Anna Campbell

Look at this gorgeous piece made by Anna Mazon. Anna will be visiting us at the The Arienas Collective Edinburgh to teach next month and we have now added an extra silver twig ring making workshop as the first date sold out

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an amazing metal clay artist. Find out more and book here

https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/blog/anna-mazon-teaching-for-jewellery-school-scotland-in-edinburgh-october-2021

Time to reveal the mystery 😉. So... the stone I chose is Baltic amber 🧡💛. You can find my "Sacred bee" pendant already on my website and in my Etsy shop:
https://drakonaria.com/p/1749/sacred-bee
https://www.etsy.com/shop/drakonaria
This piece is my miniature, sculptural homage to honey bees, wild bees and other pollinators - so important for our survival as a species and so beautiful! 🐝
If you would like to have this piece with a different stone - just let me know! ✨ And happy Autumn Equinox everyone! 🍂
Czas na rozwiązanie zagadki 😉. Do pszczelego wisiorka wybrałam bursztyn 🧡💛. Pełen ciepłego światła i miodowych odcieni. "Czcigodna pszczoła" jest już dostępna u mnie na stronie:
https://drakonaria.com/pl/p/1749/czcigodna-pszczola
To taki mój maleńki, rzeźbiarski hołd dla pszczół miodnych, dzikich, a także innych gatunków owadów zapylających - tak ważnych dla przetrwania ludzkości i przepięknych samych w sobie 🐝.
Na życzenie pszczółka może otrzymać też inny kamień - dajcie znać ✨. I pięknej Równonocy Jesiennej dla Was!

BOOK NOW TO SECURE CURRENT WORKSHOP PRICES

Just a heads up that my workshop prices will be increasing on 1st September 2021.
The good news is that I have dates available to book at the current prices for the rest of the year and into 2022!
Book by 1st September to beat the increase (the workshop can be any available date).

https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/classes

Classes — Jewellery School Scotland All ClassesClasses have resumed. Spaces will continue to be limited due to social distancing measures so do book your place now!You can find out more about the Covid-19 measures we have in place for our workshops here >Beginners ClassesChoose between a half day or full day beginners workshopSilver C...

There are many brilliant benefits of working with silver clay. One of them is that there is no waste. You can reconstitute dried clay - which means make it back into usable silver clay - yay! Here is a 15 second guide to show you how https://youtu.be/QJdjuMvcHvw

You can find full instructions, tools and tips here on my blog https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/blog/your-15-second-guide-to-reconstituting-silver-clay

Your 15 second guide to reconstituting silver clay There are many brilliant benefits of working with silver clay. One of them is that there is no waste. You can reconstitute dried clay - which means make it b...

Anna Campbell updated their address.

OUR NEW WORK STATIONS...

The next step in getting ready for this Friday’s re-opening is setting up individual, socially-distanced work stations.

We’ve been working hard with our amazing team of artists and makers to prepare for delivering our workshops under the new coronavirus guidelines.

Gone for now is our big, beloved kitchen table (which we’d all normally sit around) to make way for 6 individual work stations. Each set of two desks has a screen in-between. And each set of desks is spaced 2m apart.

Each desk has an individual set of materials and equipment for your use only. Any shared equipment will be managed by the artist or maker running your workshop, and cleaned in-between uses. In this photo you can see how we set up with for her silver clay beginner jewellery workshops. The clear screens help make sure Anna can still keep an eye on what everyone is doing.

Where appropriate, you also have the option of bringing your own equipment and materials. And some of our creatives have kits available to buy if you’d rather have your own to use on the day and then take home.

More details will be sent out with your workshop confirmation email.

Meantime, if you’d like to read about what else we’re doing to keep our participants, artists and space as safe as possible, you can download our COVID-19 re-opening guidelines from our website home page (a pop up box will appear). Just click on the website link in the bio.

And if you’re a little nervous about getting back to creating indoors in groups, you’re not alone! Drop us an email or give us a call before booking if you’d like to know more or chat through any concerns. Life is full of uncertainties and no one can guarantee their space is 100% safe. We’re doing the best we can to keep our workshop space as safe as possible, but do let us know if there’s anything else that you think might help.

💙

This week you will find an interview with me on the Jewellers Academy podcast on Five Reasons to Invest in Yourself (with no guilt!)

It came out on Monday and I've already had some great feedback and comments on it (thanks to those that have already had a listen).

