From Beginner to Maker: Inside the Foundation in Silver Jewellery with Tutor Laura-Jayne (podcast episode)
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, host Anna Campbell chats with tutor and mentor Laura Jayne of Small Dog Silver about the Foundation in Silver Jewellery course - the perfect starting point for beginners wanting to make beautiful jewellery from home.
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Laura-Jayne shares her passion for mentoring new makers, watching them grow from total novices to confident creators. Together, Anna and Laura Jayne dive into what the 5-week online Foundation course offers, from learning essential techniques like saw piercing, soldering, and stone setting, to creating five stunning finished pieces: two rings, two necklaces, and a pair of earrings.
They also address common concerns about learning jewellery making online, highlighting the high-quality video lessons, step-by-step guidance, and supportive feedback, including a one-to-one call with Laura Jayne herself. Plus, you’ll hear practical tips on setting up a workspace at home, what tools and materials you need (hint: there’s a toolkit for that!), and why this course is a game-changer for anyone curious about starting their jewellery journey.
If you've wanted to learn silver jewellery making as a new hobby or career, this episode is packed with encouragement and expert advice.
About Laura Jayne
Laura Jayne is a jeweller and the founder of Small Dog Silver. Based in rural Shropshire, working mainly with recycled precious metals, Laura-Jayne keeps eco-friendliness at the heart of her work. The use of textures and patina features heavily in Laura Jayne’s jewellery, giving her pieces a whimsical folklore feeling. She is an experienced tutor and mentor for the Foundation course as well as for our Diploma in Silver Jewellery.
Foundation in silver jewellery
Want to take the Foundation in Silver Jewellery? We have intakes for this 5-week online course throughout the year and even have tools and materials kits available to help make it easy to get started.
10 Essential tools for getting started with silver jewellery making
Jess chats with jeweller Laura Jayne about 10 essential tools for getting started with silver jewellery making. Laura Jayne teaches the brand new Jewellers Academy Foundation in Silver Jewellery course. To celebrate this she joins us on the show to take us through the absolute essential tools every budding silver jewellery maker needs and shares lots of other useful hints and tips around tools.