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A Day In The Life Of A Jeweller: Finding Normality Again With Kim Thomson

kim thomson

Our video series, A Day In The Life Of A Jeweller is a chance to meet various jewellers and take a sneak peek into their day-to-day! We are thrilled that Kim Thomson, also known as 'Make It With Kim' has kicked off the series and we just know you're going to love seeing what she gets up to.

To stay up to date with the latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you never miss another day in the life video.

About Kim Thomson

"Most people love to learn, grow and be creative when it’s delivered in a way that is accessible and inspiring to them."

Kim Thomson, also known as 'Make It With Kim' within the jewellery making community, is a tutor based in Bristol, offering private tuition in her home studio shed, teaching silversmithing classes at The Bristol Folk House and running workshops in Kingswood. Kim has always been creative and although she struggled academically growing up, she found her passion and confidence while studying a silversmithing degree - she's now determined to help others thrive in the same way.

Kim is passionate about tailoring her workshops to fit her student's needs, allowing people to learn, grow and be creative in a way that works for them. Kim's love for helping others is clear to see within the online community, through sharing free resources and tutorials to help aspiring jewellers. At Kernowcraft, we have been lucky enough to collaborate on Kim's popular 12 Months of Metal series, which gives an introduction to metalsmithing - all available to watch for free on our YouTube channel and blog.

Follow Kim: Instagram | Website

Watch Kim's Day In The Life

Life is different for everyone right now during the pandemic and in this video, Kim shares how her life has been altered - from her tutoring being paused to suffering from Covid and taking the time to heal. The day focuses on Kim prioritising self-care and finding normality once more, which includes getting back in the shed and making again! You'll find Kim's full spaghetti ring tutorials featured in the video below.

Watch Kim's Spaghetti Ring Tutorials

During Kim's 'day in the life' video, she takes the time to film a highly requested tutorial - how to make spaghetti rings! This design features a ring made up of lots of wraps of wire, resembling the look of spaghetti. It's a beautiful design and Kim shows you two ways to make them, including a chunky design using 1.5mm sterling silver round wire featuring a faceted stone and also a project using 1mm sterling silver and bronze wire, showing you how to make the design using thinner wire while also setting a cabochon stone. Kim walks you through each step, with top tips on work hardening, texturising and how to get the correct sizing. Browse our range of jewellery making tools, metal and gemstones to have a go for yourself!

Read more & shop the recommended tools & supplies needed for these projects here

12 Months Of Metal Series: Learn Metalsmithing For Free With Kim

If you're a jewellery making beginner or want to refresh your metalsmithing knowledge, these tutorials are for you! During 2019, Kim shared brilliant video tutorials starting from the very basics, allowing you to build up your tools and skills throughout the series. Each month focuses on a different technique, showcasing a range of skills, tools and projects you can follow at home.

We teamed up with Kim, featuring all of the tutorials over on our blog and YouTube so you can find and re-visit them easily - plus you'll find our recommended tools and supplies for the projects featured.

12 months of metal

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Dorota Todd
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A
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Jill Hammersely
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Hayley Meredith
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Claire
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Helen
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Vivienne Sadler
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Catherine Warwick
Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!
Eve
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George Inglis
Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.
Frank Wilson
I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.
Jenny Kirkwood
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Mihaela Ciubotaru
I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.
Lauren Jodie Piercy
Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.
Maggi Henman
I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.
Frank Wilson
It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!
Janice Scragg
Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!
Marshal
Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.
Helen Bowles
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Daniel Coe
The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.
Julia Schofield
I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.
Kim Thomson
I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.
Claire Hall
Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!
Catriona
Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website. 
Gloria Williams
I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!
Deborah Roberts-Barter
I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!
Sarah Tiley
Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.
Jaquie
It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.
Rhiannon Piper
The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.