You can listen on this link or find the Jewellers Academy podcast on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts and Spotify. It's episode 43

Have a great Sunday!

https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/blog/five-reasons-to-invest-in-yourself-with-no-guilt

9 years ago today ..

I taught my first class for London Jewellery School
It was a business class, PR for your jewellery business. I taught the business courses there to begin with before also teaching making classes including metal clay and beading.

And I still teach on the business courses but now for Jewellers Academy - the online sister company of LJS.

LJS has had a few different locations over the years and I don't know where I taught first! I suspect it was Baldwin Gardens in Hatton Garden. I also taught at the studios in Whitechapel and the ones pictured here back in Hatton Garden

Did I ever teach you at the London Jewellery School? I'd love to be reminded!

Wow!

Makeup Artist Uses Lips as Her Canvas to Create Dazzling Couture Looks

If you’re starting to get the feeling that someone is yet to buy you a gift don’t despair! I have e-vouchers available up to 10pm this evening, Christmas eve. These can be used for full or part payment for my workshops in Edinburgh, online courses and the gemstone setting kit. Much faster than popping to the manic shops and you get something you actually want - a win-win!

https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/gift-vouchers

Exclusive material kit and online course

I haven't been able to teach much this year but fortunately I had already filmed this intermediate-level course.

Stone Setting in Silver Clay (torch fired techniques) is an online course that you get immediate access to, downloadable notes and a full tools and materials kit.
And for a limited time, I'm selling a materials kit for this course.

It includes:
20g Art Clay Silver
1 x dichroic glass nugget
1 x 3mm clear cubic zirconia stone
1 x 6mm gemstone cabochon of your choice
1 x 6mm fine silver bezel cup

You can purchase the course at an exclusive discount plus a kit with everything you need now!
https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/online-courses

Give a creative experience this Christmas (Or ask for one for yourself!).
I have an extra special silver clay beginners jewellery making kit + gift voucher for a taster workshop available right now via The Arienas Collective
Click the link below to find out what’s included. The Postal deadline is Friday 18th December, local collection can be arranged for next week

https://www.thearienascollective.com/product-page/the-arienas-collective-creative-experience-gift-box-85

LAST CHANCE!
Today is the last day to preorder your Ring a Month 2021 A4 calendar.
This makes a great gift for a jeweller or jewellery lover. Or treat yourself to 12 months of inspiration for your studio! Featuring rings handmade by 30 jewellers from around the world.
The presale for the calendars ends tonight and I will be ordering them tomorrow to be sent out next week so they arrive in time for Christmas.
£10 including p&p in the UK. P&p is extra outside the UK
Thank you!
https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/ring-a-month-calendar-2021

INDIE FRIYAY!!!

It’s here. The Just A Card colourful alternative to Black Friday. We could all do with some bright stories right?

We’ve written before about why we don’t participate in the Black Friday discount fest. Mainly it’s because we believe we offer good value throughout the year. So we don’t discount. But we do offer rewards to our amazing loyal customers. And look out for exciting news coming out soon if you’re signed up to our newsletter.

Please shop local and independent this year when you can. Thank you. 💙

2021 CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE ON PRE-SALE
I’m so very excited to share that the Ring a Month 2021 calendar is now available on pre-sale! Featuring the work of 30 jewellers taking part in the challenge from all over the world. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves jewellery or a guilt-free treat yourself! It's £10 for an A4 calendar featuring two or three rings every month.
The pre-sale closes on 2nd December and orders will be shipped the week commencing 7th December to arrive in time for Christmas. Check the link below for more details and to purchase
https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/ring-a-month-calendar-2021

A BIG thank you to Platinum magazine for featuring Jewellery School Scotland gift vouchers in their Ethical Christmas gift guide. It was not an ad, they approached me and included them for free.

And Shirley's on the cover (I love Strictly!)

https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/blog/platinum-magazine-feature-jewellery-school-scotland-gift-vouchers-in-their-ethical-gift-guide

For the last few years, my husband has given me a calendar for Christmas featuring photos he's taken from our travels that year. Last year, for the first time, he made the calendar available for sale.
His 2021 Scotland calendar is now available on pre-sale.

Despite being on lockdown for a lot of the year we have been able to travel within Scotland a few times and the calendar included images from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Pitlochry, Biggar and Tay Forest Park.

