In the summer,
my lovely friend Harry and I spent an evening at The Creative Jewellery
Workbench in Redhill. It’s run by Aileen
Hamilton and is in what looks like a summer house in her very picturesque
garden. The kind of place you expect to get tea and scones but no, we were
there for an evening jewellery class. It’s my first time doing anything like
this and I was a little nervous about what to expect and felt sure that there
was no way I could do anything in one evening. How wrong I was.
Aileen helped me decide what to make – I went with a chunky
pinky ring and Harry chose to use a silver angel wing for hers, which Aileen
had already made.
The best bit was choosing the design – we used vintage lace
and pressed it into the silver to create a snakeskin effect. Each lace gave a
different impression some floral or beaded looking but I loved the idea of it
looking like snake skin but being made of something so pretty (It’s the
wanna-be rock chick in me!)
The finished ring is absolutely gorgeous – Even if I do say
so myself, it’s definitely something I would buy in a shop but the fact that I
made it myself and had a lovely enjoying evening with my friend at the same
time makes it perfect. I think I’ve found a new hobby, and at that price I will
be going back often.
Aileen takes groups of 3 or 4 so why not get your
bridesmaids to make their own gifts and have some fun with the girls at the
same time. Sessions are £40 for 2 hours and well worth it. It’s a great gift
idea too – Either making a piece of jewellery and giving it to a loved one (My
mum will be getting a thumb ring for crimbo ..Shhh) Or giving them vouchers to
make their own as it doesn’t take long even if they have no experience. Aileen
is so good at what she does that you don’t feel like a beginner for long and
you leave with your masterpiece on your finger so no hanging around..
I chose the vintage lace to press into the copper as it created a ‘snake skin’ pattern. Next time I’m going for the floral edge..
For me personally it’s the perfect night, it’s creative and
the cost to fun ratio is too good not to keep going back. This ring actually
took 45 minutes to make the rest of the evening was spent choosing which lace
to use, drinking tea and chatting!
I’m going to make an arm cuff next time…I’ve already
starting ‘pinning’ my inspiration!
Harry using the file to create smooth edges
Aileen kindly explaining to me what’s what so I could try the next step alone
The finished article! My very own snake skin pinky ring in less than an hour. LOVE
