Introduction to Silversmithing

Introduction to Silversmithing

Most people arrive at their first silversmithing workshop convinced they aren't creative. They leave with a piece of silver they made with their own hands. That transformation — from doubt to making — is what this workshop is about.

Don Sankey has been teaching people to work with silver for over two decades, across the UK, Brunei, and the UAE. He knows that the hardest part isn't learning the technique. It's giving yourself permission to try. His introductory workshops are designed to remove every obstacle between you and the craft — no experience is required, all tools and materials are provided, and the session moves at a pace that lets everyone find their feet.

In three hours on a Saturday morning, you'll learn to cut, shape and finish sterling silver — leaving with a completed piece you designed and made yourself. Previous students have made rings, pendants, wire initial letters and small sculptural forms. What you make is up to you.

Don's approach is straightforward: "There's no way to get it wrong, really." And he means it.

What's included
Everything. Tools, equipment, 925 sterling silver, and Don's full attention throughout. You bring nothing except curiosity.

Who it's for
Complete beginners. No artistic background, no metalwork experience, no prior knowledge of any kind is assumed or required.

Duration: 3 hours (Saturday mornings, 9am–12pm)
Price: £85 per person
Group size: Minimum 4, maximum 8 — kept deliberately small so everyone gets proper time with Don.
Location: Venues across Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, including The Wine Cellar in Bury St. Edmunds and Ely College. Current dates and locations listed below.

To secure your place, register your interest at least one week in advance. Sessions only go ahead when a minimum of four participants are confirmed — so the sooner you register, the sooner we can confirm your date.