If I may brag a little about him (wifely prerogative!), he's a self-taught photographer whose work has been used by BBC News, Smithsonian Magazine, Huffington Post, CNBC, Four Seasons Magazine, Lonely Planet and Edinburgh World Heritage. In 2019 he won the Classical Edinburgh photography competition sponsored by Edinburgh Art Centre in the category Working Life and was runner up in the category Seasons. His work was exhibited in the City Art Centre in Edinburgh until March 2020 and I was so glad the exhibition ran as planned.

Pre-sale ends on 18th November with calendars sent out week commencing 7th December (all being well!). The date is early to deal with any postal delays so we expect them to arrive before Christmas.
It makes a great gift for anyone who loves Scotland and your purchase will be very much appreciated by this creative family! Here's the link you need
https://www.campbellhall.co.uk/calendar

LOCKDOWN LEVELS…what do they mean?

Following the Scottish government’s announcement on the new levels coming into force from Monday, 2 November 2020, we met (virtually) as a Collective last night to decide what the lockdown levels mean for our in-person creative workshops.

What we do know is that Edinburgh City, where we’re based, has been placed at level 3. The First Minister explained that this is in line with the current Circuit Breaker in place throughout the central belt of Scotland, which means, sadly, we need to remain closed for now. What we don’t know is how long this will last.

The First Minister said the levels will be reviewed on a weekly basis, and she hoped that Edinburgh City may be able to go down to level 2 soon. But what might ‘soon’ mean? The government’s strategy suggests that level 3 and 4 lockdowns will be in place for a minimum of 2-4 weeks; but today brings new uncertainties as England announces a month-long nationwide lockdown, and there is much talk is of lockdowns being in place until at least Spring 2021.

This makes forward planning challenging. We are well-placed to restart our in-person workshops whenever Edinburgh City is placed at level 2 or below, although travel and transport restrictions will mean that those living in level 3 or 4 areas would still not be able to attend. However, it is looking more likely that the we may move in and out of different levels of lockdown for some time to come.

We totally believe in the wellbeing benefits of engaging in creative activity - now more than ever -and are working hard to keep people creating. However, we are finding the rollercoaster of closures and re-openings increasingly hard, and feel we are letting our customers down each time we postpone. Going forward, we want to focus more on what we can - rather than can’t - do, so watch out for more news coming soon. We will email everyone who has booked a workshop with more information, so please keep an eye on your inbox.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and support while we try to find our way in this new COVID-10 world: it means the world to us.

Some good news to share!

My jewellery workshops are paused for the duration of the circuit breaker Central Scotland lockdown.
This has affected 6 of my workshops and I apologise to those affected. I spoke at length with Lynn from the Arienas Collective (the venue) and we agreed that this is the best thing to do in the circumstances.
If you are booked onto an affected workshop, we have already transferred you to a new date in 2020. Check your inbox for details. I hope you are able to make the new date but if not do let Lynn know asap. We will try to get you booked onto an alternative.
This decision does have financial consequences for me as about a third of my income comes from teaching so coming so soon after a six month closure this is tough. Luckily we are postponing rather than cancelling so they will still go ahead.
Thank you to everyone that has attended a workshop with me or booked to attend in the future. I currently have dates available until July 2021 so do take a look

WHAT DOES THE CIRCUIT BREAKER MEAN FOR YOU?

After much thought, and with the safety of our artists, makers, customers and local community foremost in our minds, we have taken the tough decision to suspend our in-person workshops from 6pm this evening, Friday, 9 October 2020 until week beginning Monday, 26 October 2020.

Although we are not a licensed premises, and believe our re-opening guidelines are still Covid compliant, we are aware that the infection rate has risen significantly since we re-opened, and is still rising. We also know that many of you travel to our workshops from outside the Lothian area, often by public transport. We therefore feel the right thing to do is postpone our in-person workshops throughout the circuit breaker period, and offer everyone who had booked a space a free transfer to a future date.

I am grateful for the support of all our artists and makers, and I'm only too aware of the potential financial impact of these uncertain times. My thoughts go out to all the other small businesses and freelance creative entrepreneurs who are trying so hard to strike the 'right' balance between health, safety and economic survival.

