With more than 30 years-experience making jewellery and teaching others, Heather McFadden’s Gobbins Crafts offers the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill.
Gobbins Crafts gives visitors the chance to learn to make their own bespoke pieces with Heather, in an intimate setting on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Heather, 62, has developed a unique experience where people with no experience can learn the skills and techniques professionals use when making jewellery.
“I developed Gobbins Crafts classes to help people discover the joy that can be had from making your own pieces,” explained Heather.
“Those that attend the classes receive individual guidance every step of the way to create their own beautiful piece of jewellery made from sustainably sourced silver.”
Heather has extensive experience at not only making bespoke pieces, such as wedding and engagement rings, but also teaching at Belfast Metropolitan College and advising City and Guilds on developing goldsmithing courses.
“I wanted to create classes that are intimate to allow everyone to move at their own pace and make sure I can explain and demonstrate the techniques needed,” said Heather. “We have had all ages and abilities and I’m pleased to say that as well as having fun many have wanted to learn more at my weekly classes for those who wish to develop their skills further.”
In the scenic setting of Islandmagee, shaped by sea and stone in County Antrim, Heather teaches each intimate class of up to four people from her personal studio where they will have their own set of equipment and will be able to see Heather’s own work in progress, as well as completed items.
“In our most popular silversmithing workshop, each session will see guests shown the basics of jewellery making and go on to create their own set of stacking rings, knot rings or pendant,” said Heather, adding: “They will be shown how to take silver sheet and wire and cut, shape and solder it into their own unique piece of jewellery to take away as a tangible memory of the time spent.”
Heather’s experience in teaching means that each participant is taken through the experience at their own pace throughout the three hour session, allowing them to embrace the spirit of the experience.
Gobbins Crafts also offers shorter classes for tourists, taster classes, weekend half day classes and a four-week short evening course is available.
“I have found that the simple joy of creation is something uniquely satisfying for everyone that has attended,” said Heather. “And, while most of the participants have an interest in some form of crafting, we have even had hen parties attend for that different experience.”
Bookings can be made by contacting Heather via gobbinscrafts.com.
