Kintsugi for Jewellery, Bristol

Join me...

at the brilliant and beautiful Orchard Jewellery Workshop, to learn the Japanese art of kintsugi repair for broken ceramics and gemstones. Spend a relaxed few hours with likeminded folk, immersed in the processes, tools and materials of kintsugi. You will be supported to complete the repair of one item, either ceramic or gemstone - using epoxy, coated with traditional natural Japanese Urushi (tree sap) lacquer and finished to a stunning gold-hued shine with fine brass powder. WHAT TO EXPECT  This workshop is suitable for complete beginners. You don't have to have kintsugi or Jewellery making experience. All materials for the workshop, and hot drinks are included in the price.  Suitable ceramic items will be available for you to choose from on the day. If you wish to bring a piece to work on (either ceramic or gemstone), it needs to be under 20cm diameter, with a simple break, in just two or three pieces and one or two small chips. If it is a vessel, it needs to be an open shape such as a plate, dish or shallow bowl rather than something with a tighter opening such as a cup or jug. Small shards of ceramic repaired with kintsugi can also make beautiful additions to jewellery. If you have something you’d like to break, bring it unbroken to the workshop. If you aren’t sure if your piece is suitable please do send me a picture and I’ll let you know. ABOUT THE KINTSUGI MATERIALS We will be working with epoxy glue, epoxy putty, urushi and brass powder.  Urushi is a natural lacquer made from the sap of the Chinese lacquer tree Toxicodendron vernicifluum and we will be using it as a finishing layer and adhesive for the brass. Brass is beautiful for decorative items but is not food-safe. For a finish that can be used in contact with food, you can simply leave off the brass - urushi lacquer works well as a final layer and is available in glossy red-brown or black (you can see examples on my website or instagram). Urushi is completely food-safe when fully cured. However, in it’s uncured state it can be highly irritant to some people if it comes into contact with their skin, causing reactions similar to poison ivy. Please wear long sleeves and leg covering. Gloves are provided. PAYMENT Your booking is secured with a £20 deposit. Please select your workshop price using the Sliding Scale Guide on the Booking Form. Bring the remainder of your payment in cash on the day or contact me for alternative payment methods.