Jewellers Academy Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode, host Anna Campbell chats with coach and neurodiversity specialist Aileen Carson about what neurodiversity really means, and why so many creative people (including jewellers) might recognise themselves in it.

They talk about conditions like ADHD, autism and dyslexia, and how some people discover they're neurodivergent later in life simply by noticing they think differently, spot patterns others don't, or work in their own unique way.

Aileen shares the many strengths neurodivergent makers often have, like creativity, problem-solving, incredible attention to detail and the ability to hyper-focus at the bench — a huge advantage for jewellery makers.

The conversation also gets practical, with tips for running a business when you're juggling lots of roles. Aileen talks about managing your energy, finding planning systems that actually work for you, using helpful tools and tech, and setting up a work environment that supports your needs rather than drains you.

They also cover something many creatives struggle with: burnout. From taking proper breaks and looking after the basics (food, water, sleep!) to setting boundaries with customers and giving yourself permission to rest, Aileen explains how small changes can make a big difference to your wellbeing and creativity.

To wrap up, Aileen encourages makers to lean into what they're naturally good at, trust their creative brains, and remember that not every hobby has to turn into a business.

 

About Aileen

Aileen Carson runs a neurodiversity coaching and training business. She works with neurodivergent people, helping them harness their strengths and find strategies to navigate any challenges they're facing in the workplace or in their business. This often involves support with executive function challenges, managing stress and avoiding burnout. She helps people identify what enables them to work at their best and use this knowledge to find working patterns that work with their brain, rather than against it. She also runs neurodiversity training sessions for employers to help them become more inclusive and she speaks about neurodiversity at conferences and events.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileencarson/

https://www.instagram.com/aileen_carson_coaching

https://www.aileencarson.com/

Join the Free 10 Days of Silver Challenge! In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by jeweller and tutor Kelly Twigg to introduce 10 Days of Silver - our free, global jewellery-making challenge designed to help you get back to the bench with confidence. Whether you're a complete beginner or a more experienced jeweller, this 10-day programme guides you through fun, low-pressure silver jewellery projects. Jess and Kelly talk through the projects, share tips for building skills and confidence, and explain how this challenge is a great way to reconnect with your creativity at the start of the year.   Here's what you'll learn to make in week 1:

• Day 1: Silver Stacking Rings
• Day 2: Silver Bar Necklace
• Day 3: Silver Cut-Out Necklace
• Day 4: Silver Stacking Bangles
• Day 5: Twisted Hoop Earrings

Here is what you'll learn to make in week 2:

• Day 6: Granulated Stud Earrings
• Day 7: Make a Wave Ring
• Day 8: Gold (or Copper) Inlay Silver Pendant
• Day 9: Fused Silver Earrings
• Day 10: Introduction to Claw Setting

  ✨ Ready to join? Sign up for free here: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/10-days-of-silver-jewellery   Join now to get started. You get lifetime access and the tools and materials list for all projects to get ahead.
Don't forget to share your creations with us on Instagram @JewellersAcademy and in the Facebook group - we love seeing what you make!

Diplomas are open for enrolment - and we have a brand new Diploma.   In this special episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell share some exciting news - enrolment is now open for all five Jewellers Academy Diplomas starting in September 2026, including the launch of a brand new course: the Diploma in Wax Jewellery! Join Jessica and Anna as they reveal everything you need to know about this long-awaited programme - from its focus on creating commercially viable jewellery collections to its accessible, beginner-friendly structure and expert tutors like Scott McIntyre, Jane Taylor and Joanne Hunt.   Learn how working in wax offers an affordable and creative path into jewellery design, how the course is structured (including wax and metal assessments), and why this Diploma is the perfect next step for existing students or newcomers alike.   They also chat through updates across all the Diploma courses, key enrolment dates (including the March 13th deadline for the 18-month payment plan), and the latest on tools and materials kits, which tend to sell out fast! Plus, find out about free taster sessions (coming in early 2026) like "A Week of Wax", designed to help you explore this exciting new medium before you commit.   The Diploma courses are perfect for you if you want to fit your jewellery education around your life and work commitments.   We have a Diploma course for everyone, from beginners to advanced level jewellers so if you've been dreaming about starting or growing your jewellery business have a listen.   Year 1: Diploma in Silver Jewellery https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma Year 2: Diploma in Fine Jewellery https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-fine-jewellery Year 3: Advanced Jewellery Diploma https://www.jewellersacademy.com/advanced-jewellery-diploma   Diploma in Wax Jewellery - New for 2026 https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-wax-jewellery   Diploma in Silver Metal Clay https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-silver-metal-clay  

