Jewellery (and more!) Workshop

We begin, whenever possible, by gaining information about a new Artmaker prior to their arrival regarding their abilities and interests.

Their first session will usually involve a little experimentation with different size beads or some wire work which allows us to gauge where to pitch their initial work and then a gentle discussion about their preferences.

Their progression would come from us encouraging them to try new things outside their comfort zone and which they felt were beyond their capabilities. We are able to provide various aids and “tricks” to enable them to achieve success. They will learn that by persevering their skills can improve.

We use some of the centre’s quarterly themes as a basis for our work along with any exhibition work or community projects which might be taking place in the year. Many of the pieces produced in the jewellery workshop take a good few weeks for an Artmaker to complete so we don’t necessarily follow each one. We can also pitch work towards exhibitions giving Artmakers the opportunity to take part either as an individual piece or as a collaborative group piece. We also take on commissions.

Artmakers have the opportunity to work on their own individual projects, which we then aim to have as a saleable item to be stocked by our own retail outlet. Sometimes, we are lucky enough to have space at some prominent galleries in the area. We believe there is a huge personal value to the Artmaker in selling an item they have made.

They are also given the opportunity to be involved in group projects from time to time, for example, a collaboration with a local community group. This presents the opportunity to experience team working and be part of a wider project.

• Physical skills – arm, fingers, wrist movements
• Fine motor skills
• Coordination
• Cognitive skills
• Improves confidence
• Reduces Stress
• Reduces Anxiety
• Improves mood
• Improves mental agility
• Improves memory
• Improves self confidence
• Improves focus

We work hard to provide a relaxing, calm, friendly environment and encourage “chit-chat” to improve social and communication skills and emotional wellbeing. We find that within this atmosphere, the Artmakers are very good at supporting, respecting, and caring for each other as well as the staff.

• Discussion of new projects regarding their own ideas and preferences.
• Artmakers each have their own personal workbox and are given their own equipment to keep within it whenever possible.
• Providing adaptations such as aids, lights, working out different approaches to enable them to complete as much of the task as independently as possible.
• Encouraging each Artmaker to choose and gather the materials they need and to pack away at the end of the session.
• Involve Artmakers in the general upkeep of the workshop should they wish such as sorting beads.
• Encouraging an Artmaker if they wish to have a workshop “task/duty”

In our workshop, we use a range of communication methods to help everyone engage and express themselves:

Verbal communication: Encouraging talking or singing to build confidence and communication skills.

Makaton: Using signs, gestures, and symbols alongside speech to support communication in various workshop activities.

Gesture-based communication: Including simple hand signals or facial expressions to help participants understand each other.

Body language and movement: Employing physical techniques to support self-expression, coordination, and expression.

Wellbeing, mental and physical, going “Beyond their Expectations”.

Artmakers have a socially enjoyable experience, whilst learning new skills which have a physical benefit for many, therefore improving their overall wellbeing and health.

They actively convey their sense of achievement. Many will have achieved something they didn’t think they were capable of. Some believe their disability prevents them creating such fine work, so they get a huge mental benefit when their work is sold.