Leather and Metal Leaf Jewellery Workshop Information and Safety Guidelines
My workshops are designed to be friendly, relaxed and inspiring, with plenty of individual support throughout the session. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to ask questions and receive one-to-one guidance, workshops are limited to a maximum of twelve participants.
No previous experience is necessary - just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to experiment!
What to Expect
The session is delivered at a relaxed pace, giving you plenty of time to explore the joyful process of leather work and applying metal leaf.
During the workshop, you'll learn the foundations of leatherwork and gilding, including:
Preparing the leather
Your Safety
This is a practical, hands-on workshop involving scissors, an arbor press, metal leaf and other craft materials. These are straightforward techniques to learn, and I'll demonstrate how to use the tools safely before you begin.
During the workshop, you'll be working with:
Sharp scissors for cutting leather and other materials
An arbor press for punching leather shapes where required
Metal leaf, adhesives and brushes
Small jewellery components and hand tools such as pliers
Please use all tools carefully and follow the instructions given throughout the session. The arbor press must only be operated as demonstrated, with hands and fingers kept clear of the pressing area. Please ask for assistance if you're unsure how to use any equipment.
Metal leaf is very lightweight and can easily become airborne. Handle it carefully, avoid blowing or brushing it into the air and follow the guidance provided. Please avoid touching your eyes or mouth while working and wash your hands thoroughly after the workshop.
Alcohol & Refreshments
The workshop takes place in the wonderful Stroud Brewery, where alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available to purchase. You're welcome to enjoy a drink while creating, but you must ensure you are able to use the tools safely. Please tale care when using scissors and the arbor press, and never operate equipment if your concentration, coordination or judgement is affected by alcohol. If I have any concerns about someone's ability to work safely, I may ask them to stop using tools or take a break. This is simply to help ensure that everyone can enjoy the workshop in a safe and relaxed environment.
Non-alcoholic drinks are also welcome, and drinking alcohol is entirely optional.
What to Wear
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for creative work. Metal leaf and adhesives can be delicate to work with, so clothing you don't mind getting a little messy is recommended.
During the Workshop
To help everyone enjoy the session safely, participants are asked to:
Follow all safety instructions and demonstrations
Use scissors, the arbor press and other tools only as instructed
Keep fingers clear of cutting and pressing areas
Wash hands before eating or drinking after handling adhesives or decorative materials
Let me know if a tool is damaged, a spill occurs or an accident happens
Medical Information & Accessibility
Please let me know before the workshop if you have any allergies, sensitivities to adhesives or craft materials, injuries, mobility requirements or other accessibility needs that may affect your participation.
Wherever possible, I'll do my best to accommodate individual requirements and help you enjoy the workshop.
Photography Notice
I may take a few photos during the workshop to capture the fun and creativity and to use in future promotional material. Stroud Brewery may take photos or videos too. If you'd prefer not to appear in any photos or videos, that's absolutely fine - just let me know at the beginning of the session.
Age Requirement
Workshops are suitable for adults aged 18 years and over.
Illness
If you are feeling unwell, particularly if you have symptoms of a contagious illness such as COVID-19, please do not attend your workshop. Please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your booking.
A Final Note
My aim is for everyone to enjoy a creative, welcoming and joyful experience while creating unique pieces of jewellery. By booking a workshop, you confirm that you have read these Workshop Information & Safety Guidelines and agree to follow the safety instructions provided throughout the session.
I look forward to welcoming you and helping you create something truly unique.