So You Want to Make Jewellery

Do you find yourself admiring a piece of jewellery but also wondering about the process behind it? That was my situation before I began making jewellery. I was travelling the world as an air hostess and being exposed to some really fascinating jewellery designs like pieces from Afghanistan and Yemen. I’d enjoy looking at them but my brain wanted more information, I was trying to understand the creation process.

So I followed my curiosity and took my savings off to Florence where I spent two weeks under the watchful eye of a master metalsmith, learning by his side. At that point, I didn’t know anything about jewellery courses or various techniques like lost wax, sandcasting or construction jewellery. I just took a selection of pictures of some rings I liked from the internet and asked the teacher to help me copy them exactly. How things would have been different had I known what I know now...

Start Local

When you begin looking into studying metalsmithing it can feel overwhelming, there are so many courses and the prices can really vary. After my own course in Florence, I came away able to make the handful of rings I’d insisted on copying but unable to do anything else. This led to a few years of self study and then multiple small courses which really slowed down my learning journey.

As a jeweller, a lot of people ask me for advice on course recommendations and I always say the same thing: find a local foundational course. In metalsmithing each technique is a world of its own which needs to be mastered. A two year foundational course at a local college will give you all you need to have a good base in your craft.

But what if you don’t want to commit to a 2 year foundational course?
I feel you, it’s a lot of time and money to go so deep into something which you don’t even know if it’s for you yet. Well in that case, I’d say begin like me with a short intensive metalsmithing course to dip your toes in the craft without the time commitment. Just make sure there’s some structure so you can come away ready to self study your new hobby.

I offer an intensive jewellery making course here in Barcelona which meets those requirements. Having been in your position and having learnt the hard way, I’ve set up the course to equip you with a base of techniques to introduce you to metalsmithing so that post course you can leave with clarity about your next step on your jewellery making journey.

No hidden costs, no surprises.
Over the years, I attended another jewellery course here in Barcelona. After paying for the course, I received a list of tools and metal I was expected to buy. I had to spend a small fortune. It’s through these lived experiences that I could define what I wanted and what I didn’t want on my own course offering. With Musa Mundi, there are no hidden costs or surprises, everything you need is provided within the original price.

A present teacher by your side.
I attended one course where each time I needed to speak to the teacher, I had to wait around 30 minutes while he raced amongst the 20+ students. With the Musa Mundi intensive there will be 1 or 2 students, we sit at a large bench of 3 and I will be in the middle, always by your side and ready to guide you with presence. As you’ll see, we’ll advance more quickly than a large group setting and you can ask as many questions as you can think of.

A creative retreat
I would describe the time you’ll spend in the Musa Mundi workshop as a creative retreat. Each day you’ll walk through the bustling neighbourhood of Sant Antoni and step into our peaceful workshop with a calming playlist, a big selection of jewellers books and all the tools you could dream of admiring.

I’ll be there to guide, teach and inspire you as we delve into metalsmithing basics. I’ve been on my creative journey for 10 years and I have much to share about living from your art, attending markets, how to grow on social media and how to price your work. Or perhaps you just want to sip tea, pull a tarot card and reflect. I’m happy to meet you where you are.

Meet your teacher
In case you’re new here, I’m Lyd, a Yorkshire lass residing in Barcelona. I’ve been making jewellery for 10 years now. I run my jewellery business online and locally here in the city attending markets and working with a few select shops.

In a world filled with mass production and clone jewellery, I like to keep my pieces one-of-a-kind, with an imperfect human touch. I’d describe my work as art jewellery. I’m big on leaning into authenticity and your unique creative expression.

My teaching style is relaxed and warm, however I also want to empower you to get confident with the craft and connect with your inner artist. You can expect thorough explanations, patience and enthusiasm to share the craft. I hope you’ll feel welcome in the space and I’m sure you’ll go away feeling happy, inspired and proud of what you’ve achieved.

5 day Intensive Jewellery Course Information
Submerge yourself in the world of metalsmithing in the Musa Mundi Barcelona workshop and learn the basics to deepen your jewellery making hobby. In this 5 day intensive jewellery course, as well as getting familiar with tools, machinery and industry processes, we’ll explore the following techniques:

Sawing & filing
Soldering
Metal forming
Bezel Setting
Wax work
Sand Casting

You’ll come away with a 3-4 pieces of jewellery and the knowledge of how to not only repeat those pieces but how to branch over to new designs as you delve into your jewellery making journey.

Course cost: €1200
Course duration: 10am-2pm for 5 days
Course location: Sant Antoni, Barcelona, Spain
Course dates: flexible, we can decide a date post purchase.

I’m so excited to have you here, any questions, get in touch.