Excellent course, well run and reasonably priced. Was a joy to spend a day with like minded people learning new skills and experiencing this craft for the first time.
Karen, aided by Emma have a huge amount of knowledge and experience which they shared with ease and clarity.
I was very pleased with my first attempt at this and have 3 beautiful bangles as a memento! I recommend you try this !
Many thanks Jacky! Enjoy wearing your brilliant bangles ⚒️ well done!!! 👏
Cecile Morales2026.04.18
Absolutely LOVED the workshop. Great atmosphere, great space and great people. Thank you to Karen & her assistant Emma for a fabulous day!
I've already signed up to an 8-week class and cannot wait to go back.
🔥🧯thanks so much!- it’s always great to see what you’ll make next Xx
wendy2026.03.25
I am a huge fan of Karen’s workshops and often do the same one a number of times and make something a bit different each time. This was the first time for me attending this course and I will definitely be back. I am not artistic or talented at all and yet every time I leave, I leave with an item of jewellery that I am so very proud of, all down to the tuition. I just love it
Such an enjoyable workshop!! Karen is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. I’m thrilled with my handmade ring and love adding these wide-ranging one-day workshops alongside working through the training levels. I’m now booked onto the next level of training and can’t wait! If you fancy giving one of her classes or levels a go, I suspect you’d be hard-pressed to find better.
I had an idea of the of kind of bracelet I would like to make. Both Karen and Emma supported me, (a lot! ), through the creative process.Thrilled with the end product. A professional and friendly workshop. I would highly recommend.
Many thanks Sally and enjoy wearing your brilliant new silver bangles! Xx
Alison King2026.02.17
This was simply the best taster course everyone! 💍 Karen and her lovely assistant Emma gave us the best experience combining excellent instruction with brilliant support. Thrilled with what we created under their guidance and highly recommend. We will definitely be back for more tasters soon 🤩
Ah thanks so much!!! Was great to meet you and looking forward to more adventures in making! X⚒️
Lindsey Ward2026.02.16
What an amazing set up! Karen and Emma expertly guided us through the process so that we each left wearing our gorgeous gemstone set silver ring. Proper coffee, chocolate biscuits and creativity. It’s is worth every penny!
Ah thanks so much!!! So lovely to meet you and support your creativity! 🥰 xx
Jo Czarnecki2026.02.16
Thank you for a great morning Karen and Emma. I really enjoyed learning how to create a fabulous ring. I love it!!! I’m planning to do the silversmiths course level 1. 👏👏
Fabulous day learning new skills. Small group setting with amazing tuition throughout. Hardest part was choosing what to do as there were so many beautiful variations for the spinner ring. Will be back!
Thanks so much for your lovely words! We really enjoy supporting your creativity ⚒️🥳 xx
J Corlett2026.02.10
I had the most interesting day on Sunday at Benchspace making a swivel ring. Karen was so helpful and informative about the process I could follow the instructions clearly and if I couldn't she was very willing to help. Lovely group hope we meet again.
This place has helped me fall back in love with jewellery making again. Even going as far as bringing to life a silver birch ring. I still have it with me today.
Many thanks Annie! Well done to you both on creating your spinner rings and stacking rings, they looked fab 🤩⚒️👏xx
Stephen M Goldsmith2025.09.27
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Located in the heart of Brightlingsea, this Silversmith and Jewellery School is something really special. With Karen at the helm it’s run like a tight ship—fully equipped with every tool you could imagine (and more!). The tutors travel from far and wide to share their expertise, but honestly, what Karen doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing.
The school has such a welcoming atmosphere, and the setting is wonderful too—with hip restaurants, a friendly pub, and sea views across the estuary. A perfect place to learn, create, and be inspired.
Thanks so much Steve for your lovely words! It was a pleasure to host your wonderful masterclass and level up our students in their polishing and finishing skills. You bring 55 years wealth of amazing experience from all corners of the trade, and shared so generously ! We hope to see you again next year for more adventures in metalsmithing xxx
Bezel Bootcamp Workshop
I can't recommend Benchspace's Bezel Bootcamp weekend workshop enough. It was an absolutely fantastic experience, and a huge part of that was down to our incredible instructor, Kitty.
Kitty's not just a talented silversmith - she's an amazing teacher who clearly loves sharing her knowledge. Kitty has a knack for explaining complex techniques in a way that's easy to understand, breaking everything down into manageable steps. Her patient and encouraging approach makes everyone feel comfortable and confident & she was always on hand to offer individual guidance and tips, making sure we all got the most out of every moment.
The workshop itself was brilliantly structured, covering all the essentials of bezel setting with a detailed guide explaining the steps along with illustrations & photos. We learned about different tools, metals, and, of course, how to securely and beautifully set gemstones & sea glass. Benchspace provides a fantastic learning environment with all the necessary equipment, and the atmosphere was relaxed and supportive.
By the end of the weekend, I was genuinely thrilled with what I'd accomplished. Thanks to Kitty's expert guidance, I walked away with not only new skills but also beautiful pieces of jewellery I'd made myself.
If you're considering a bezel setting course, do yourself a favour and sign up for the Bezel Bootcamp at Benchspace – especially if Kitty is teaching😊 You won't be disappointed.
Many thanks Maxine 😊! Beautiful and unique jewellery made by your very clever hands xx
Jojo Bennett2025.07.27
Just completed the Bezel Bootcamp weekender, and had an amazing time! We were taught various methods for mounting Cabochon stones and sea glass within our own unique designs.
The atmosphere was buzzing with enthusiasm and creativity, and time flies because everyone enjoys being there.
There’s no pressure or high expectations, just first class, passionate tutors who demonstrate techniques and bring out your potential.
You’ll surprise yourself so come along and see what all the fuss is about.
Benchspace is our happy place and Karen and Kitty are the jewels in the crown! x
Lovely words ! Thanks so much! We’re so glad you enjoyed it and are feeling so much more confident in your making skills. You made really great work, well done Jo 👏👌⚒️!
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