About this Event
Make Your Own Sterling Silver Stacking Rings
Learn how to make your own sterling silver stacking ring set in this relaxed and friendly beginner jewellery-making workshop in Hartlepool.
During this hands-on silversmithing class, you'll learn how to make three completely different rings, each using a different technique. You'll create a textured ring, a wavy ring and a patterned ring, before choosing your own gemstone and adding it to a pre-made bezel setting to create the finishing ring in your set.
You'll leave the workshop with a beautiful set of handmade silver rings that you've designed and made yourself — plus the skills and confidence to continue exploring jewellery making.
No previous experience is needed. Whether you've never picked up a jeweller's saw before or you're simply looking for a fun and creative experience, we'll guide you through every stage.
What You'll Make
You'll create a set of handmade sterling silver stacking rings, including:
A textured silver ring
Experiment with texture and learn how to create a unique surface on your silver using jewellery-making tools.
A wavy silver ring
Learn how to shape and form silver wire to create a playful, organic ring with a flowing shape.
A patterned silver ring
Choose from our selection of pre-patterned silver to create another ring with its own distinctive design.
A gemstone bezel ring
To complete your stacking set, you'll add a pre-made silver bezel setting and choose your own gemstone from our collection of around 100 different stones.
There are lots of colours, sizes and varieties to choose from, so you'll be able to create a combination that feels personal to you.
If there's a particular gemstone you'd love to use, you're also welcome to get in touch with us before the workshop. We can advise you on whether your own stone will be suitable for the setting or whether we have your favourite stone in our collection already!
What You'll Learn
This beginner-friendly silver ring-making workshop will introduce you to some of the fundamental techniques used in silversmithing, including:
- Measuring and sizing rings
- Cutting and shaping silver
- Creating texture
- Forming and manipulating silver wire
- Soldering with a jeweller's blowtorch
- Filing and refining your jewellery
- Polishing and finishing sterling silver
- Working safely with heat and jewellery-making tools
- Setting a gemstone into a pre-made bezel
We'll begin by practising some of the techniques before moving onto sterling silver, so there's no need to worry if you've never worked with metal before.
A Small, Friendly Class
We keep our workshops small, with a maximum of 8 people, so there's plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get individual help from your tutor.
Working with a blowtorch for the first time can feel a little daunting, but we'll take you through it carefully and safely. You'll have plenty of support throughout the workshop, and there's absolutely no expectation that you should know what you're doing when you arrive!
Our aim is for you to leave feeling proud of what you've made and excited about what you could make next.
Everything Is Included
Your workshop ticket includes:
- All the sterling silver needed to make your rings
- Your three ring designs
- A pre-made silver bezel setting
- Your choice of gemstone
- Use of all tools and equipment
- Tuition and individual guidance
- Tea, coffee and soft drinks
- A snack during the workshop
So you don't need to bring any jewellery-making equipment or previous experience — just yourself and some enthusiasm for making!
Our Studio in Hartlepool
The workshop takes place at The Little Silver Kiln, inside The BIS on Whitby Street in Hartlepool.
Our bright, welcoming jewellery studio is just a two-minute walk from Hartlepool train station, making it easy to reach by public transport.
If you're driving, there is a car park next to the building on Dover Street. Please check the parking signs when you arrive, as restrictions and charges can vary.
About Your Tutor
Your workshop is taught by Carley, founder of The Little Silver Kiln.
Carley studied Applied Art at Cleveland College of Art & Design (now the Northern School of Art), specialising in ceramics, silversmithing and textiles. She later completed a PGCE at the University of Bolton and has many years of teaching experience.
She loves helping people who have never tried jewellery making before discover just how much they can create with a little guidance, some silver and a few hours at the bench.
Good to Know
Suitable for: Beginners, including complete beginners
Maximum class size: 8 people
Location: The BIS, Whitby Street, Hartlepool
Age: 14+
Experience: No previous jewellery-making experience required
If you're making the rings as a gift, we also have ring sizers available in the studio. If possible, bring an existing ring that fits the recipient well so we can help you find the appropriate size.
What Should I Wear?
Because we'll be working with heat and a blowtorch, please wear:
- Closed-toe shoes — no sandals
- Clothing that covers your legs
- Clothing without loose, dangling sleeves
- Long hair tied back
Please avoid scarves, ties and loose clothing while working with the torch.
If you normally wear glasses for close-up work, please bring them with you.
Refreshments
We'll have tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks available during the workshop.
We're also a vegan-friendly studio and don't use leather or rawhide tools. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know when booking and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Your Jewellery-Making Experience Doesn't Have to End Here
If you discover that you love silversmithing during your workshop, we'd be delighted to see you again.
The Little Silver Kiln also offers a range of silversmithing workshops and jewellery-making classes in Hartlepool, from beginner sessions to longer courses where you can develop your skills further.
We love seeing our students return, experiment with new techniques and develop their own style of jewellery making.
Before You Arrive
If you're attending an evening or weekend workshop, there won't usually be anyone on reception. I'll be in the foyer around 10 minutes before the workshop starts to welcome you in.
Please use the front entrance of The BIS.
If you're running late, don't worry — just send us an email at [email protected] so we know to expect you.
If you have any questions before booking, you're very welcome to get in touch by email or through our Facebook page.
We can't wait to welcome you into the studio and see what you create!
Event venue & nearby stays
The BIS, 13-17 Whitby Street, Hartlepool, United Kingdom
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