In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, host Anna Campbell is talking with Heidi Hinda Chadwick. Heidi is a Creative Life Coach and Anna is a Business and Mindset Coach and they are each other's coaches! In this conversation they dive into the subject of navigating our comfort zone looking at what a comfort zone is, how to know you are in your comfort zone, tips for getting out of your comfort zone and much more. This is an inspiring and gentle look at how and when we grow.

 

Episode Description:

4 mins What do you mean by comfort zone? Should we call it our complacency zone?
7 mins When we feel like we're truly living life we're living at an edge
8 mins We want to avoid the negative more than we want to experience the positive
9 What is your motivation, what is your why?
11 mins Negativity bias and getting stuck in 'what if'
13 mins How do you know when you are in a comfort zone?
14 mins Congratulations are in order. Remember that where you are right now used to be out of your comfort zone. Look back at what you do now that used to be out of your comfort zone and remember that you've done it before and can do it again
16 mins You can be scared and still do the thing
18 mins Our brain creates excuses - I don't have time, I'm too old/young, I don't know enough. Look at where your excuses are
23. How fear manifests itself - the three ps - perfectionism, people pleasing, procrastination 
25 Stepping out of our comfort zone is how we learn
31 It doesn't have to be all or nothing, let's build our muscle of consistency
33 Are you taking where you are, what you do etc for granted? This is a sign you are in a comfort zone
How to get out of your comfort zone
35. 1. You don't have to take a big leap, make small changes
37. 2. Try/learn something new
40. 3. Know yourself - how do you stay grounded? What makes you feel safe?
43. 4. You don't have to do this alone
44. 5. We only know what is right for us in hindsight. We can't think our way to knowing, we have to try
45. 6. What is stopping you? Get honest with yourself
45. 7. How can I make a fool of myself? How much time and energy can I waste on this?
47. We worry about wasting time but how much time are you wasting worrying about this and not doing it?
48. How is always the wrong question. The questions to ask is what is exciting me about this? Why? 
50. We don't always have to push out of our comfort zone. It can be seasonal - sometimes it's spring, we are growing and thriving. And sometimes it's winter and we need to bed in, to practice what we can already do

 

Heidi's website: https://www.heidihindachadwick.com/

Substack at https://heidihinda.substack.com/

Heidi's FB group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativegeniuslifecoaching
Anna's website: https://www.goodgirlrebellion.com/
Anna's Instagram: @annaccampbell

 

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In this week's episode, Jess and Laura Jayne discuss an exciting new FREE silver jewellery-making course at Jewellers Academy. Laura Jane, from Small Dog Silver, is the teacher for 'Make a Silver Convertible Brooch Pendant', which focuses on creating a brooch that can also be converted into a pendant, combining vintage style with modern appeal.

Jess and Laura Jayne share some great tips that feature in the course, such as transferring designs onto metal using sticker printers, using blade butter for sawing, incorporating gallery settings for stone settings, employing hand stamps for texture and detail, and converting brooches into pendants. This course is designed for intermediate-level jewellers who love experimenting with different techniques to create versatile and personalized jewellery pieces.

