Shop: Necklace Making at The Turpentine, Brixton

Last week I was kindly invited down by StreetHub to visit a gorgeous little place called The Turpentine for a jewellery making workshop. Based on Coldharbour Lane in Brixton, it’s a short walk from the tube station, the bustling high street and the fabulous Brixton Market. Having done a little jewellery making in my teenage years, mainly with metal wire and beads from our local Hobbycraft, I was excited but not sure what to expect to achieve in the 90 minute ‘Make a silver necklace‘ workshop.

Photo credit: Shelley Makes

On arrival I was blown away by the beautiful things literally ALL around, as you know I’m a real fan of independent establishments with unique goods and that’s exactly what The Turpentine is. From floor to ceiling it’s packed with just the right amount gifting gems from original handmade sources. Some of my favourites were: the selection of prints (many more in store), Katie Spragg’s “Why so blue, honey?” illustrated plate, and the white and gold Alfred and Wilde mugs. Obviously, the tea quote greetings card was a must-have!

I’ve always had dreams of one day opening my own shop, so it was great to meet the entrepreneurs, Jude, Alice and Amber, who started The Turpentine in May following several pop-up shops. They are inspiring and incredibly approachable, each bringing their own skill set to the business.

Jude was our tutor for the evening, having graduated in Jewellery Design at Central St. Martins. She was extremely patient and fun, answering all the questions we had and posing for countless photos! Jude took us through pendant design, silver cutting, saw-threading, hole-drilling, filing, and finishing.

Photo credit: Shelley Makes

The evening is perfectly suited to those new to jewellery making, or if you fancy doing something a little bit different. I went along with my friend (and amazing illustrator/filmmaker) Shoshana of ShoshyCadoodle who made this video about the event. Check out her YouTube channel with wife Meredith here.

I made a geometric pentagon shaped pendant on a long silver chain, and was pretty happy with the results! Stay tuned to see it in future OOTD posts. The workshop has tempted me to look into their 5 week jewellery making evening course which starts in January, as I found the experience very therapeutic, taking the mind off any worries you may have.

I also had the pleasure of meeting some lovely fellow bloggers including the experiential Em from Catch 52, and graphic designer Emilia Buggins and the crafty Shelley George. Check out the range of necklaces we made below (#proud!):

What’s your favourite piece on The Turpentine website? You can find The Turpentine at 433 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LN.

Let me know your favourite London independent shops in the comments as I’d love to visit and review!

LDNshopaholic xxx

The post Shop: Necklace Making at The Turpentine, Brixton appeared first on LDNshopaholic.

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