Most blogger events are in London. At 10.30am. On a week day. So I don’t really get to go to a lot of them what with having a full-time job and that.
But luckily my pal Sophie runs the fabulous Milton Keynes Blogger Network. So every couple of months local bloggers in the MK area get together to meet new blog pals and chat about everything from brand collabs to wordpress plug-ins.
These meet-ups are usually something casual like a brunch or a dinner, but last month it involved a Masterclass in Jewellery Making at The Goldsmithy in Stony Stratford! It was something a bit different so I thought I would share it with you.
Oh and I know this is sweet FA to do with travel but I really like crafty stuff and had a fabulous time at this event. So y’know, what the hell, here I am blogging about it.
Masterclass in Jewellery Making
The Goldsmithy is a family-run business that specialises in bespoke handmade jewellery. Father and son duo, Glenn and Paul, are clearly very passionate about the industry and took us through the steps of turning the raw materials, essentially scrap metal, into beautiful works of art!
In this case, we all worked together to create a silver ring, taking it in turns to try out the different stages of jewellery-making. It actually felt a lot like Design Tech at school. Lots of filing and polishing, y’know? Surprisingly, I found it super therapeutic when I got to have a go “at the bench”, filing away at this ring!
Err did I miss my calling as a Smith, mate?!
*Thanks to Becky for this photo of me!
Glenn was trained at Cartier so he knows his shit and had lots of stories to tell about the industry and pieces he’s worked on. And Paul is currently 3 years into a 5 year apprenticeship of learning the trade and seemed to really love talking about all of the steps involved. So it was definitely an interesting workshop!
What I thought was really cool is that when customers want them to create bespoke jewellery for them, they usually get involved with the creation process themselves. And dontcha think that makes the piece that bit more special?
I also learned that handmade stuff is way better quality than mass-produced, which usually has air bubbles in the precious metals, causing it to break easily. The Goldsmithy guarantee everything they create for 25 years though which I thought was pretty neat.
Overall, it was a pretty cool way to spend a Saturday! And I definitely have a new found respect for the art of jewellery-making. It’s not nearly as simple as I had imagined.
We also got some A+ canapés from Cameron’s Restaurant on the day and went home with a pretty sick goody bag. Cherry on top, babes.
Thanks to The Goldsmithy and the Milton Keynes Blogger Network for a fun day out!
Would you do something like this? Is bespoke jewellery your thang?
Let me know in the comments below, tweet me at @HeelsInBackpack or find me over on Insta at @Heels.In.My.Backpack!
Total Blogger Transparency: This was a complimentary press event but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I wouldn’t play you like that, shorty.
Also thanks to Peel Juice Bar, Hello Stationary, Pasha Turkish Bar & Grill, Beauty Box by Alyson, Revolucion De Cuba, Cameron’s Kitchen, Giraffe World Kitchen, Beeswax Wraps, Popaball, Rocky Road Treats and Maaya for the vouchers and gifts in the goody bag!