A JEWELLERY maker has designs on teaching her skills to others at her new studio and shop in Barnard Castle.
For the past 15 years Elizabeth Chamberlain has been designing and making custom jewellery from her home studio in Gainford. She has been selling at trade and craft fairs all over the country, as well as through her own website – and with great success.
However last month, bucking the trend of working from home, Ms Chamberlain opened her own high street shop and studio.
The mother of three said: “While I had my children the home studio was great, but I needed more space.
“I started jewellery making workshops in a tearoom in Richmond. They were really more successful than I could have imagined.
“I found that people were wanting to learn more about jewellery-making, but you can’t teach that unless you are in a workshop,” she added.
When a former hairdresser’s shop on The Bank became available, she jumped at the opportunity.
Ms Chamberlain, who trained at the University of Manchester, added: “When I was younger, I always wanted to have my own shop, a jewellery shop, after I started making my own.
“Over the last few years with everything the way it has been, it was a bit daunting, but my husband (Chris Bird) encouraged me to go for it.
“It [the shop] is somewhere I can offer workshops but also sell the jewellery which I design and make.”
The cost of workshops start from £70 per person and interest has been positive, with a growing number of enquiries from private parties.
She added: “At the end of the workshop you get to take the piece of silver jewellery you’ve made home with you.
“I’ve also got a workshop designed especially for prospective brides and grooms and that is really popular,” said Ms Chamberlain.
Couples looking to tie the knot can design and make their future spouses’ wedding band.
Ms Chamberlain said: “It is something nice to do because you are adding a little bit more importance and meaning to your partner’s wedding ring. It is something crafted by you, for the rest of your lives together.
“The great thing about jewellery design and making is there is always something new to learn and that is what I really love about it and I have really enjoyed doing the workshops and can’t wait to do them here.”
The shop studio will be open Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 3pm but these hours are subject to change because of attendance at fairs and events.
