Last Wednesday, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming five students from Inclusion EB8 to Petra Jewellery for a hands-on jewellery-making workshop.

Inclusion EB8 is a supportive work and employability hub for individuals aged 18 to 25, based at Belvedere House in Basing View, Basingstoke. Their focus on building confidence, life skills, and employability opportunities aligns beautifully with our belief in empowering individuals through creativity.

Designing & Crafting with Care

The workshop was all about exploration, creativity, and hands-on making. Each student had the opportunity to design and craft their own piece of jewellery from a simple sheet of copper, transforming it into something uniquely personal.

We were incredibly impressed by how focused they were throughout the session and the thought they put into their designs. The level of care and attention they applied to their work was truly inspiring, proving that creativity flourishes when given the right space to shine.

Making New Experiences Comfortable

We understood that stepping into a new environment can be daunting, so to help ease any anxieties, we created introductory videos ahead of their visit.

These allowed the students to meet the Petra team virtually, see what our shop and workshop look like, and get a feel for what to expect on the day. It was important to us that they felt comfortable, prepared, and excited before even stepping through the door.

A Special Milestone for Abi

This workshop was also a milestone moment for one of our own team members, Abi, who led her first-ever workshop experience. Having been with us for over two years, Abi started with no industry experience and has grown into a confident jewellery designer with a passion for exploring new techniques and pushing creative boundaries.

Beyond her technical skills, Abi has a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her deep empathy for customers’ sensitivities and her natural way of making people feel at ease is something so rare; it can’t be taught, but it’s an absolute pleasure to nurture.

A Win-Win Experience for All

Reflecting on the day, Mitch, our owner, shared:

"These collaborations are a rare opportunity for students to come into a workplace and have hands-on experience, but I think a lot of organisations forget the value it brings to their teams as well. Abi was nervous beforehand, but she gained so much from the experience. It’s a win-win and makes us feel so fulfilled being able to share what we do beyond our customer interactions: ‘sharing the sparkle’ within our community."

Looking Ahead

Workshops like this are a perfect example of why we love what we do at Petra. Seeing the students engage, experiment and ultimately walk away with something they made with their own hands is exactly why we share the sparkle. Whether it’s a piece of jewellery that tells a story, or an experience that builds confidence, we believe in creating moments that matter.

A huge thank you to Inclusion EB8 for trusting us with this opportunity, we loved having you and look forward to welcoming more students in the future - we’ve already discussed some exciting ideas!

“Dear Mitch and Abbie

I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the kindness you showed our students today. The workshop was an incredible opportunity for them, and they are all so grateful for the chance to express their creativity.

For many of them, stepping into a new environment and meeting new people was a daunting experience, but you made them feel so welcome. Your warmth and encouragement made a world of difference.

“Thank you” doesn’t quite capture the depth of our appreciation. You may not fully realise the impact your kindness has had on these young people, but it is truly significant.

With very best wishes”

— Katy, Lizzie and EB8 students

Here are some of the wonderful creations from the visit: