In 2024 Debbie returns to further explore techniques and ideas in making jewellery. There will be the opportunity to design and make pieces. Setting beautiful, precious or interesting stones can be one of the key skills or activities in jewellery making!

We will be learning Stone Setting, in either a Pendant, Simple Pin back or Earrings. Beginners will be creating a simple bezel setting which can be used for a pendant, as the technique of setting is, in itself, a lot to learn as a beginner - and very rewarding! There are a lot of variations that can be explored within this project, depending on your experience, and what excites you about the technique.

Students who are reasonably comfortable soldering on their own may want to choose to do a pin back piece or a pair of earrings instead of a pendant. Learning to balance the needs of the project type, with the type of stone and style of setting, is part of the process! Experienced students will be given the chance to create a setting for a faceted stone.

Materials will be provided, including copper for practice and silver for the final pieces. Stones are included, I will bring a selection of stones and cords to choose from, or, you can choose to pay a little more and choose something different. I can also bring along a variety of chains for those who wish to purchase.

My name is Debbie Bishop, I have been making Jewellery consistently for 7 years after some on and off experience in previous years. I have been teaching for 4 years, I am currently teaching at Workspace Studios and Hagley College, in Christchurch.

I thoroughly enjoy teaching, the best part for me is when I watch a student admire a finished piece, seeing that look of pride and happiness on their faces, and knowing that feeling, brings me great joy to know I helped them achieve that feeling.

Inspiration for my own work comes from the colours, textures and shapes in nature, constant but forever changing.