Much news! classes! masterclasses! new jewellery! events!

Greetings! 

I have a lot of news! So this is a long one about new masterclasses, new termly class schedules, new jewellery, a new award and a talk by me at Modern Art Oxford! 

Award from Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council

I am delighted that I have won an award for my work from the Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council. At the moment, that's all I know because the details are under wraps until 3 March! The award is for a silver box I made at the end of last year. All will be revealed after 3 March. More details to follow!

The Art of Jewellery Making

20 March 2025

6:00 pm

-

7:00 pm

Free, no booking necessary

I'm going to be talking about my career as a jeweller and my jewellery along with a bit of demonstrating at Modern Art Oxford. I would love it if you could come!

My jewellery has been available in the newly refurbished Modern Art Oxford in central Oxford since autumn last year.

Find the gallery’s main entrance at 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP.

modernartoxford.org.uk

Learn how to expand your skills using Argentium silver!

Are you curious about Argentium silver and how it could benefit your practice? Whether you're new to Argentium or have experience working with it, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to explore its unique properties and versatility.

* a few spaces left *

FORGE

59 Leather Ln, London EC1N 7TJ

Date: Friday 28 March, 2025

Start Time: 10:00am

End Time: 4:30pm

Venue: FORGE

Learn how to make silver jewellery in Reading!

My termly classes in Reading are now possible to join for 5 weeks as well as 10 weeks. You can now join the class starting the week of 3 March on Monday or Tuesday evenings (Wednesday class is full). The 5 week term is £87.50

Prefer to join for a whole 10 week term? The next term of my Maiden Erlegh jewellery evening classes are starting the week of 28 April. If you would like to learn how to make jewellery, you can book now. To book, email me. There is more information on my website HERE. 

18:45 – 21:15 Monday evenings – all abilities welcome

18:45 – 21:15 Tuesday evenings – all abilities welcome

18:45 – 21:15 Wednesday evenings – intermediate/advanced welcome

Bishopsland Summer School

Bishopsland are offering an exciting new Summer School programme, where I am delighted to be teaching! Fancy learning different ways to set square stones? Learn two ways of setting square stones in a wonderful location with individualised help over three days. 

Booking is now open! 

Find out all the details here on the Bishopsland website: 

https://bishopsland.org.uk/events/577-512-996-277-363-744/

This is my new slim radius bangle - available in gold plate (above), silver and oxidised silver. These bangles are now at the New Ashgate Gallery. They will also be available in May and June at Henley Arts Trail, Oxfordshire ArtWeeks and Whiteknights Studio Trail. 

Art trails: Henley Arts Trail, Oxfordshire Artweeks and Whiteknights Studio Trail plus the V&A!

 It's going to be a busy spring! I'll be at three arts trails and the V&A! 

Events

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Silversmithing demonstration at the V&A Museum
16 May

Join us at V&A South Kensington to see demonstrations by silversmiths whose work encompasses a range of styles and techniques.

Along with other silversmiths, I will be demonstrating as part of London Craft Week at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London on the afternoon of 16 May. I will show my scoring tools and show how to score metal. I will also have some finished pieces to show that I made using the scoring technique.

Exhibitions

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A BANK HOLIDAY SHOWCASE OF CREATIVITY
4th-6th MAY
I will be at venue 13: Oaken Grove Vineyard

From Henley-On-Thames take the A4155 towards Marlow, after approx 1.5 miles turn left onto Benhams Lane and continue for approx 0.8 miles until you arrive at Oaken Grove vineyard.

Parking is available on site.

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18-26 May 2024 

Six great jewellers present a selection of jewellery and silversmithing in silver and gold to appeal to many different tastes. Beautifully crafted using traditional techniques, this gorgeous jewellery includes rings, earrings, necklaces, cuff links and more. There are pieces made with gold, silver, a combination of gold and silver and various gemstones. Our group includes three jewellery teachers and most of us accept commissions, so please come by and have a chat about jewellery and jewellery making! 

Venue:

Peach Croft Farm
Twelve Acre Drive
Abingdon
OX142HP

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Whiteknights Studio Trail
Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 June 2024

Whiteknights Studio Trail is coming! On the weekend of 8th and 9th June, we will open our studios and venues, to everyone who wants to see the art made in and around the university area of Reading.
I will be at 1 Marlborough Avenue.