Our online workshops remain on sale, as do all in-person workshops from Monday, 26 October 2020 onwards and into 2021. Gift vouchers are also available to buy. Huge thanks to our fabulous, loyal and patient customers whose continued support, understanding and trust means so much to us. 💙

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You can Book & Buy workshops and gift vouchers here: https://www.thearienascollective.com/shop-1

Craft Courses Cademy What's On Edinburgh

October is nearly here! I just have a few spaces left on my taster workshops on Saturday 10th October at The Arienas Collective Edinburgh, otherwise, October is full. Thanks so much to everyone that has booked to join me for a class. After six months of closure, it means a lot to be able to get back to work.
If you'd like to join me on Saturday 10th October here's the link you need
https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/silver-clay-taster

I was back teaching at The Arienas Collective this week and I thought I'd share some photos to show you how we are set up. We've had to make some changes to how we normally run the workshops to take into account government guidelines because of Covid 19.

Measures include:
✔️limited numbers - a maximum of 6 students
✔️individual desks and screens means that you do not have to wear a mask while you work
✔️physical distancing 2m apart
✔️wearing masks while moving around the space
✔️track and trace
✔️temperature checks on arrival
✔️hand sanitizer on arrival
✔️own tools to use
✔️there are limited shared tools and where they are required they are cleaned between uses
✔️Covie bags with wrapped tea, coffee, biscuits, antibacterial wipes
✔️Hot water urn for refreshments

You can read the full measures we have in place here https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/covid-19

I was worried that all these measures would make the experience more clinical but I did not find that at all. We were still able to have fun and create lovely jewellery in our safe environment. Thank you to Lynn at the Arienas Collective for all her hard work making the space safe and helping the artists to start earning again.

It was fantastic to get back to teaching this week at The Arienas Collective after six months of closure. Thank you to everyone who has booked a place on a workshop. It means so much to have your support.
We have safety measures in place including limited numbers, physical distancing, screens, track and trace, temperature checks and more. Because of cutting numbers by a third the workshops are selling out quickly. I have been able to add a few extra dates so if you’d like to join a workshop this year book now to secure your space. Here’s the link you need

https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/classes

When in your life have you felt the magic? I'd love to hear in the comments

10 years ago today I journeyed to the London Jewellery School to take a beginners metal clay class. It was the first time I'd ever tried it and the pieces I made are awful! (see the photo). I'm glad to say that every beginner I teach makes a much better job of it.

But. That day I felt the magic glittering at the edge of my life as the amazing Martha Beck put it so eloquently. She's talking about those moments in life where you know that something is pulling you in; when something or someone is going to be really important to you. You don't know how or why but you feel that it's true. I wrote 'I've seen my future and it's metal clay' on that day. And it was.

At that time I worked full time in a university. In 2013 I left that job to work with jewellery full time. I became a tutor at LJS, the jewellery school I'd first learnt at. I wrote articles for magazines and did live TV demos. I have taught at the UK metal clay conference each year. And there's more to come.

It's so important to notice the magic when it's there and I'm curious to know when you've felt it in your life. I love stories of coincidence and gut feelings and magnetic pulls so do share

It was a baking scones kind of day. What do you like to bake?

As a child (and now!) I refused to do jigsaws so I'm not quite sure why these appeal to me but they do. Which piece of art would you choose?
https://mymodernmet.com/lego-sets-art-posters/

LEGO Unveils Artistic Poster Sets for Adults That You Can Hang on Your Wall Each LEGO kit comes with its own soundtrack, too!

Phew! Thanks to everyone that joined me for the Creative Craft Live demonstration. It was nerve wracking but I had some lovely comments and tips shared so that was fab. It was pre-recorded on location at home! My lovely husband Gary and I spent a lot of time working out how to film jewellery making, how to get enough light, how to get the sound right. Luckily we were on lockdown so we had time. In the end we set up the kitchen breakfast table by the window in the bedroom for the best light!
If you missed it, I will be putting the video on my youtube channel soon and I’ll share here when I do

The Creative Craft Show live starts tomorrow. I'll be on at 2pm with a free tutorial of how to make a two-strand beaded necklace so set a reminder!

Use the link below to watch

https://www.facebook.com/thecraftshows/posts/3163758087001080

Jewellers Academy launched its brand new podcast today and guess who was interviewed for episode 2?

Yes, it's me! I love to support creatives by bringing together my knowledge from my psychology degrees and experience of teaching the subject.

For this episode, Jessica Rose and I talked about managing change, why it can be so difficult and how to get through.

