Plasticsmithing Workshop

Waste plastic is an inspiring material and in plentiful supply. Experiment, play and learn new skills in this one-day workshop teaching how to make bold, contemporary jewellery out of discarded plastic.

Participants will learn about the types and characteristics of plastics readily available as waste and then learn a range of safe, cold-working and hot-working techniques that can be used to create jewellery and other small objects. There will also be time to look at objects made of waste plastic in the Museum collections and to consider why and how they were made.

The workshop will include short talks, practical demonstrations and plenty of time for making and experimenting. Students will go home with new skills and an understanding of how to safely use waste plastic, as well as some beautiful, colourful pieces of jewellery to wear!

Please bring an apron and an item of waste plastic that you find interesting in some way.

About the Tutor

Bronwen Gwillim is an award-winning artist and jeweller. She trained at Sir John Cass, Camberwell School of Art and Bath Spa University, where she explored the use of plastics as part of an MA. She is an experienced teacher, has exhibited widely and is a selected member of Design Nation, Findamaker and the Crafts Council.

Her bold, contemporary jewellery is made from plastic she finds on the beaches of Pembrokeshire, where she lives. She is inspired by natural forms and the marks created by wind, tide and water on plastic.

She loves teaching and aims to support everyone, whatever their level of experience or confidence, enabling all participants to experiment, play and learn new skills.