Studio Training Sessions

Description

Studio Training Sessions are a perfect way to learn everything you need to know about making keepsake and memorial jewellery. Taught from my studio in Newport, South Wales here in the United Kingdom, you’ll be training one-to-one with me, Nikki Kamminga with a course made just for you.

Our studio training sessions can be purchased alongside our business startup kits such as the Platinum Keepsake Business Startup Package which comes with the basic bronze kit, silver level tools and an eCommerce website with built-in SEO for your keepsake jewellery business.

Step one, watch my entire playlist on YouTube here to learn the basics. Then purchase one of our studio training sessions packages and we will work with you to tailor a bespoke package to suit your needs. Focus on breastmilk and baby keepsakes, memorial pieces with cremation ashes and hair, advanced setting techniques,  basic silversmithing to learn to make your own ring settings or even a silicone mould making masterclass! We can do a little of everything and aim to make the sessions memorable and fun.

We will use the tools and settings we have used at Tree of Opals for the past 6 years from suppliers we trust and items made in-house. You can bring some of your own breastmilk, loved one’s hair or fur, ashes, umbilical cord or placenta. Nikki will be working with real clients’ elements and you will get to practice with Nikki’s own preserved breastmilk, different types of hair and fur and some donated horse ashes.

PPE and Clothing

You will be given PPE to wear on the day (vinyl gloves and dust masks) but highly recommend that you invest in some more heavy duty equipment such as safety goggles and a ventilator which you should bring on the day if you’re silversmithing. Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or stained; I generally advise jeans and layered tops with no floaty sleeves. Long hair should be tied back and masks may need to be worn under covid guidelines in Wales (check prior to visiting).

Nikki’s Teaching Background

I have a background in tech support having worked on the Tesco Electrical Helpline and as a second level data support technician for Orange. In 2012 I was a self-funded volunteer working with vulnerable children including teaching. Since having my second child, I’ve made YouTube tutorials helping

On The Day

The day will run from 9am to 6pm in the studio in Newport (near the Newport Passport Office). For a full day course, lunch will be provided either from the café at the end of the street or the sandwich shop next door. You can take as many breaks as you like. For more than one day, we may be able to provide accommodation or you can choose a hotel nearby.

Jewellery Making – Two Day Course

We offer a combined resin jewellery making, setting, mould making, silversmithing or any focus you’d like. You will design and make a ring and necklace with ashes, breastmilk, hair or umbilical cord for yourself which you can keep plus working on other sample pieces and watching real client pieces being made.

This is a LEVEL TWO course – some prior experience preferred but not necessary. If you are unsure about whether this is the right course for you, call Nikki on 01633 54 61 54.

What does the course cover?

On the first day you will look at some typical client orders with guidance from your tutor and create some resin pieces with all elements. If you prefer to just work on baby and breastfeeding jewellery or just on memorial pieces then please let us know but we highly recommend working with all just in case. You will preserve some breastmilk and perhaps make some moulds which will dry overnight. Then on the second day, after a look at the fruits of your first day’s labour, your tutor will teach you more advanced techniques. You will finish and take home some pieces you can be proud of.

We recommend that you purchase at least a Basic Supplies Bundle or we highly recommend you choose one of our our business startup kits such as the Platinum Keepsake Business Startup Package which comes with the basic bronze kit, silver level tools and an eCommerce website with built-in SEO for your keepsake jewellery business. You will be able to take most of the supplies home on the first day and any out of stock items will be shipped to you free of charge.

We offer a 20% shop discount for students while on the course (this excludes sale items).

What do I need to bring?

Just yourself and a sturdy pair of shoes (no open toes!). All your glass, materials, tools and use of kilns are provided. Long hair must be tied back and please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or stained.

Lunch:

We will provide a delicious hot or cold lunch as well as access to tea and coffees throughout the day. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements. We will do our best to cater to everyone but this cannot always be guaranteed.

What are the course times?

Courses run from 9am until 5pm, with a lunch break of thirty minutes. You can take as many breaks as you like. For a day and a half (12 hours) this can be split into two shorter six hour days running 11am until 5pm, for example.

Accessibility:

We will try to make our courses accessible to all however if you have any disabilities or physical limitations of any kind we ask that you discuss it with us before booking.

Looking for a gift?

Why not buy a course as a unique gift? If you’re unsure of a suitable date you can buy a voucher and let them choose their own! Vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase and need to be used to book a specific date within that time. A booking is not confirmed until the voucher has been validated against a specific date.

Cancellations:

Our normal cancellation policy is as follows:

For cancellations made 4 weeks in advance we offer a full refund or one free date change. For cancellations made 3 weeks in advance we offer a 75% refund or one free date change. For cancellations made 2 weeks in advance we can only offer a 50% refund. If we receive less than 2 weeks’ notice we are unable to offer a refund or date change on course places.  If a date change has been requested we cannot offer a refund on a subsequent cancellation.

Covid-19 Cancellations Policy:

We are offering a Covid-19 Cancellation guarantee that any booking for a class affected by Covid-19 lockdowns or restrictions can be postponed for any date through to September 2023.  In the event that a student has to self-isloate as a result of exposure to or contracting Covid 19, we will honour a date change for the class booking.

Please do not attend the course if you display any COVID-19 symptoms which include; A high temperature, loss of taste and/or smell or a new and continuous cough.

Terms and Conditions

Usual terms and conditions agreed to on the checkout apply. In addition please note:

Studio training sessions are for one student only; for joint classes or groups please get in touch for prices. Monthly group training days coming soon. The training will be based around UV resin and we will cover epoxy in theory but not practice due to my allergy (sorry!) – see the Facebook group Epoxy is Not My Friend. Studio training sessions do not include any equipment to take home, this must be purchases separately by purchasing the supplies you need from us or various other sources or simply choosing a business startup kit.