Tell me about it

Your ideas. Your projects. Your time at the bench. You've learned the techniques, developed your skills and discovered just how much you enjoy making jewellery. Now it's time to start making things entirely your own!

Our Independent Maker Sessions at Vanilla Ink CIC in Glasgow give confident jewellery makers the opportunity to work on their own projects in a fully equipped professional jewellery studio, with experienced tutors on hand whenever you need a little guidance.

Think of it as having your own jewellery workshop, without needing to fill your spare room with tools, equipment and half-finished projects! Across eight weekly sessions, you'll have the freedom to develop your ideas, experiment with techniques and work at your own pace.

Perhaps you're creating a special piece for someone, developing a small collection, refining a design or simply enjoying some uninterrupted time making jewellery. Whatever you're working on, we'll provide the space, tools and supportive environment to help you make it happen.

Can I do this class?

If you’re comfortable and competent at the bench, you’ll be right at home here. Independent Maker Sessions are designed for people who already have a good understanding of fundamental jewellery-making techniques and can work safely and confidently at the bench.

Ideally, you'll have completed some of our Weekly Courses or gained equivalent experience elsewhere.

Heads up though… these aren't beginner classes or structured lessons. You'll be responsible for planning and working on your own projects, although an experienced tutor will be available to offer advice, answer questions and help you overcome technical challenges.

But you don't need to be a professional jeweller, and you certainly don't need to have everything figured out. You just need enough experience to work independently and a few ideas you'd like to explore.

What happens?

That's entirely up to you! Unlike our taught courses, Independent Maker Sessions don't follow a set programme or involve everyone making the same thing. Instead, you'll bring your own ideas and projects to the studio and spend each session developing your work.

You might choose to:

• Develop your own jewellery designs: Turn sketches and ideas into finished pieces

• Work on personal projects: Create jewellery for yourself, friends or family

• Practise your existing skills: Build confidence through independent making

• Explore new ideas: Experiment with different forms, finishes and construction techniques

• Work towards a collection: Develop several pieces using your own designs

• Tackle technical challenges: Get advice when a project isn't quite going to plan

Throughout each session, one of our experienced tutors will be available to offer guidance, practical advice and troubleshooting when needed. You'll also be making alongside other independent jewellers, creating a friendly, supportive environment where ideas, experiences and the occasional soldering disaster can be shared!

The important thing is that you're in control of what you make. We'll provide the facilities and support. You bring the ideas.

What do I need to bring?

Your ideas, your projects and any materials you'd like to work with! You'll need to provide the materials required for your own jewellery projects, including any precious metals or gemstones, however, we can provide base metals for prototyping, along with the consumables needed during your sessions.

Everyone will have their own fully equipped jeweller's bench, with access to our studio tools and equipment. There's no need to bring your own tools, although you're welcome to bring familiar hand tools if you prefer working with them. If you're planning a particularly ambitious project or need specialist equipment, it's worth getting in touch beforehand to check what's available.

Please tie back long hair, avoid open-toed shoes and keep loose-fitting clothing to a minimum. And if you need glasses for close-up work, don't forget them!

The details

🔨 Eight-week block of Independent Maker Sessions
🕑 Morning or evening sessions [10am – 1pm or 6pm – 9pm]
📅 Choose your preferred block from the booking options below

Why book with Vanilla Ink CIC?

At Vanilla Ink, we believe that learning jewellery making is only the beginning. Having the confidence, space and support to develop your own ideas is just as important. Our Independent Maker Sessions give you the freedom to work on your own projects while remaining part of a welcoming, supportive community of makers.

With professional facilities, experienced tutors and regular time at the bench, we'll help you continue developing your skills and enjoying your creative practice. We're also a Community Interest Company, which means every session you book helps us deliver creative programmes supporting people experiencing disadvantage, isolation and barriers to opportunity.

So while you're making progress with your own jewellery, you're helping someone else discover what making can do for them.

Educate. Inspire. Empower. That's what we're all about.

All prices are inclusive of VAT
Students must be 16+ years
Good eyesight and hand dexterity is essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking

Vanilla Ink CIC
60 Brook Street
Glasgow
G40 2AB