Alternative Christmas Presents: Jewellery Workshop

The relaxing (and Christmassy) atmosphere helps the creative process. Photo: Carmen Kong

Are you sick and tired of mundane Christmas shopping at the painfully impenetrable Oxford Street? For last-minute shoppers who still plan to wow their friends and family with thoughtful Christmas goodies, here is an alternative suggestion: make your own Christmas jewellery!

The London Jewellery School is offering a two-and-an-half hour jewellery-making workshop this Friday for those who want to put a little something different under the Christmas tree. In small groups of six, participants are first taught basic beading skills to make simple, yet adorable, earrings and bracelets before letting your imagination and creativity run wild!

If you are dazzled by the colours and beauty, so will your friends and family. Photo: Carmen Kong

Even if you are a helplessly colour-blind beginner like myself, the friendliness of the teacher, as well as the relaxing and chatty atmosphere, will allow your mind to relax and make the most memorable jewellery of your own. All materials and refreshments are included, so just sit back, relax, hum along with Michel Bublé in the background and unleash your creative side.

Advice for absolute beginners:

1.Try to make it simple. Most of the time less is more!

2.Have the person you’re making it for in mind and you’ll see what works and what doesn’t.

3.Similar colour schemes match, but sometimes a big contrast such as green, orange and gold, work surprisingly well.

Last warning: It is almost guaranteed that you will walk out of the studio, wanting to keep all the goodies to yourself. For the sake of checking that Christmas present list, think of a back-up plan!

The one-off course costs £35, with materials and refreshments. More information can be found on http://www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk