Traditional & contemporary craft courses in north Wales
handmade by you in
wernog wood
Introduction to making contemporary silver jewellery
See course details, dates, costs, tutors & stories from students below
Taught by jeweller Claire Acworth, this course is hands-on from start to finish with freedom to create your own design in sterling silver. Depending on the complexity of your design, you could set a stone, choosing from Claire's collection. With a maximum of 4 students, you will have as much tuition as you need.
Starting with an introduction to tools, basic techniques and safe working, we will discuss and practice the principles of soldering. Before finalising your design, you will have the chance to experiment with piercing, texturing and forming so you can incorporate any of these techniques into your piece.
So to avoid designer’s block, you will be asked to bring 3 or 4 drawings of what you would like to make… but don’t worry if you don't have ideas beforehand. We will analyse each drawing against some key design principles so that your piece is not only beautiful, but makeable too!
In 2024, Claire will introduce flexible monthly classes for people who have previously attended either a 1:1 or group course in Wernog Wood. ...click here to find out more...
For a single day or multi day course (either 1:1 or a group)
... click here to organise a date to suit you ...
...or join a 2 day course (fixed dates)...
2-3 March 2024 - ring making
or
23-24 July 2024 - pendant making
or
26-27 October 2024 - bangle making
or
...click here to join a regular but flexible class...
(only available to people who have already attended a course with Claire)
What better gift to give your family or friends; to spend the day together making beautiful piece of jewellery that will always evoke happy memories ...click here for a gift voucher...
...to organise your own course, the costs are as follows...
1:1 tuition - £35 per hour, £275 per day or £750 for 3 days
Tuition for couples - £340 per couple per day or £900 for 3 days
Join a group of up to 4 students - £150 per day or £400 for 3 days
or
... see prices for 2 day courses in upcoming dates below ...
Material costs
Silver will be charged per gramme & semi-precious stones will be available to buy. Overall costs may be £25 - £75
Claire Acworth is a designer and maker of contemporary jewellery, working in silver and gold. She began with a two-year apprenticeship in 2009 in Oxford and became a full time jeweller in 2016. You can follow Claire Acworth Jewellery
Much of her current work is commission based, having built a reputation for distinctive design and high quality work. She breathes life into old unworn jewellery by using the original stones or gold to create a contemporary new design.
Her work is organic and sculptural, textured with hammer marks or imprinted with the delicate veins of a leaf. She also uses semi-precious stones & simple found objects such as pebbles or sea glass which are transformed into elegant new forms. Claire's work has been inspired by nature, by contemporary designers, & also by the rich bold designs of African jewellery & sumptuous silver of India.
Stories from our students
A fantastic day! Claire is incredibly knowledgeable about her craft and was a very supportive teacher. She helped us all realise our individual designs and within a day we each made a beautiful piece of jewellery that also serves as a physical reminder of the wonderful experience we shared together.
Claire’s teaching approach was very relaxed and adaptive, which worked well for us, because we all had very different designs that we were working from. - Naomi
'This course was just what I had hoped for, starting with the basics then progressing to a final product. The fact that Claire insisted I did everything myself demonstrated that I could do it.With the sense that Claire was also exploring possibilities demonstrated that jewellery making will be an ongoing learning track and that it was not important where I was on the track.' - Tim
'I came not knowing what I would be capable of creating. With Claire’s guidance, I was able to accomplish everything I hoped to do. The course was the right balance between structured and flexible to allow me to gain all the necessary skills needed, whilst keeping my creativity.
I was worried that I would get bogged down with lots of technical information, but I found Claire very clear and her teaching was gentle but informative. It suited me perfectly. Claire was also very encouraging and made me feel very proud of what I created.' - Bronte
I really enjoyed the two days. It was challenging, fascinating and rewarding. I was pleased with my personal achievements (with some excellent extra help of Claire). I feel that I have a basic level of confidence in my new gained skills, with a lot more to learn, of course. - Ken
I spent 3 days at Wernog Wood at the beginning of February doing a silver jewellery workshop, which I have been planning to do for some time. It was so worth the wait.
Claire is a very talented silversmith. Her tuition is delivered in a very encouraging, patient but informative way. As an intermediate jewellery maker, I learnt so much from her, both in learning new techniques as well as improving certain skills. With her support I was able to take my design ideas to the production of 2 pieces of jewellery that I will treasure. - Olivia
Had such a great few days jewellery making with Claire, such an immersive and unique experience and overall lovely atmosphere! So amazing to be able to come away with pieces I designed and created myself and now wear every day, will definitely be back! - Georgia
Upcoming Dates
Join the waiting list or express interest in future courses
N.B. If you cannot see the Book Now section, scroll up to Upcoming Dates
If a course is full, please join the waiting list as we will contact you in case of any cancellation ... it does happen!
or
If you would like to attend a course but can't make it on the available date, you can register interest in future dates.