Jewellery-Making Workshops: Create Your Own Metal Ring

One of my favourite moments in my work is when a piece of metal begins to take shape. When something that looks quite simple at first gradually transforms into a ring.

This is the experience I want to share with you through our jewellery-making workshops. You get to sit at the workbench, discover traditional jewellery-making tools and, with guidance from Jaka and me, create your own ring to take home at the end.

A Small Group, Time for You

We keep our workshops small, with a maximum of three participants at a time. This allows us to give everyone individual attention and make sure there is enough time to learn the techniques and enjoy the creative process.

As you work, we guide you through each step, answer your questions and help whenever you get stuck. We want you to feel comfortable in our studio and have the freedom to explore, experiment and learn at your own pace. And don't worry if something doesn't work out on the first try — that's part of the creative process, too.

What matters most to us is that the workshop is an enjoyable experience where you learn something new while having fun creating.

What Does It Mean to Work Directly with Metal?

In our workshops, we don't work with wax or silver clay. Instead, we work directly with metal, using traditional goldsmithing techniques that we also use in our everyday work.

Depending on the workshop you choose, you'll learn how to saw, bend, forge, file, solder, sand and polish metal. You'll discover how different tools affect the shape and surface of the metal, and why it's important to carry out each step in the right order.

You'll also learn about the properties of metal and how it responds to being worked. As metal is shaped, it gradually becomes harder, so it needs to be annealed to soften it again. Filing helps us shape the edges, while forging and working with fire allow us to create texture. Soldering is what brings separate pieces together.

Each technique contributes to the final appearance of the ring. It's fascinating to see how even a small change in pressure, the angle of a tool or the way you work the metal can influence the result.

From an Idea to Your Own Ring

You don't need to arrive with a fully developed design in mind. We'll talk about what you have in mind and help you find a shape you love that can be made within the scope of your chosen workshop.

Perhaps you prefer a simple ring with a smooth finish, or maybe you'd like something with a more pronounced texture or a bolder design. Even the smallest details can make a big difference and give a ring its own character.

Once we've settled on a design, the practical part begins. You'll get to know the tools, try out different techniques and watch your ring gradually take shape in your hands. Jaka and I will guide you through the process and help you with the more challenging steps.

One of the loveliest moments for us is when a participant tries on their finished ring for the first time. That's when they can see how an ordinary piece of metal has become something they can wear and enjoy for years to come. And their smile says it all. :)

What If I Have No Experience?

This is a question we often get before our workshops. You don't need any previous experience to join a beginner's workshop, so don't let that stop you from signing up.

We'll introduce each technique step by step, and we'll be right there with you throughout the process. We'll help you use the tools, explain each stage and make sure you can progress at your own pace.

We offer jewellery-making workshops for complete beginners as well as workshops for those who already have some experience and want to develop their skills further. Each workshop includes information about who it's suitable for, making it easier to choose the one that's right for you.

If you're not sure which workshop would suit you best, feel free to get in touch. I'll be happy to help you choose based on your experience and what you'd like to create.

Time to Focus on Creating

One of the things I love about working with my hands is how quickly I become absorbed in what I'm doing. My attention shifts to the material, the movement and the next step, while everyday responsibilities take a back seat for a while.

That's also why these workshops mean so much to me. They offer an opportunity to take some time for yourself, learn a new skill and create something with your own hands.

You can come on your own or share the experience with your partner, a friend, your mum or your daughter. Creating something together is a lovely way to spend time with someone, and at the end, you'll each have a handmade piece of jewellery to remember the experience by.

For couples who would like to make their own wedding rings together, we also offer special wedding ring-making workshops.

Take Your Ring Home with You

At the end of the workshop, you'll take your ring home with you, along with a new experience and a better understanding of how a handmade piece of jewellery comes to life.

You'll know which techniques you used, which steps required the most patience and how the material gradually changed throughout the process. Perhaps you'll even start looking at other pieces of jewellery a little differently, noticing details you might not have paid attention to before.

When you make a ring yourself, it holds a special meaning. You know its story because you were part of every step of its creation.

If you're curious about jewellery-making and would like to try working with metal, take a look at our upcoming workshops. Jaka and I look forward to sharing our craft with you and helping you create a ring that's truly your own.

And to finish, here's a little message from one of our participants:

"Dear Lara,

Thank you both for a wonderful weekend. The workshop was fantastic, I learned so much from you and got a glimpse into the wonderful world of working with gemstones.

Thank you for your hospitality and the relaxed, homely atmosphere, and especially for all the coffee. ;)

It was inspiring to spend three days with you both.

Warm wishes to you and Jaka, and to the boys, Charlie and Chaplin, too. :)

— Ana, workshop participant

Lara, Atelje DR