Overdue update: exhibits next year and book news

 It's been a while since I updated, mostly due to finishing up at the Royal College of Art and graduating in September. It's been an eventful few months! The highlights are: 

Book News: 

You can listen to me chat about my and Janet's book "Silver Jewellery Making" with host Sharon on the Jewelry Journey podcast: find me here in two part episode number 207: https://thejewelryjourney.com/podcasts/ 

Our book is included in the Cooksongold Christmas catalogue: https://www.cooksongold.com/Books/Silver-Jewellery-Making-By-Machi-De-Waard-And-Janet-Richardson-prcode-999-A204 

And Kernowcraft now also stock it: https://www.kernowcraft.com/products/just-arrived/silver-jewellery-making-a-complete-step-by-step-course-for-beginners-machi-de-waard-janet-richardson

Jewellery News:

My work is available at the lovely New Ashgate Gallery, always worth a visit if you're into high quality craft! https://www.newashgate.org.uk/shop_artists/7702/c/101/machi-de-waard/jewellery 

I'm also delighted to have my work at Platform Gallery, Clitheroe: Winter Showcase of British Craft October 2023 – January 2024 

I will be participating in Henley Arts Trail 4-6 May 2024 - details to be confirmed, but I will be at a vineyard near Hembleden. 

I will also be taking part in Oxfordshire Artweeks at Peach Croft Farm near Abingdon - well worth a visit to see amazing work in a beautiful barn. And there's a lovely farm shop & cafe right next door! Plus plenty of parking. 18-26 May 2024

Teaching News: 

My regular evening classes at Maiden Erlegh in Reading are in full swing again. The next term starts January 29th. Please contact me if you have questions. 

I'm doing private lessons again as well, here are some examples of recent work by private lesson students: 

solid silver armband

silver oval hoop earrings

And lastly, rather randomly, I was on the radio talking to Andrew Peach on BBC Berkshire due to my connection with Reading PA and Reading UK, as I've lived the bulk of my life in one or the other! I'm on at around 7:25am - it was an early morning!- which you can find here (scroll to about 1 hour 25 minutes in): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0ghx2qh

Royal College of Art Public Exhibition 30 June - 3 July 2023

 

RCA2023: Royal College of Art Battersea

I will be exhibiting my work made at the RCA in the Woo Building on the first floor. 

Woo Building
Royal College of Art
Howie Street
London SW11 3AN

30 June – 3 July 2023

From 30 June to 3 July, MA students who started in September 2022 will be offering visitors an insight into the RCA’s work and creativity, through exhibitions, events, interactive activities and discussions with artists, designers and creative practitioners.

Opening hours

Open to the public from 12–6pm daily, with a late opening on Friday 30 June until 7.30pm.

Getting to the RCA

For information on getting to the RCA, and the accessibility of our campuses, see Visiting the RCA.

RCA2023 online

Physical exhibitions and events will be accompanied by a digital platform allowing visitors from across the world to discover content by theme and collections.

Royal College of Art: MA in Jewellery and Metal

 

I'm thrilled that I have just started an MA at the Royal College of Art in Jewellery & Metal. It's all very exciting and I am already working on my first project. This does mean that there might not be much blog updating for a while, as the course is full time. I'm also still teaching my evening jewellery making classes at Maiden Erlegh in Reading. As ever, if you have questions about jewellery or jewellery making classes, please feel free to contact me!

Craft Festival Bovey Tracey 16-19 June 2022: stand A11

 

I'm delighted to be participating in the Craft Festival at Bovey Tracey for the first time this year. You can find out more about how to get to the festival and how to buy tickets here: www.craftfestival.co.uk/Visitor-info-BoveyTracey. 

The festival is open Friday - Sunday from 10 - 5 each day. 

Directions

SAT NAV co-ordinates TQ13 9AL

Bovey Tracey is only 2 miles off the A38 Exeter to Plymouth Expressway.

Exit the A38 at Drumbridges Roundabout and follow signs to Bovey Tracey town centre. 

Follow the AA signs to The Craft Festival. 

Nearest train station Newton Abbot. Regular buses from Exeter, Torquay and Newton Abbot stop at Bovey Tracey. The nearest train station is Newton Abbot. Bus 39 takes you to Bovey Tracey from Newton Station. Exeter International Airport is 18.5 miles away. 

Tickets available here: www.craftfestival.co.uk/Ticket-info-BoveyTracey

 

Whiteknights Studio Trail 2022

Whiteknights Studio Trail 11 & 12 June 

11 – 12 June 2022 Whiteknights Arts Trail at the Museum of English Rural Life. 11 – 6 each day.I'll be there, next to the cafe with all the cakes, ha! I'll be alongside Ursula Waechter, a ceramicist. 

Oxfordshire Artweeks 14 - 22 May 2022

I am taking part in Oxfordshire Artweeks once again this year! It is 14 - 22 May 2022. The opening hours are 10 - 5. 

