The Story of Tools

On Sunday 10th May 2026 we held our third annual Make It with Kim Second Hand Tool Sale & Swap at Orchard Jewellery Workshop in Kingswood, Bristol. These events bring our creative community together and ensure tools continue to be loved and well used, rather than left lonely in drawers. It's not only a chance to find a bargain, but also invaluable advice.

A very small selection of the tools on sale

From hand tools and niche machinery to gemstones, books and those tiny bench resources that make all the difference, it’s always inspiring to see people's excitement when they find a treasure and share how they plan to use it.

Why We Do This

Community is invaluable to us. These events are a chance to connect, share skills and pass on underused tools to people who will truly appreciate them. The studio was alive with jewellery chatter and generosity as everyone hunted through benches of tools, stones, books and equipment. People swapped stories and tips as much as supplies, which is exactly what makes these events so special!

What People Found

The day was full of hidden treasures and discoveries. Our creative community members provided a huge range of pre‑loved kit, including specialist stones and tools. Andrew and Louise Berry (@at_the_bench_uk) joined us with a selection of new tools & supplies as well as a preview of Andrew’s much‑anticipated book, Jewellery Repairs At The Bench.

The studio was overflowing and there were plenty of bargains to be had!

A Day Of Reflection, Remembrance & Succession

This year’s sale carried extra meaning. We ran it in memory of Dee Smart, a local jeweller and passionate community leader who sadly passed away on the 28th December 2025. We were entrusted with Dee’s tools and supplies, so they could find new homes and continue to be loved. While sorting through Dee’s bench, we noticed many items engraved with the name “Tam” - the tools of Tam Savill, the much‑loved and respected jeweller, enameller and former ACJ director who sadly passed away in 2022.

Seeing one of Tam’s past students recognise those tools and take them home was quietly powerful: tools are more than metal and wood, they carry skill, memory and relationships, often passing through many hands on their journey.

This is the fourth jewellery makers estate that we have been entrusted to help organise. Each time, it promotes discussions around what will happen once we are no longer able to use our own tools. While many of us don't want to think of it, it is important to consider these things and put things in place or let our wishes be known. It's easy to forget that people who aren't jewellery makers may not know what our specialist tools are, or their worth. Tools can have a profound affect and build important connections, both of which can last long after our own passing.

Fundraising & Community Generosity

All the money from the sale of Dee's tools, a percentage of sales from some of our other sellers and our fundraising raffle, raised money for a local charity close to Dee's heart.

A fantastic range of prizes were generously donated by:

- Andrew & Louise Berry (@at_the_bench_uk)

- Kernowcraft (@kernowcraft)

- Sally Spencer (@sally.spencer.jewellery)

- Lottie Smith (@foragedsmith)

- Make It with Kim (@makeitwithkim)

Huge congratulations to the winners - you’ve been contacted and we hope you love your prizes!

Thank Yous & Impact

Thanks to everyone who donated items, bought raffle tickets, gave donations and rehomed tools, together we raised a whopping £1,200 for 91 Ways Global City

91 Ways celebrates Bristol’s cultural diversity through food and community, and your generosity made this tribute truly meaningful. If you would like to find out more about the inspiring work of 91 Ways and support them in an extremely tasty way, you can buy a copy of their community cookbook here https://91ways.org/product/eat-share-love-recipe-book/

I made one of Dee’s family recipes from this beautiful book and let’s just say, there weren’t any leftovers!

What's Next

The studio feels lighter and fuller at the same time - lighter because almost all the tools and supplies have found new homes, fuller because connections were made and we're still seeing the impact of those connections and the skills shared, highlightng the importance of these community get togethers.

Thank You!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped make the event the resounding success it was. I'm forever grateful to my wonderful students, fellow tutors and jewellery community. We can’t wait to host another community event!

If you missed this sale and want to take part in future events, sell or donate tools, or just pop in for a jewellery chat, visit www.makeit.kim or sign up to our mailing list here