There’s something rather lovely about spending an evening making something with your own hands. Even better when you get to take home something you’ve made yourself – and know that, at the same time, your evening has helped raise money for a local charity.
That’s exactly what happened when Maddie from Shine On Digital headed to North West Jewellery School for one of its silver ring-making workshops.
Maddie has now attended three workshops at the school, and each time she’s come away having learnt something new, met some lovely people and, of course, made something she can keep. It’s become one of those local experiences she’s very happy to recommend.
The latest workshop was particularly special as it was also raising money for SIS – Strength in Struggles, combining creativity, community and a good cause in one evening. Ribble Valley Unique Ladies have chosen SIS for one of the causes that they raise money for.
North West Jewellery School: learning something new
North West Jewellery School offers a wide range of jewellery-making experiences, from one-off workshops and regular classes to private events and bespoke group sessions.There are plenty of different techniques to try, too. Depending on the workshop, participants can learn how to make silver rings, stacking rings, bangles, sea glass jewellery, silver clay pieces, gemstone jewellery and much more.
The school also runs private workshops, hen parties, corporate events and other group experiences, making it a great option for anyone looking for something a little different to do with friends, family or colleagues.
What really stands out, though, is the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
You don’t need to have any previous jewellery-making experience to take part. The workshops are designed to give people the guidance they need while still allowing them to experiment and create something that feels personal to them. And that’s something Maddie has particularly enjoyed across all three of the workshops she has attended.
SIS Fundraising Workshop
Friday evening’s workshop focused on making a personalised sterling silver ring.
As with the previous workshops, the evening was very hands-on. Rather than simply watching a demonstration, participants were guided through the different stages of the process and then had the opportunity to make their own piece.
Starting with a piece of silver and working through the various techniques needed to shape, join and finish it, the evening offered a chance to learn something completely new. There’s also something quite satisfying about seeing a piece of jewellery gradually take shape in front of you. What starts as a fairly unassuming piece of metal eventually becomes something completely unique – and something you can actually wear.
For Maddie, this was her third workshop at North West Jewellery School, following two previous jewellery-making experiences. There was also some familiar faces in attendance! Maddie had fun catching up with several members of the Ribble Valley Unique Ladies club.
Each workshop has been different, but they’ve all offered the same combination of learning, creativity and a few hours away from the usual day to day routine. More than that, Maddie found that each workshop really made you feel ‘in the moment’ – it was one thing that truly stood out at each workshop. And, of course, there’s always the satisfaction of being able to say “I made that!”
Supporting a local business and a local charity
One of the things that made this particular workshop especially worthwhile was its connection to SIS – Strength in Struggles.
North West Jewellery School regularly supports local causes through fundraising events and activities, and this silver ring workshop was held to raise money for SIS.
The school has now raised a significant amount for the charity through its various fundraising activities, helping to support the important work SIS carries out across the local community.
SIS – Strength in Struggles is a mental health organisation supporting people through lived experience. Its work includes peer-to-peer support groups, wellbeing walks, one-to-one coaching, Mini Medics and funded therapeutic counselling. The organisation has also recently established its own premises in Whalley, creating a dedicated local space where people can access support and wellbeing services.
It’s a lovely example of local organisations supporting one another and finding ways to make a positive difference within their communities.
More than just a jewellery workshop
For Maddie, the appeal of North West Jewellery School goes beyond simply learning how to make jewellery. The workshops are a chance to try something different, spend time with other people and switch off from the usual work and everyday routine for a few hours.
There’s also something special about making an object rather than simply buying one. Every finished piece has a story behind it – from the first piece of silver through to the finished ring, bangle or necklace. And when the workshop itself is helping to raise money for a local charity, that experience becomes even more meaningful.
It’s a great example of how supporting local businesses can be about much more than making a purchase. Sometimes it’s about booking an experience, learning a new skill, discovering a local organisation and contributing to something positive at the same time.
Fancy giving jewellery making a go?
After three workshops, Maddie is clearly a fan of North West Jewellery School – and would happily recommend it to anyone who has ever thought about having a go at jewellery making. There are regular workshops throughout the year, alongside weekly jewellery-making classes, with different techniques and projects to try.
Whether you fancy making your first silver ring, experimenting with gemstones, trying silver clay or learning a completely new jewellery-making technique, there’s plenty to choose from. The school also offers private workshops and bespoke experiences, making it an option for birthdays, hen parties, team days, celebrations or simply a different day out with friends.
For anyone looking to support a fantastic local business, learn a new skill and do something positive for the local community, it’s well worth taking a look at what North West Jewellery School has coming up. And judging by Maddie’s three workshops so far, this probably won’t be her last!
