A Day at the Bench

Some pieces shouldn't be bought. They should be made.

A wedding ring you forged yourself. Your grandmother's gold, melted down and given a second life. Something to mark the year everything changed.

A Day at the Bench is a full day in my Kent studio, just you (or the two of you) and me, making one piece that means something. No rush, no group, no template. You leave with a one of one piece you made with your own hands, and the story of making it.

What you could make

Wedding and commitment rings. Make your own band, or make each other's. Simple, hammered, textured, oxidised: your choice.
Something from your own metal. Bring old gold or silver, an inherited ring or a broken chain. We melt it down, roll it out and turn it into something new.
A piece to mark a moment. A birthday, an anniversary, a fresh start. A ring, a bangle or a pendant you'll wear for years and remember making.

How it works

We talk first. A short call or email before you book, so I understand what you'd like to make, what metal you're bringing and what's realistic in a day.
I prepare. Your design is sketched, your metal is ready and the bench is set up before you arrive.
The day. 10am to 5pm. I'll teach you every step: melting, rolling, forming, soldering, texturing and polishing. You do the making; I'm beside you throughout.
You leave wearing it. Or carrying it home in its tin, if it's a surprise.

What's included

A full day of one-to-one (or one-to-two) tuition with me
A pre-day design conversation
Up to 15g of 100% recycled sterling silver
All tools, equipment and consumables
A simple homemade lunch, with tea and coffee throughout
Your finished piece, packed in a Soldersmith tin
Photographs of your making, sent after the day

Price

One person: £350

Two people: £580 (£280 each)

Gold, and silver beyond 15g, is charged at cost and agreed with you beforehand. If you're bringing your own metal, it's reused as raw material; it doesn't reduce the price.

Bringing your own silver? The 15g allowance tops it up if your piece needs more.

Bringing gold? We'll use the silver for a practice piece first, so you're confident before your gold goes anywhere near the torch.

Optional hallmarking at the London Assay Office after the day: £20.

Good to know

No experience needed. Many of my full-day makers have never picked up a saw before.
Lunch is on me. Let me know about any dietary requirements or allergies when we talk.
Your place is confirmed when payment is received in full. Date changes and refunds are available up to 14 days before your day; within 14 days I'm unable to offer either. Full terms are sent when you book.
If you're bringing your own metal, please read the section on working with your own metal in the terms. Older gold can behave unpredictably, and I'll talk you through it beforehand.
Gift vouchers are available, and I can post a printed card.

Start with a conversation

Tell me what you'd like to make, and I'll come back to you with ideas and dates.

Because ordinary is everywhere. Be Everyday Brave.

Tell me what you'd like to make