Do have a listen. I hope you find it interesting

https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/blog/a-positive-response-to-change-mindset-shifts-podcast

I'm excited to have been invited to be a part of the Creative Craft Show live on Saturday 4th July. Follow them on Facebook to find out all the amazing tutors you can learn from for free over the live weekend
I'll share more details here when I know what time I'm on!

Has there been an unexpected upside to lockdown for you? I’d love to hear in the comments.

One of the unexpected joys of lockdown has been my new-found love of birds, particularly water birds. No one is more surprised about this than me!

We were fortunate to move at the end of January to a flat overlooking the water of Leith. My enforced working from home has me working at the kitchen table looking out at the river. And it is weirdly exciting to catch sight of the kingfisher, spot the swan that sleeps here and then goes off somewhere for a few days before returning. I love the goosander mother that has 9 ducklings that used to ride on her back. They are getting big now and are all still alive and with her. And I worried overly about the two little ducklings that were abandoned for some reason. But I needn’t have. They are growing up and still pass by the window together. Then there are the swallows and the housemartins diving around. The heron. And the cormorant that I witnessed catching and eating a live eel 🤢 Seriously. If you haven’t just eaten you can watch the video that Gary took at Campbell Hall Creations. You’ve been warned though!

So I’m grateful that we moved when we did and I’m very grateful for the life going on in the river beside me.
What about you?
(Photos all by my husband)

Have you done any decorating while on lockdown? This looks very inspiring!
https://mymodernmet.com/nathalie-lete-home-paintings/

This Artist Is Painting Beautiful Flowers on All of Her Walls While Stuck in Quarantine “My dream since I was a teenager was to have my own house filled with my art.”

My friends and studio neighbours Jenna and Liz at 2Flux have launched some brand new products including these gorgeous personalised filled gift boxes. If you have some celebrations coming up do take a look. Jenna and Liz design stationery for weddings and their business has been affected so this is a great chance to support a local Edinburgh business and get gorgeous goodies - a win-win!
(Their greetings cards are great too, I sent 3 out this week!)

https://www.2flux.com/shop

Wow! 7 years ago today was the first day of the Rio Rewards PMC (precious metal clay) certification taught by Patrik Kusek. I passed!

The first ever Rio Rewards Certification class outside of the States is underway here at the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery.
They are working hard and you could hear a pin drop, it's so quiet in there.
Here's the group first thing this morning. Can't wait to see what they make!

Coming to the end of week 1 (of 14!) for the 100 days project.
This week I have set the theme of nature and have been using leaves, flowers and grasses to texture my silver clay pieces.

If you'd like to have a look here is my week 1 journey!

https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/blog/week-1-100-days-project-scotland-2020

Week 1 of my 100 days project Scotland — Jewellery School Scotland Week 1 of the 100 days Scotland project and I’ve chosen nature as my theme for this week. Take a look at what I’ve made.

I am participating in the 100 days Scotland project this year and day 1 is today!

I will be exploring the use of textures in silver clay, making a piece every day with a different texture on it and eventually assembling the 100 pieces. I currently plan to make a neckpiece of some kind but there will be a lot of pieces so it may end up being a set of jewellery!
I will share more about it here on Facebook but will be sharing daily on Instagram so if you have that you may be interested to follow my progress, my account is

You can find out more about the project here if you'd like to know more

https://www.jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk/blog/100-days-project-scotland-2020

100 days project Scotland 2020 — Jewellery School Scotland The 100 days project for Scotland starts on 16th May this year and I am looking forward to taking part.

Free French knit necklace tutorial

As part of their lockdown crafting resources, I have done a guest blog post for The Craft Shows sharing my French knit necklace tutorial. I’ve included ways you can make use of what you have at home so take a look!

https://www.ichfevents.co.uk/how-to-make-a-french-knit-necklace/

Get 50% off my stone setting in silver clay (torch fired techniques) online class with Jewellers Academy.

I can’t teach at the moment so my workshops in Edinburgh, London and for Air BnB Experiences are currently postponed 😔

⚡ But, Jewellers Academy are having a flash sale on their online courses, 50% off

So right now you can get a course bundle of my stone setting course and Julia Rai silver clay charms course for £44.50 (usual price £89). I’ve popped the discount link for the bundle in my bio. The coupon code is FLASH50

The offer ends at midnight tonight so go go go!
https://jewelleryschoolonline.teachable.com/p/metal-clay-charms-and-stone-setting-course-bundle/?coupon_code=FLASH50