Frequently Asked Questions
You'll find the answers to our most-asked questions below. Including our group workshops and private tuition sessions. If you are looking for our address, please read the full address details and directions on our page Orchard Jewellery Workshop.
General Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about our workshop and services.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes! Our Gift Vouchers can be found here.
Do you do commissions or repairs?
As we specialise in Jewellery courses and workshops, we do not take on commissions. Often it is possible to make your design yourself through our private sessions. Unfortunately, we do not do jewellery repairs. However, we recommend researching the local jewellers in your area to see if they can fulfil your request.
How accessible is the workshop, and is there parking?
We have done everything we can to make the workshop accessible, and you can read more about it here. If you have any specific requirements or questions, we would love to hear from you via email.
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The studio has free parking, including disabled spaces close to the studio door. Find out more here.
Are your sessions safe?
We ask that you read our health and safety information here. However, everything you need to know will also be covered on the day.
What should I wear?
Please wear slim-fitting, natural fibres, as synthetic or loose clothing can be a fire and health and safety risk. We also ask that you wear sensible, closed-toe shoes or boots to protect from hot or sharp items.
It is a good idea to wear clothes that you are not too precious about. You are unlikely to stain or harm your clothes but it is better to be safe than sorry. Aprons are provided.
Do I need glasses?
If you require glasses, please bring them with you. Many students struggle to focus on close-up work if they are wearing contact lenses, so these are not advised. A selection of reading glasses and magnification options are available in the studio.
What else do I need to bring?
All tools are provided; however, you are welcome to bring your own.
You may wish to bring a small box or bag to carry your work home.
Pens and paper are provided but some students like to bring a sketchbook.
If you wear glasses, please ensure you bring them with you.
All workshops will clearly state in their listing whether or not materials are provided.Where materials are not provided, a selection is usually available for purchase on the day. We take card and cash payments. Advice on materials and suppliers will be provided to weekly students during their first session.
Are there refreshments?
We provide a good selection of complimentary hot and cold drinks and biscuits. Including gluten-free and vegan options. We also have an on-site cafe, which is open from 8:30am - 6:30pm Monday - Saturday for anyone wishing to purchase something more substantial.
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There is a small kitchen area with fridge, microwave and crockery for anyone wishing to bring their own food and refreshments.
Group Courses & Workshops
Here are some frequently asked questions about our group workshops.
What workshops do you teach?
At the Orchard Jewellery Workshop, we teach Weekly Courses, One Day Group Workshops, Private Tuition and Online Mentoring. Click on each type of workshop to find out more.
How to book onto a class?
All bookings are made via our website. You can click through each of these links to find the full information and online booking. Weekly Courses, One Day Group Workshops, Private Tuition and Online Mentoring. If a session is fully booked, you should have the option in the listing to join a waiting list for that session so you will be notified if it comes back in stock. If you cannot find exactly what you are looking for or wish to book a more bespoke session, you can inquire by emailing hi@makeit.kim.
What is the usual class size?
Our group classes are for 8-10 participants. Some more complex sessions may be capped at 6 students, and we can host larger numbers for events and studio rentals.
How long are the sessions?
The weekly group sessions and half-day workshops are usually 2.5 hours long. Full-day group workshops are usually 6 hours long, and Private Tuition is usually 4 hours, but this information will be clearly displayed on each course listing.
What can I expect to learn?
We will cover fundamental silversmithing skills such as sawing, soldering, polishing, and finishing. How in-depth you want to go with this is up to you! If you already have some jewellery silversmithing experience, we can cover more advanced techniques such as stone setting, casting, forming and etching. You can find out about our facilities here.
Will I leave the workshop with a finished piece?
When it comes to weekly workshops it is up to you. Most people like to spend the course learning the fundamental skills and then working on a larger, more complex piece of work which may be finished in a single term or may require multiple terms. However, it is also possible to practise different skills week to week and leave with something fished each time. Your tutor will check in with you each term to discuss your aims.
What materials do we work with?
