From Textiles to Metal
My silversmithing journey started back in 2022 leading out of my Slow Steps journey / project. I had been hand-stitching textile earrings and brooches and wanted to elevate them with silver backings. My Aunty Nicci is a Silversmith and so I spent two wonderful days with her in her workshop testing some ideas.
From here I was keen to find some regular classes to atend to build apon these initial ideas. This is where Workspace Studios came in. I started with an 8 week fabrication class in 2023 learning bezel set stones with Erin Douglas-Clifford. Firstly in copper and then in silver. I so looked forward to the class each week, the time melted away and I was always suprised to hear that it was pack up time.
Unakite set in copper, with leaf print band
Malachite green eye, set in sterling silver
While taking to my work with a flame was a daunting contrast from working with textiles, I found learning how to join metal extremely satisfying. The quench of hot metal into water is now one of my favourite sounds.
I then went on to do another Workspace class, chainmaking! My tutor Debbie Bishop was delightful and taught me so much more than just chains. An awesome teacher always makes a learning experience! I made a pair of earrings with domed copper & learnt a couple of ways to make rivets.
In 2024, I then went on to do both Joel Alcorn & Lily Wenmoth (Mothmade Jewels) Lost Wax classes.
I also couldn’t resist trying out Emilies lampwork ‘Glass Bead Making’ workshop after being facinated by glass for years.
Following this I decided to take a class from the Silversmiths Guild of Canterbury, making a snail inspired copper brooch, copper and silver blob ring, and a double layered ‘sunshine’ ring for my Partner Neo (a nickname he calls me).
I was then lucky enough to find a job in the industry at PEKA, a wholesale jewellery buisness here in Christchurch and I’ve been honing my jewllery making skills since.
Mid 2025 I returned to Workspace Studios to help assist workshops, this has been an epic opportunity to learn, teach and build community!
I have also set up a wee workshop space at home so watch this space - online shop coming soon!
10/10 recommend trying a new skill - It’s so fun seeing the places it can take you
In May 2025 I had the opportunity to check out the Jens Hansen workshop and got to make a silver version of ‘The One Ring’ - the workshop where the Lord of the Rings ring was designed and created.