I will be there: 

10 - 12 on Saturday 14 May 

all day Sunday 15 May with a special Meet the Authors events with my co-author Janet Richardson. 

10 - 1pm  Friday 20 May

all day Saturday 21 May 

I am exhibiting with 4 other jewellers in a fabulous barn filled with other art such as paintings and ceramics. There's also a lovely farm shop in which you can get a snack or hot or cold drink. And there's plenty of easy parking! 

Venue

Peach Croft Farm Barn

Twelve Acre Drive

Abingdon

OX14 2HP

Website: 

http://www.peachcroft.co.uk

Facilities available: 

Accessible for Wheelchairs, Demonstrations, Refreshments, Parking

Silver Jewellery Making at Community Arts Maiden Erlegh - starting in May

Hurrah!

Silver jewellery making classes are starting again at Community Arts at Maiden Erlegh in Reading!!! Finally, after much Covid disruption, we are starting classes again from 9 May 2022.

I will be teaching the Monday and Wednesday evenings (Cathy will be teaching the Tuesday evenings).  

To book, click here: https://www.maidenerleghschool.co.uk/page/?title=Workshops+%26amp%3B+Courses&pid=130

The dates are: 

Silver Jewellery dates		Silver Jewellery dates		Silver Jewellery dates
Monday		Tuesday		Wednesday
09/05/2022		10/05/2022		11/05/2022
16/05/2022		17/05/2022		18/05/2022
23/05/2022		24/05/2022		25/05/2022
06/06/2022		07/06/2022		08/06/2022
13/06/2022		14/06/2022		15/06/2022
20/06/2022		21/06/2022		22/06/2022
04/07/2022		05/07/2022		06/07/2022
11/07/2022		12/07/2022		13/07/2022

Craft Festival Cheltenham 11 - 13 March 2022

 

Craft Festival Cheltenham

11 - 13 March 2022
 

I am excited to be exhibiting at this show in Cheltenham Town Hall the weekend of 11-13 March! I would be delighted to see you if you can make it. There will be crafts galore, events, demonstrations - and if you're into The Great Pottery Throwdown, Keith Brymer-Jones will be interviewed live on the Friday!

 

Happy New Year 2022!!!

Happy New Year! New Year, new goals, new plans! 

I have lots of plans, including teaching and craft events. Hopefully Covid will calm down and everything will go ahead. 

 

Craft Fairs:

At this year's events, I'm will be showcasing a new range of modern lockets, which I am very excited about! Craft Fairs and events I'll be doing this year include: 

11 – 13 March 2022 Cheltenham Festival of Crafts

30 April – 1 & 2 May 2022 Henley Arts Trail

14 – 22 May 2022 Oxfordshire Artweeks

11 – 12 June 2022 Whiteknights Arts Trail

17 – 19 June 2022 Bovey Tracey Festival of Crafts

 

Jewellery Making Classes: 

JASSO near Oxford

I'm doing a series of Masterclasses in Abingdon, near Oxford at the fabulous workshop of JASSO. You must be a member of JASSO, but at £20/year it is very good value. Details can be found at this link: https://jasso.org.uk/jasso/short-courses/ 

• Sunday 20 February – Keum boo (1 day)
• 19 and 20 March – little box with a one knuckle simple hinge (2 days)
• 15 and 16 October – trillion stone setting (2 days)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Henley School of Art, Henley on Thames

Monday Afternoon - Beginners Silver Jewellery Course

SPRING TERM - An 8 Week Course! See details here: https://www.thehenleyschoolofart.com/event-details/daytime-beginners-silver-jewellery-course-with-machi-de-waard-spring

Term starts Monday 24th January 2022

Half Term Monday 21st February 2022

Last day of term: Monday 21st March 2022

Only 3 spaces left! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New jewellery classes in Oxford & Henley and Arts Trail in September

 

 

Henley School of Art

New Classes:

Saturday 25 September – Making Silver Rings

Saturday 23 October – Making Silver Bangles

Saturday 4 December – Making Silver Rings

Learn the basics of silver jewellery making a wear a piece you made yourself by the end of the course! For more information and to book, see www.thehenleyschoolofart.com/courses

 

JASSO
New termly class!
Thursdays 10am - 1pm

Starts 16 September  I will be teaching a 10 week class at the fantastic workshop of the Jewellery and Silversmithing Society of Oxford. To join, you must be a member of JASSO but joining is incredibly good value at £20/year.

 

11 & 12 September 2021
I will be at Venue 10 St. Luke’s Community Hall, Norfolk Road, Maidenhead, SL6 7AT along with six other artists. Come see jewellery, paintings and ceramics!