5 fab tips from the course:

1. Using a sticker printer to transfer designs onto metal 2. Tips for making sawing easier using Blade Butter 3. Using a gallery stone setting  4. Using handstamps to create texture and build up a design 5. How to convert a brooch into a pendant   Sign up for the FREE course

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Laura Jayne on the web

Laura Jayne on Instagram

 

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In this week's episode, host Elin Horgan welcomes Bethany from Silver & Steel, a jewellery studio in Bristol, UK. Bethany shares her journey into jewellery making, detailing how her passion for the craft led her to establish Silver & Steel.

Bethany discusses her ambition to create a sustainable creative community by providing a platform for local independent designers, offering workshops for the public, and providing studio space for jewellers to work and learn together. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive environment for artists to thrive and grow, drawing inspiration from her experiences in other creative industries. Despite the challenges of setting up a physical studio, Bethany highlights the positive response from the local community and the value of networking and social media in promoting her venture.

 

Silver and Steel Jewellery Studio on the web

Silver and Steel Jewellery Studio on Instagram

 

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In this week's episode, Michelle Lierre chats to Nicole Ringgold who is a silversmith and the author of the upcoming book The New Silversmith. Nicole discusses her journey into silversmithing, which began unexpectedly while constructing her home in 2009. Despite facing challenges like losing her home and studio to a wildfire in 2014, Nicole decided to pursue silversmithing full-time. Nicole's determination to succeed, coupled with her desire to be a role model for her daughter, drove her through financial hardships and uncertainties. She emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and taking risks. Throughout her journey, Ringold's resilience and dedication to her craft shine through, inspiring others to pursue their passions despite the obstacles they may face.

 

Nicole on the web

Nicole on Instagram

Nicole's book on Amazon

Nicole's YouTube channel

 

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In this week's episode, hosts Jess and Anna discuss an upcoming project called the "5 Days of Silver Metal Clay." The 5-day event aims to introduce participants to silver metal clay, a versatile material for jewellery making. Anna, an experienced silver metal clay tutor, explains the nature of metal clay, its variations, and its environmentally friendly aspects.

Throughout the five days, participants will explore different techniques, including making name necklaces, adding embellishments, reconstituting clay, setting gold nuggets, and polishing finished pieces. Jess and Anna encourage listeners to join the challenge, emphasizing the low-pressure environment and the opportunity for creative exploration. They highlight the inclusive nature of the event, welcoming both beginners and experienced makers to participate.

 

Sign up to the FREE 5 Days in Silver Metal Clay course 

 

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In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, host Kim Thomson is speaking with Anna Mcloughlin. Anna is an Ethical Designer/Goldsmith specialising in creating mini wearable sculptures and remodelling jewellery. Her jewellery business is B-Corp certified and she recently won the 2023 Halo Award from the British Hallmarking Council.

Anna talks about her training as a jeweller and her career to date. She explains how she ended up applying to be a B-Corp and the process you need to go through as a jeweller. She also talks about the stress of having to move her studio in a month and how this meant she could start again and build an eco-friendly jewellery workshop.

 

Episode Description:

1:00 - How Anna trained as a jeweller
20:00 - Anna's career now
25:00 - How Anna got her jewellery business B-Corp certified
35:00 - Having to move out of her studio in a month and find somewhere new
39:00 - Building an eco-friendly jewellery workshop
46:00 - Her tips for setting up your own jewellery teaching space

 

Anna Fine Jewellery on the web

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In this week's episode, Jess chats with Sally Costen, The Clerkenwell Jeweller, and discusses her journey into jewellery making. Sally, who started as a graphic designer, shares her passion for jewellery and how she rediscovered her love for it through courses at Jewellers Academy. The conversation delves into Sally's creative process, which involves extensive sketching and a love for making quirky and humorous pieces. Sally also talks about her experience applying for awards. The discussion emphasizes the importance of taking opportunities, overcoming self-doubt, and encouraging others to enter competitions. Sally highlights the value of gaining exposure and having professionals assess one's work through such competitions.

 

The Clerkenwell Jeweller website

Sally on Instagram

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