National Manufacturing Day 2025
This week we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming a group of Year 9 students from Gosden House; an incredible school who support students with with learning and additional needs, into our Workshop Studio as part of this year’s National Manufacturing Day.
Led by Abi, the students were introduced to the craft of jewellery-making through a hands-on class. Each student designed their own piece of jewellery, working with copper, a material we often use in place of silver for introductory sessions, as it’s that little bit easier to shape and finish.
The morning began with sketching. Abi guided the students through how to create a design that was not only personal but also achievable to cut out by hand. Armed with their ideas, the students then got to work bringing their designs to life.
There were, of course, a few tricky moments along the way, cutting through metal sheet for the first time is no small challenge! But with persistence, encouragement, and a touch of creativity, each student completed their design. The session finished with filing, polishing, and experimenting with different textures using hammers and impressing tools. By the end, everyone had a finished piece they could proudly take home and share with their families.
Experiences like this are incredibly important. Introducing young people to the creative industries helps them see first-hand the skill, imagination, and opportunities that exist within modern manufacturing. Jewellery-making is not only about beauty, it’s about problem-solving, patience, and storytelling. By opening our doors, we hope to spark curiosity and show that there is a future in craftsmanship worth celebrating.
We couldn’t be prouder of how the students embraced the challenge, and the pieces they created during their session.
“Experiences like this are incredibly rewarding and meaningful. It’s a joy to help introduce young creatives to an industry they may never have considered before. I was thrilled to see every student embrace these challenges, and even happier that they all left with smiles on their faces and a one-of-a-kind piece to call their own.”