Jewellery Course for Early Career Makers

Deadline: Sunday 18th January 2026, 11.59pm

We are pleased to invite applications for a fully funded, 10-week jewellery course for early-career jewellers based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, led by jewellers Sarah Drew and Donna Burns.

This practical, skills-led course is designed to support jewellers at the early stages of their making careers to develop affordable, sustainable jewellery collections and build confidence in making work that can be sold through markets, galleries, shops and online.

The course will run from Monday 9th February to Monday 20th April 2026, taking place in person every Monday at the Friends’ Meeting House in St Austell, conveniently located next to the train and bus station.

This opportunity is funded by The Goldsmiths’ Foundation.

Over ten full-day sessions, participants will take part in a series of hands-on projects focused on accessible materials, repeatable techniques and processes suitable for small home studios.

The course combines:

• Practical jewellery-making techniques
• Zero-waste and affordable approaches to making
• Guidance on pricing, selling and developing work for different markets
• Peer learning and the opportunity to build new professional connections

Participants will leave with:

• A range of finished pieces made during the course
• The beginnings of a sellable jewellery collection
• Increased confidence in their technical skills
• A clearer understanding of which products are straightforward and affordable to produce
• Greater awareness of jewellery business basics and routes to market

All work made during the course can be taken away by participants.

Course participants will also have access to small £100 bursaries, available to support ongoing skills development beyond the conclusion of the course.

These bursaries are intended to help participants continue building their practice and may be used towards activities such as materials, tools, short courses, mentoring, or other relevant professional development opportunities. Further details on how to access the bursary will be shared with participants during the course.

The course is structured around a series of weekly, techniques-led projects. While the outline below gives a clear sense of the skills and processes covered, the programme may be adapted slightly in response to the needs and interests of the cohort as the course develops.

All sessions will be 10am to 4pm with a scheduled lunch break.

Monday 9th February – Introduction and foundations

An introduction to the course, tutors and workspace, alongside an overview of jewellery business basics including pricing, hallmarking, wholesale and selling through shows. Participants will also be introduced to tools and techniques and begin a first chain-making project.

Monday 16th February – Texture and surface

Exploring ways to texture metal and add patinas, with a focus on creating interest and variation in finished pieces. Participants will apply these techniques while making a bangle.

Monday 23rd February – Zero-waste making

An introduction to granulation using scrap metal, focusing on low-waste approaches to making. Participants will use these techniques to make a ring.

Monday 2nd March  – Construction and findings

Learning piercing techniques and how to make and fit brooch backs, with a focus on secure and practical construction. Participants will make a brooch.

Monday 9th March – Stone setting for art jewellery

Exploring stone setting approaches suited to art jewellery and small-scale production. Participants will make either a ring or pendant.

Monday 16th March – Wax carving

An introduction to wax carving as a way of developing forms and ideas for jewellery. Participants will carve a wax charm. This session will be led by Tamara Gervasio.

Monday 23rd March – Form and colour

Learning doming and enamelling techniques to add form and colour to work. Participants will make a pair of stud earrings.

Monday 30th March – Cold connections

Exploring cold connection methods including riveting and textile techniques, with a focus on building more complex pieces. Participants will make a statement necklace.

Monday 6th April – Threading and finishing

Learning threading and knotting techniques for beaded jewellery. Participants will make a necklace or bracelet.

Monday 13th April – Chain-making and consolidation

Developing handmade chain-making skills further while completing a chain necklace or bracelet. Time will also be given to finishing pieces and reviewing work made across the course.

This course is open to early-career jewellers who:

• Are based in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly
• Are able to attend in person every Monday for the duration of the course
• Have some experience of jewellery making and can show examples of work they have made
• Have explored, or are actively planning, ways to sell their work (this may include research and planning, even if you have not yet sold work)

We encourage applications from jewellers who feel they will genuinely benefit from this programme and its focus on repeatable techniques, affordability and developing work for sale.

This opportunity is particularly aimed at early-career jewellers who are under-represented in the creative sector, including those from low-income backgrounds.

As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to complete some optional EDI questions, which will be used to help prioritise places in line with the aims of the funding.

• The course is fully funded
• Participants must be Creative Kernow Associates members for the duration of the cours – membership starts at £5 per month and can be cancelled any time
• You do not need to be a member to apply

• All materials and facilities will be provided
• If you have any access requirements, please contact us by emailing associates@creativekernow.org.uk – we are happy to discuss access needs and adjustments

Applications will be considered based on:

• The nature of your jewellery practice and the work you share with us
• How well this course fits your current stage and development needs
• Your reasons for applying and how you think the course would support you at this particular point
• Your experience of selling, or plans to sell, your jewellery (including research and early ideas)
• Your ability to attend all sessions in person for the duration of the course

In line with the aims of the funding, priority will be given to applicants who face barriers to accessing creative opportunities.

There are 12 places available on the course.

Applications will be reviewed and selected by:

• Sarah Drew, jeweller and course tutor
• Donna Burns, jeweller and course tutor
• Anna Harris, Creative Kernow Associates Manager

Please fill out the application form, which can be found here.

The form will ask for:

• Basic information about you
• Information about your jewellery
  • A short statement (this can be submitted as a video/audio if this is preferable)
  • Some photos of your work
• Information about your selling and business experience (this can be submitted as a video/audio if this is preferable)
• Optional EDI information
• Confirmation of attendance

If you have any questions or concerns about the application, please get in touch with associates@creativekernow.org.uk.

Deadline: Sunday 18th January 2026, 11.59pm

All images courtesy Sarah Drew and Donna Burns