Tell me about it

Got the jewellery-making bug? Brilliant. Let's see what else you can do! You've learned the basics, made your first pieces and discovered that there's something rather satisfying about turning bits of metal into jewellery.

Now it's time to explore a whole new world of techniques! Our Level Two Jewellery Making Weekend at Vanilla Ink CIC in Glasgow takes your existing skills and introduces you to four fascinating processes across two creative days.

From joining metal without solder to pouring molten silver into water, creating etched designs and adding beautiful colour with enamel, this weekend is packed with opportunities to experiment and discover something new.

You'll explore traditional and contemporary jewellery-making techniques, developing your confidence while creating a collection of pieces and samples that demonstrate what you've learned. And because we've designed this as an intensive weekend, we'll focus on learning and practising techniques, rather than spending time developing larger independent projects.

It's two days of proper hands-on making, with experienced tutors guiding you through each process. And if you finish the weekend wanting more? Our Level Three courses are ready and waiting!

Can I do this class?

Completed Level One? You're ready for the next adventure! This course is designed for people who already have some jewellery-making experience and want to develop their skills. Ideally, you'll have been through our Level One Weekly Course or Level One Weekend, but equivalent experience gained elsewhere is absolutely welcome.

You should already be reasonably comfortable with fundamental techniques such as saw-piercing and filing, basic soldering, forming and shaping metal, and using standard jewellery-making tools safely

You don't need any previous experience of riveting, water casting, etching or enamelling. That's what we're here to teach you! We'll introduce each technique step by step, giving you plenty of opportunities to practise and experiment.

Not sure whether you've got the right experience? Get in touch before booking and we'll happily help you decide.

What happens?

Across the weekend, you'll explore four different jewellery-making techniques, each introducing new ways to work with metal. Some involve precision and careful construction. Others are wonderfully unpredictable!

Saturday Morning: Riveting & Cold Connections

Who says you need a soldering torch to join metal?

We'll introduce you to riveting and cold connections, techniques that allow you to join components mechanically rather than using heat. You'll discover how these methods can be used to create secure connections, combine different materials and introduce decorative details into your jewellery. It's a brilliant way to expand your construction skills and explore possibilities beyond traditional soldering.

Saturday Afternoon: Water Casting

Time to get a little experimental!

Water casting involves pouring molten metal into water, where it cools rapidly to create unusual, organic shapes. You'll explore the process and discover how these unpredictable forms can inspire unique jewellery designs. Every casting is different, and that's half the fun! You'll also develop your understanding of how molten metal behaves and how casting can become part of your creative process.

Sunday Morning: Etching

Let's get some detail into that metal!

Etching allows you to create patterns, textures and designs on metal surfaces by selectively removing material. You'll learn how to prepare your metal, protect areas of your design and use an etching process to create decorative effects. From delicate patterns to bold graphic designs, you'll discover how etching can add another dimension to your jewellery.

Sunday Afternoon: Enamelling

Let's finish the weekend with a splash of colour!

Enamelling is the process of applying powdered glass to metal and firing it to create a beautiful, coloured surface. You'll explore the fundamentals of enamelling, learning how to prepare your metal, apply enamel and use heat to achieve different effects. It's a wonderful introduction to a technique that opens up endless possibilities for colour, pattern and decoration.

By Sunday evening, you'll have explored four distinctive jewellery-making processes, developed new practical skills and created pieces and samples to take home. And you'll have a much better idea of which techniques you'd like to explore further.

Do I need to bring anything?

We'll email you our Level Two Course Manual before the weekend, so please bring a digital or printed copy. A sketchbook or notebook for taking notes and recording ideas is also useful. Everything else is provided! We'll supply all the tools, equipment, materials and silver required for the course.

Everyone will have their own fully equipped jeweller's bench throughout the weekend, giving you a dedicated space to learn and practise. 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. Some of these techniques involve rather fiddly details!

The details

🔨 Two-day Intensive Course
🕑 10am – 5pm [includes a one-hour lunch break, 1pm – 2pm]
📅 Choose your preferred weekend from the booking options below

Why book with Vanilla Ink CIC?

At Vanilla Ink, we believe there's something special about spending time at the jewellery bench, developing your skills and discovering just how much you're capable of making.

Our Intensive Courses give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in jewellery making, combining focused tuition, practical techniques and plenty of hands-on experience over a shorter period. You'll learn from experienced jewellers, develop your confidence and leave with new skills and pieces you've made yourself.

We're also a Community Interest Company, which means every class you book helps us deliver creative programmes supporting people experiencing disadvantage, isolation and barriers to opportunity. So while you're developing your own skills, you're helping someone else discover theirs.

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 a must
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking.

Vanilla Ink CIC
60 Brook Street
Glasgow
G40 2AB