ORCHARD JEWELLERY WORKSHOP
RUN BY PROFESSIONAL TUTOR, KIM THOMSON OF 'MAKE IT WITH KIM'
KINGSWOOD, BRISTOL UK
Workshop Tools & Facilities
Orchard Jewellery Workshop has some of the best jewellery silversmithing facilities in South West England! During Kim's own jewellery education, she often became frustrated and was left feeling like she had spent the majority of her time in class waiting to use tools and equipment. Because of this, Kim has always been passionate that students should have ready access to everything they need to take part in their course and optimise their learning. Regular students always joke, "What have you bought now?!"​​
Here's a list of a few of our facilities. If you are looking to use something not listed below, please get in touch.​
We Have
A WELL EQUIPPED STUDIO FOR ALL YOUR JEWELLERY MAKING NEEDS
-
12 Jewellers benches with bench tools​
-
Communal table that seats up to 10​​​​​​​​​
-
2 Soldering hearths and 12 individual soldering setups
-
Casting hearth for sand, cuttlefish and organic casting
-
Gold & silver recycling facilities, & range of ingot moulds
-
3 Rolling mills for sheet metal, wire and texturing
-
Draw table and plates - Ring stretcher and reducer
-
2 Foredom and 10 additional rotary tools
-
2 Barrel polishers & 2 bench polishers
-
3 Heavy duty benches for hammering, stamping etc
-
Large selection of mandrels, formers, blocks & stamps
-
Large, height adjustable workbench
-
Ultrasonic cleaner - Etching equipment
-
Wax carving tools - Metal clay tools
-
Kiln for metal clay and small scale work
-
+ Much More
Workshop Accessibility
The studio is light and airy with a range of work areas, heights and seating options to meet most needs, including mobility aid users.
​
The White Elephant Cafe is usually open Monday - Saturday and there are tea/coffee making facilities and a range of refreshments available in the studio, including access to a microwave, crockery and utensils.
​
The studio has free on-site and on-street parking, including disabled parking close to the studio entrance.​ The studio has a large barn door as an accessible entrance and previous students who use wheelchairs have been able to navigate their chairs through the internal doors to the shared space which includes a kitchen and two toilets with mobility rails. However as each persons needs are different, please don't hesitate to get in touch for specific information and thruway/door measurements.
​
Ear defenders and a selection of reading glasses and magnification aids are available.
​
A selection of alternative tools and adaptions which can help with things like dexterity, grip and fine motor skills are available for anyone who wishes to use them.
​
We strive to adapt our tuition to each individual's needs and preferences, while covering a range of learning styles. Tuition is usually a mix of live demos, verbal instruction, and accompanying step by step picture handouts with plenty of time for questions and 1-1 support. We also have a large studio library and online resources.
​
Our core studio team are all experienced in neurodiversity and the studio offers breakout areas and quiet spaces for anyone who needs.
​
We aim to provide a fun, accessible, welcoming and inspiring experience for all.​​​
​
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a studio visit, please get in touch.
​
Workshop Directions
Make it with Kim - Orchard Workshop
The Kingswood Estate, Britannia Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 8DB
​​
*Please Note: Do not rely on the studio postcode as it often directs people to John Cabot School with which we have no affiliation or access way. The full directions can be found below.
​
Orchard Workshop is the one-story white building located at the back of The Kingswood Estate. The main estate is built in a horseshoe configuration, so to reach Orchard Workshop, you need to walk around the back of the main horseshoe building.
Follow route C as indicated on the map below, to cut between the buildings. Turn right and keep walking around the back of the main building. You will see a rank of white garages on your left, then disabled parking.
Keep walking through the green metal gate and follow the path around to the right. You will see the white barn doors of Orchard Workshop in front of you.
The main entrance is at the front of the workshop.
Please note that while you can also cut through the estate's reception, this entrance may not be accessible outside of regular business hours.
If you require assistance, please contact Kim on 07734 805250 or ask at The Estates main reception for Orchard Workshop.
Alternatively, you can use the What3Words app ///tend.locate.seated
How To Contact Us
The best way to contact us is by Email, or the contact form below. As a full-time tutor, Kim is often unable to answer the phone. However, she is always happy to arrange a phone or studio appointment if you would like to discuss things in person. You will find the answers to our most common questions here.
Address - By Appointment Only
Make it with Kim - Orchard Workshop, The Kingswood Estate, Britannia Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 8DB​
*Please Note: Do not rely on the studio postcode as it often directs people to John Cabot School with which we have no affiliation or access way. The full directions can be found above.
​
07734 805250 - please note, Kim is often unable to answer the phone due to her teaching commitments. Unless she is expeciting you, if you would like to get in touch via phone, text is best.
Opening Hours -
By Appointment Only
Mon - Fri
Saturday
9:00 am – 9:00 pm
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Please note: Visits are strictly by appointment only. We do not have a reception or waiting area, and as a full-time tutor, I am unable to welcome visitors without a pre-arranged appointment.