Henley Arts Trail 2021

 

Henley Arts Trail 2021

Lots of fabulous venues this year! See me at venue 12!

Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th July
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th July
10am – 4pm each day

Venue 12: Henley School of Art

The Studio, 30c Hart Street, RG9 2AU

Amenities in the venue:
Demonstrations/work in progress, Toilets for visitors, Wheelchair access.

Various jewellery related goings on: book and locket

It's been a while since I posted, mostly somehow lost in a lockdown fug where every day sort of passes in similar fashion. But this very, very long month of March is drawing to a close. The sun is shining, the daylight is longer and the spring flowers are out in full force. Hurrah! Let's hope we have a lovely summer, getting closer to being safer with every vaccination! 

In book news, my and Janet's book Silver Jewellery Making is out there in the world. Janet went on Jewellery Maker TV and for a brief moment (about half a day), our book had the coveted "Best Seller" banner on Amazon in our category of metal work! That was quite exciting! Also very thrilling for us is that we are now on TWO recommended book lists. The first is on Metalsmith Society's page, here: https://metalsmithsociety.com/pages/book-recommendations. The second is on Nottingham Jewellery School's blog, which is here:  https://www.nottinghamjewelleryschool.co.uk/post/reading-recommendations

On that second list, check out the Jewellers Creative Journal if you fancy some help with your creative process. I haven't seen it yet, but a friend recommended it and said it's great if you're just starting building up your own designs.

Both of those are well worth following on Instagram, by the way, if you're on there, at @metalsmithsociety and @nottinghamjewelleryschool

Otherwise, I have been busy making lots of new jewellery pieces. At the moment, I am on my quest to make modern lockets. This is one of those lockets. It's my "mini orb" locket, made from sterling silver and 13mm in diameter. I am enjoying getting a better grip on hinges, learning what to look out for and what works well. I figured out that several times, I thought the hinge knuckles were sitting nicely in their little groove, but it turned out that they were ever so slightly *above* the bottom of the groove, which meant that later down the line, the fit was not as good as I wanted. So I've learned to get the loupe out and check under the hinge knuckles from the side to make sure they are sitting down properly in the groove. The tube I'm using is 1.2mm outside diameter, so loupe required! Anyway, here are photos of my mini orb locket: 

Happy New Year!!

Silver Jewellery Making: a complete step-by-step course is NEARLY here. It's published 1 February and is available, amongst others, at the following places: 

• Search Press (publisher’s website)
• Waterstones
• Amazon UK
  
• Penguin Random House (USA)
• Amazon USA   

Janet and I were SUPER excited to get our own copies of our book right before Christmas! It was quite a moment to see it really, truly in print! 

I wish I could tell you about exciting launch events we're doing, but sadly that will have to wait until the situation improves. For now, it's all online! Janet and I will be in the Henley Standard very soon , talking a bit about how the book came about and the content. We're also over on the More Arts website! Various other things are in the pipeline, so I'll update when things happen. 

I hope the new year will bring many positive things for everyone. The vaccination has started, which is great. I am really missing seeing people, so I'm looking forward to the day I can make lots of plans with everyone! For now, the only outing is the post office or the supermarket, so I am glad I have my studio to retreat to as a creative outlet. I've made many new pieces of jewellery, which I am looking forward to showing, but I need to take the photos first! 

While we're all stuck at home, for any fellow jewellers and jewellery students out there, I can highly recommend Metalsmith Society on instagram (@metalsmithsociety) and also the website. Another great resource with very useful and relevant podcasts is Jewellers Academy.

The making of a silver mini locket with a gold ball

Lockdown 2.0 projects! I've been working on a mini locket. Below are the progress photos and also photos of the finished item!

This is the locket before any findings were added:

 And here we have the beginning of the hinge:

 

 

This photo shows the first two side knuckles of the hinge, each about 1mm wide.

  

 

This photo shows the hinge with the middle knuckle now also attached.   

 

 

Here is the tiny bit of tube being soldered on to make the clasp on the other side of the locket:

 

 

 

This is the beginnings of the part of the clasp that will hold the locket shut.

 

  

 

This is the locket before finishing and before the hinge has been properly finished with a rivet.

 

 

Finally, here we have the finished locket. It is a mix of argentium and sterling silver, with an 18ct gold ball embedded in the front which is also visible from the inside. The silver has a brushed finish. And the cat is my parents' cat, Miles, because why not?

New Jewellery on Not on the High Street

 I've been tidying up my Not on the High Street shop by adding new packaging and gift tag options. I also added these four new pairs of earrings: