When I moved into my home in Enkhuizen , I knew one thing for sure: the extra space next to the kitchen would one day become a studio. Not immediately, but with a clear purpose. Before that could happen, renovations had to be done. That process took longer than anticipated, partly because contractors were scarce during the coronavirus pandemic. Only later did the studio actually take shape.
Now that the space is almost finished and fully furnished, I'm noticing how a workspace influences ideas. While the studio used to be primarily a place for focused work and jewelry making, other ideas now arise. Giving a jewelry workshop or a short orientation on silversmithing suddenly feels like a real possibility to consider. Not as a plan, but as a thought that naturally presents itself as a space begins to fulfill its purpose.
I've been making jewelry for over ten years now and have found that this craft is never "finished." There are always new techniques, materials, and approaches to discover. Much of what I've learned has been self-taught. By conducting my own research, studying the work of other jewelry makers, and following work descriptions online from makers whose styles appealed to me. Developing wire techniques and making jewelry myself, in particular, took shape this way.
When my interest shifted towards silversmithing, it became clear that this required a different approach. While many techniques can still be learned independently, forging proved to be something that required guidance, explanation, and context. That's when I actively began searching for a silversmith to take lessons from. Not so much to quickly master a technique, but to better understand the craft.
Taking classes provided more than just technical knowledge. Over the years, partly due to moves, I've taken jewelry-making courses in various locations and with different instructors. Each environment brought new insights. Instructors shared practical tips, showed me tools I hadn't encountered before, and pointed out suppliers and wholesalers I hadn't yet encountered. It was also inspiring to see the work of fellow students. Their approaches, choices, and mistakes sparked reflection and new ideas.
That combination of independent learning and taking lessons has strongly influenced my way of working. It not only helped me better master techniques but also make more conscious choices about materials and working methods. Looking back, I see that learning to make silversmiths isn't a straight line, but a process of experimentation, deepening my skills, and starting over.
In that sense, I also understand the hesitation of people considering goldsmithing or looking into a goldsmithing course in West Friesland . The craft is accessible, but requires time, attention, and curiosity. It's precisely that combination that makes it so worthwhile for me to continue working on it, and it motivates me to keep this craft alive—for myself, and perhaps also by inspiring others to embrace the process of jewelry making.
