Tell me about it

There’s something special about a locket. It’s a classic piece of jewellery that’s designed to hold meaning, memory, and story.

Join us at Vanilla Ink CIC in Glasgow for an immersive weekend of jewellery making, where you'll create your very own fully functioning locket pendant, complete with a working hinge and secure closure.

You'll have the choice of working in copper or silver, depending on your preference and budget.

Over two days, we'll guide you through the fascinating process of constructing a locket, from forming the domed front and back to making the tiny components that allow it to open and close. You'll develop your precision, improve your soldering and discover just how satisfying it is to make something that's both beautiful and mechanically functional.

This is a class where patience, accuracy and a little bit of determination really pay off!

Can I do this class?

Already comfortable making jewellery and ready for a proper challenge? This one's for you! This is an Intensive Course designed for confident jewellery makers who already have a good understanding of fundamental bench techniques.

You'll need to be comfortable with saw-piercing and accurate filing, soldering and controlling heat, forming and shaping metal, and measuring, marking out and working precisely. If you've completed some of our Weekly Courses or other intermediate jewellery-making classes, this could be a brilliant next step. You'll be bringing several familiar techniques together in a more complex project, with plenty of guidance along the way.

This isn't suitable for complete beginners, but you don't need to be a professional jeweller either.

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

What happens?

Across two practical days, you'll learn how to construct a traditional hinged locket pendant from metal sheet. We'll take you through the process step by step, helping you understand how each component fits together and why accuracy is so important when making a piece with moving parts.

During the weekend, you'll learn how to:

• Form the locket: Create matching domed shapes for the front and back of your pendant

• Construct a working hinge: Make, position and align the components that allow your locket to open and close

• Create a secure closure: Develop a neat, functional fastening that keeps your locket closed

• Solder multiple components: Build confidence with careful soldering across several stages of construction

• Finish your pendant: File, refine and finish your piece to achieve a beautiful final result

Throughout the weekend, we'll explore the importance of careful preparation, accurate measurements and thoughtful construction. You'll discover that making a locket isn't simply about creating two matching shapes. It's about understanding how those shapes work together to create something functional.

And there's a particularly satisfying moment when you hear that CLICK for the first time!

By the end of the course, you'll have created your own working locket pendant, along with a much deeper understanding of precision jewellery construction. Whether you keep it for yourself or give it to someone special, it'll be a piece with a story behind it.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring a sketchbook or notebook for taking notes and jotting down any design ideas. We'll provide all the tools and materials required for the course, and everyone will have their own fully equipped jeweller's bench.

You'll be able to choose between copper and silver when booking. Simply select your preferred material from the dropdown menu below.

Glasses or Optivisors are recommended, as constructing a working hinge and closure involves detailed, precision work. Please tie back long hair, avoid open-toed shoes and keep loose-fitting clothing to a minimum.

The details

🔨 Two-day Intensive Course
🕑 10am - 6pm [we take a one-hour lunch break between 1pm – 2pm]
📅 Sat 7th & Sun 8th August

⚒️ Choose your material from the drop down box 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 a substantial jewellery-making project, 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 something 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 essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking

Vanilla Ink CIC
60 Brook Street
Glasgow
G40 2AB