When it comes to crafting skills, there are some things that really aren’t my jam. Take sewing for example - I’m pretty hopeless with a needle and thread (but give me a glue gun and some pins and I’ll happily knock up a costume that’ll survive a night out!) and my efforts at stitching even the most simple of patterns are the source of much hilarity (a photo of one of my hapless attempts was what my friend Kim used to call upon to cheer herself up on a bad day…).
But jewellery making is one crafty activity that - thanks to some practice with Tatty Devine and Bonnie Bling - I actually really enjoy. There’s something nice about getting round a big table with some pals and eh… pliers, chatting while making something fun to wear, don’t you think?
Recently, Nikki McWilliams and Kim Lawler (AKA Finest Imaginary) announced that they were hosting one of their super popular jewellery making classes here in Glasgow; using Penny Black Glasgow as a venue. I was over the moon when Penny Black Glasgow asked me if I’d like to come along - it had been far too long since I last visited their store and I’d been dying to attend one of Nikki and Kim’s classes. Ahh, I love it when a plan comes together!
On the night, I headed along with Briony and joined the class at (in my opinion!) the most fun part - picking out the charms! At the workshop, you could choose to make a necklace or bracelet - so I opted for a necklace (I think everyone did…?) and started looking through the piles (and piles!) of brightly-coloured acrylic pieces.
I also got to meet Kim for the first time, along with her adorable pups, Luna and Scout. Having two incredibly cute golden retrievers in attendance was a very welcome surprise!
The theme of the night? Our favourite things! I was on a mission to make a necklace that represented lots of things that I love. As you can imagine, I made a beeline for the charms shaped like doughnuts, coffee cups, pink sneakers and - yup - even a little chunky kitty cat to honour our Bosley.
I’ve become pretty comfortable working with jump rings and pliers thanks to a little practice and I was quite pleased that I managed to make my necklace fairly quickly. That gave me extra time to make a bag charm for Elaine, offer a hand to anyone else that needed it AND get a good wander around Penny Black Glasgow; who had updated their store since my last visit.
If you are new to Penny Black Glasgow, here’s the 411: they are a neighbourhood post-office plus a one-stop shop for indie stationery and small gifts, championing local businesses and makers. Their dedication to showcasing independent talent like East End Press and Claire Barclay means that you’re likely to come across something a little bit different and discover a new favourite local artist each time you pop in.
And, psst - a little bird tells me that there are new items due to be stocked AND some exciting pop-ups in the pipeline over the next few months as we approach Christmas. Keep your peepers on Penny Black’s Instagram page for news and updates.
I had an awesome time at the workshop and absolutely love the necklace that I made - I can’t wait to wear it!
Have you visited Penny Black Glasgow? And what’s your favourite (and least favourite, ha!) type of crafty activity?
YAY! Thank you again for coming along Lynsay, it was so good to have you there with us and I’m really glad we managed to find you a Bosley shaped charm 😉😻
Nikki xxx