We mainly work in silver, which will be provided only if the workshop specifies this in its listing.
As a general rule, weekly courses include everything needed to learn the fundamental techniques, such as copper, brass, solder, and saw blades, but they exclude precious metals. Silver can be purchased in class by those who wish.
One-day workshops usually include all materials unless otherwise specified.
We keep a selection of different copper and brass thicknesses that can be used in every workshop. This is to help you trial your design and work out any issues before you start working in silver. If you wish to work in another metal, it is best to email in advance so that we know the best way to help you when you arrive.
Do you have an age limit?
Unless otherwise specified, all participants on our Group Courses must be 16+
We have no minimum age limit for our Private Tuition sessions, although anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a paying/participating adult for the duration of the session.
Private Tuition
Here are some frequently asked questions about our private tuition sessions.
Who can attend a private session?
Anyone! Private Tuition can be fully designed around you, no matter your ability or age. For insurance reasons, anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paying/participating adult for the duration of the session.
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What can you do in a private tuition session?
In private sessions, you make the call! Whether that means you want to make a specific item, such as a ring or want to practise a certain technique, your tutor will be on hand to support you through each stage and provide design advice and inspiration. If you are booking as a group you will all need to do the same technique, but that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate your own personal style.
What is the usual class size?
Private Tuition is usually booked by individuals looking for 1-1 tuition or to share a private session with a friend. Some people book a larger group session. You can book for up to six on the website, and if you wish to book for more, we are happy to discuss this over email.
How long are the sessions?
Private Tuition sessions are usually 4 hours long. Sessions may be extended for larger groups. This can be discussed at the time of booking.
Will we have the studio to ourselves?
You will be the tutor's full priority during your session. However, we do occasionally have other people working in the studio space. This will not affect the quality of your session, as the studio is large, and everyone at the Orchard Workshop is very friendly! Buddy, our Studio Dog, is usually on hand to provide a waggy tail of encouragement. If you would rather he not be in attendance during your session, please let us know at least a week in advance so other arrangements can be made.
What materials are provided?
Our Jewellery in a Day session includes enough materials to make a wide range of jewellery. Anyone wishing to make substantially large pieces or multiple pieces from sterling silver may be able to purchase additional materials on the day. It is rare people need to purchase additional silver and on these occasions we are always fully transparent in advance and offer design alteration ideas to keep the project within the original tuition fee.
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Technique Masterclasses do not include precious metal as these sessions are so specific to each learner and what they wish to learn. Students often bring their own materials or liaise with us to discuss their needs. Consumables such as silver solder, flux, saw blades and base metal are provided. There is a selection of materials available to purchase in the studio.
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Our workshop offers a diverse range of materials. While sterling silver is a popular choice, we also provide options in copper and brass. On the day, you'll have access to a selection of silver, copper, and brass in various shapes and sizes. A selection of gemstones and sea glass are also available for those who wish to use them.
Due to the cost of the raw materials, gold is only ordered in 'on demand' at an additional cost, and you must arrange this with us at least ten days before your session. This may require a pre-session planning meeting. Participants may be able to bring their own old gold jewellery to recycle and use but please discuss this with us in advance as often the time required to turn old jewellery into usable materials is substantial.
If you wish to work with something specific, please email us at least ten days before your workshop date to discuss your ideas in case specific materials need to be ordered.
Will I leave with a finished piece?
Our Jewellery in a Day session is designed for you to leave with a lovely finished piece of jewellery of your own design and creation.
Technique Masterclasses focus on the fundamental skills of your chosen technique. The aim is to learn as much as possible so you can carry on refining your new skills at home, rather than completing a finished piece of jewellery. Exceptions can sometimes be made. Please contact us with any questions.
Can I use my old jewellery and stones?
It may be possible to work with your old or unworn jewellery and stones; however, please note that not all materials are suitable, and it often takes many hours to turn old jewellery into usable material. If you wish to use sentimental items, please contact us at least ten days in advance to discuss their suitability. Otherwise, feel free to bring anything on the day, and your tutor can advise about suitability.