Make your own sustainable jewellery at one of these fun workshops

Were you one of those kids that spent hours on the school holidays making woven friendship bracelets or hand-beaded necklaces for all your little pals to wear? If that’s yes, we think we may have found a grown-up way to reignite that childhood passion. Introducing Batch Workshops, where you can learn to make sustainable, zero-waste sterling silver jewellery using the ancient crafts of wax carving, sand casting and stone setting.

A joint venture between friends and jewellery makers Amy Gopperth and Aurore Leclerc (who have their own individual labels: Amy Gold and Dawn and Daisy, respectively), Batch Workshops is located in Freshwater and offers two types of classes that include all tools, materials and refreshments.

You can choose from the ring making workshop (which is held on weekdays and weekends) or the cast in place pendant workshop (which is held on Wednesday evenings). All sessions are open to anyone over the age of 16, and no prior experience is required. Depending on the workshop you’re in, you’ll learn about designing and carving moulds, sand casting wax moulds into metal, setting gemstones in metal or cleaning and polishing a finished product. 

Amy and Aurore teach every class together, which makes for a supportive and informative working environment, and the silver used is 100 per cent recycled – sustainability is extremely important to both women. But best of all, you’ll get to take home your beautiful piece – and there’s nothing quite like telling people who compliment your new accessory that you made it all by yourself.

Bookings for the new term – which runs from September to December – have just opened. Prices range from $195 to $295. Batch Workshops also offer private sessions for groups of four or five people on request. For more information and to secure your spot, visit the website.