning and finishing your piece. Your finished casting can typically be made into a pendant or keyring.
I’m also experimenting with moulds to develop more pewter casting projects, so watch this space!
Rummage, Rescue & Remake Creative Sessions
Rummage through a collection of broken, unwanted and forgotten costume jewellery, rescue the pieces that catch your eye and remake them into something completely new.
These relaxed costume jewellery upcycling sessions are a little different from my formal workshops. I’ll show you simple ways to take jewellery apart, make links, use findings and connect different elements. You can then experiment with the materials and bring your own ideas together.
You might make:
A quirky necklace
A charm bracelet
Earrings
An anklet
The emphasis is on imagination, experimentation and enjoying the process. You don’t need any jewellery-making experience or a design prepared in advance - just come along, have a rummage and see what inspires you.
A Relaxed Studio Environment
My workshops and creative sessions are kept small so that everyone has plenty of space, guidance and time with the tools.
The studio has:
Free parking in the yard, subject to availability
An alternative free car park only a few minutes’ walk away
A single unisex toilet downstairs
Biscuits and bottled water
Please be aware that the studio is accessed by a single flight of steep stairs. You’re welcome to contact me before booking if you have any questions about access, the physical requirements of a project or whether a particular session will be suitable for you.
Perfect for Many Occasions
Workshops and creative sessions are a lovely choice for:
Birthdays and anniversaries
Creative days out
Spending time with friends or family
Trying something completely new
Making a meaningful piece for yourself
You’re welcome to book with a friend or small group, and selected sessions are also available for individual bookings.
Ready to Have a Go?
You can explore current dates, projects and prices using the workshop button below.
If you have a particular project or date in mind, please get in touch. Dates are usually released several weeks ahead, but I may be able to arrange an alternative session subject to availability.
