Create your own sterling silver ring using genuine sea glass or a gemstone in this hands-on beginner silversmithing workshop in Hartlepool

Make Your Own Sterling Silver Sea Glass RingBeginner Silversmithing Workshop | Hartlepool

Ever wanted to make your own silver jewellery? Join us for a hands-on beginner silversmithing workshop where you'll learn to make a beautiful sterling silver ring from scratch.

Whether you're drawn to the natural beauty of sea glass or the colour of a gemstone, you'll have the opportunity to create your own unique ring, learning traditional silversmithing techniques along the way.

No previous jewellery-making experience is needed. You'll be guided through each stage of the process, from shaping and soldering silver to creating your own bezel setting and securing your chosen stone.

And the best bit? You'll leave with a finished piece of handmade sterling silver jewellery, made entirely by you!

What will you make?

During the workshop, you'll create a sterling silver ring featuring your choice of genuine sea glass or a gemstone.

We have a collection of genuine sea glass and gemstones for you to choose from on the day. You're also welcome to bring along your own small pieces of sea glass or stones. We can assess whether they're suitable for setting during the workshop.

Your ring will be made from sterling silver, with a handmade bezel setting designed to fit your chosen stone. Every ring will be individual, celebrating the natural shape, colour and character of the material you've chosen.

What will you learn?

This is a practical, hands-on introduction to traditional silversmithing. Working with sterling silver, you'll be guided through the techniques needed to make your own bezel-set ring.

During the workshop, you'll learn how to:

Texture silver using specialist jewellery-making tools.

Pierce and cut metal to create the components for your design.

Form and shape silver to create your ring.

Solder silver components together using a jeweller's blowtorch.

Make a bezel setting to fit your chosen sea glass or gemstone.

Set your stone into its handmade silver setting.

We'll finish by setting your chosen piece of sea glass or gemstone into your handmade bezel, bringing all your hard work together into a finished ring.

Small groups, individual tuition

Our silversmithing workshops have limited spaces to ensure everyone receives plenty of individual guidance and support throughout the day.

You'll have access to professional jewellery-making equipment, with Carley on hand to guide you through each stage.

If you've never used a jeweller's blowtorch before, don't worry! We understand that working with heat can feel a little daunting at first. Soldering is carefully supervised, and you'll receive individual attention when working with the torch so that you can build confidence as you learn.

Whether you're completely new to jewellery making or simply fancy trying something different, this is a lovely opportunity to learn a new skill and spend some time being creative.

All sterling silver, materials, tools, tuition and refreshments are included in your ticket price.

Meet your tutor – Carley Pearson

I'm Carley, owner and creator of The Little Silver Kiln, an independent jewellery and ceramics studio based in Hartlepool.

I trained in Applied Art at Cleveland College of Art & Design (now the Northern School of Art), specialising in ceramics and silversmithing. Following my degree, I went on to complete a PGCE at the University of Bolton and spent several years working in education before developing my own creative business.

I've been making silver jewellery for over a decade and have spent much of that time developing my own practice alongside teaching others to make their own jewellery.

I opened The Little Silver Kiln studio at The BIS in 2021, where I now make, teach and share my love of traditional silversmithing.

I'm passionate about teaching and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to try something creative, regardless of their previous experience.

Where will the workshop take place?

The workshop takes place in our bright, cosy studio at:

The Little Silver Kiln

Unit 8, The BIS

13–17 Whitby Street

Hartlepool

TS24 7AD

We're approximately a two-minute walk from Hartlepool train station, making us easy to reach by public transport.

If you're driving, there is on-street parking and additional parking in Dover Street car park, accessed between the Hillcarter and the Fishmongers (first left as you enter from Church street). Parking is free after 6pm. Please check local signage for current restrictions.

The studio is on the ground floor however there are 4 steps to get into the studio - currently the lift access is out of order so unfortunately we are not currently wheelchair friendly.

Finding us

Follow your sat nav to Whitby Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7AD.

Look for the large building opposite the car wash, approximately halfway down Whitby Street.

The entrance is at the front of the buildin

Description supplied by the event organiser.