About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Welcome to the North West Jewellery School, your one-stop shop for jewellery courses in the North West of England. Nestled in the heart of the scenic Ribble Valley, we have created a welcoming space for you to explore your creativity, learn something new, or further hone your jewellery making skills.
The doors to the North West Jewellery School officially opened in April 2023 by founder Suzanne Pattinson. With a steady building community and eager students who have the desire to learn, a passion for creating and a love of jewellery, Suzanne created the calm and relaxing studio space at Backridge Farm, which has its students at the heart.
We are committed to ensuring that the teaching environment is welcoming and positive and that every detail matters. Whether you are joining us for a one off workshop, hosting your private function, renting a bench or attending our regular weekly term time classes, we want you to enjoy a safe setting where you can be creatively free, supported and encouraged.
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At the North West Jewellery School, we are passionate about the art of jewellery making and dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where creativity can flourish. Our team of experienced and skilled instructors are here to guide you through every step of the process, whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced artisan looking to refine your techniques.
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Our Workshops
We provide a diverse range of jewellery making workshops tailored to various skill levels and interests. Whether you're interested in making a ring, creating a bangle, or participating in our popular silver clay class, we have a workshop for you. Our classes cover a broad spectrum of jewellery making techniques, including metalwork, beadwork, wire wrapping, enamelling, silver clay, wax carving and more. Join us to enhance your skills and indulge in the art of jewellery making in a supportive and inspiring environment.
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Special Events and Private Sessions
In addition to our regular classes, we offer customised private jewellery making experiences. Whether you're planning a memorable hen party, an engaging corporate away day, or a special session to make your wedding rings, we are here to make your event unique and unforgettable. Want to arrange a private session? Simply use our Workshop Enquiry contact form and explain your needs and we will be in touch
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Gift Cards and Unique Experiences
Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one? Our gift cards are an excellent choice for the creative people in your life. Give them the gift of creativity and relaxation with an experience they will cherish. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion, our jewellery making workshops make for a thoughtful and memorable present.
Join Us
If you're interested in trying jewellery making, check out our upcoming workshops. We are committed to making your experience enjoyable and rewarding. From the moment you step into our studio, you'll be greeted with a friendly atmosphere where the kettle is always on and the biscuit jar is always full.
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Why Choose Us?
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Expert Instruction: Our instructors are jewellery makers with a breadth of experience.
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Comprehensive Classes: We offer classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced.
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Flexible Scheduling: With a variety of workshop times and private sessions, there's something to fit everyone's schedule.
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Beautiful Location: Enjoy the picturesque setting of the Ribble Valley.
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Community Focused: We foster a supportive and encouraging community for all our students.
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We invite you to explore our workshops, meet our talented team, and immerse yourself in the art of jewellery making. Whether you are looking to learn a new hobby, create a special gift, or simply enjoy some creative time for yourself, the North West Jewellery School is here to inspire and support you every step of the way.
Suzanne
Favourite thing about teaching:
Giving people courage in their creativity and allowing them to reconnect with the creative side of their brain. I get joy from seeing how empowered people feel and the sense of achievement that they have when they leave the studio.
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Most enjoyable thing about making jewellery:
I enjoy the learning… the constant development and ability to try new things, knowing that whatever I create will not be time wasted but always skills gained.
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How did you know that jewellery making was for you?
I can’t explain how I knew, it was just a feeling, an obsession, a need to do it ALL the time and then there was no going back. It has become an extension of who I am and I LOVE it.
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Studio drink of choice?
Strong filter coffee with milk ;) Sometimes a tea with honey if I am feeling like I need a hug in a mug!
Studio biscuit of choice?
Definitely an Orange Club!
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Favourite gemstone?
Controversial choice but I am obsessed with Larimar!
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One interesting fact about you…
I love extreme sports!
Meet the Team
Lottie
Favourite thing about teaching:
The looks of achievement on a student's face when finishing a piece they think is beyond them.
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Most enjoyable thing about making jewellery:
You lose yourself in the making, get time to switch off from life and just create
How did you know that jewellery making was for you?
As soon as I made my first piece in silver it just clicked with me, watching the solder flow is exciting and polishing an ugly duckling into a swan to make the finished piece is really satisfying
Studio drink of choice?
Tea
Studio biscuit of choice?
Anything with chocolate!
Favourite gemstone?
Sapphires, hard as nails and lots of colours to choose from.
One interesting fact about you…
I hate feet
Eleanor
Favourite thing about teaching:
Seeing people who thought they were not creative positively glow when they realise that they have made something beautiful.
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Most enjoyable thing about making jewellery:
Being able to craft an item that can provide joy for a long time. I sometimes just look through my jewellery box, seeing the items and smiling because they still bring me happiness to see them.
How did you know you that jewellery making was for you?
Having tried many different arts and crafts, there is something about the construction techniques and the outcomes of making jewellery that really appeals. It is finer than other practical activities, more 3D than drawing, is something you can wear and have with you and more permanent than fabric crafts.
Studio drink of choice?
Coffee
Studio biscuit of choice?
Gold bar
Favourite gemstone?
Opal
One interesting fact about you..
I breed tiny tiny blue shrimp as a hobby
Eleanor
Favourite thing about teaching:
Seeing people who thought they were not creative positively glow when they realise that they have made something beautiful.
Most enjoyable thing about making jewellery:
Being able to craft an item that can provide joy for a long time. I sometimes just look through my jewellery box, seeing the items and smiling because they still bring me happiness to see them.
How did you know you that jewellery making was for you?
Having tried many different arts and crafts, there is something about the construction techniques and the outcomes of making jewellery that really appeals. It is finer than other practical activities, more 3D than drawing, is something you can wear and have with you and more permanent than fabric crafts.
Studio drink of choice?
Coffee
Studio biscuit of choice?
Gold bar
Favourite gemstone?
Opal
One interesting fact about you..
I breed tiny tiny blue shrimp as a hobby
Eleanor
Favourite thing about teaching:
Seeing people who thought they were not creative positively glow when they realise that they have made something beautiful.
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Most enjoyable thing about making jewellery:
Being able to craft an item that can provide joy for a long time. I sometimes just look through my jewellery box, seeing the items and smiling because they still bring me happiness to see them.
How did you know you that jewellery making was for you?
Having tried many different arts and crafts, there is something about the construction techniques and the outcomes of making jewellery that really appeals. It is finer than other practical activities, more 3D than drawing, is something you can wear and have with you and more permanent than fabric crafts.
Studio drink of choice?
Coffee
Studio biscuit of choice?
Gold bar
Favourite gemstone?
Opal
One interesting fact about you..
I breed tiny tiny blue shrimp as a hobby
Angela
Favourite thing about teaching:
Seeing the students attentive little faces and such enthusiasm for making new pretty items.
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Most enjoyable thing about making jewellery:
I have developed a greater pride in myself and I just love seeing my hard work come together, it gives me a huge sense of wellbeing.
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How did you know you that jewellery making was for you?
When I tried to fix my own huge bag of broken necklaces, I found it very therapeutic and decided to purchase some kits to make myself and started to design my own jewellery and for the first time ever, I was loving what I was doing and it helped me to realise that I really was passionate about jewellery making and wanted to pursue it as a career.
Studio drink of choice?
I’m going to go all boring and say water but on the odd occasion I’ll have a milkshake 💕
Studio biscuit of choice?Definitely a milk chocolate digestive but I can never stop at one so it’s about 4 :)
Favourite gemstone?
It has to be an opal, such gorgeous colours. It’s hard to choose just one favourite.
One interesting fact about you…I was the deputy mayoress of Pendle, probably the youngest ever too.