Workshop Studios

Silver Charm Workshop with Gini Dickinson

Join artist Gini Dickinson of Thrive with Gini for a thoughtful and detailed workshop on how to make your very own silver jewellery.

In this interactive and welcoming session, you’ll learn the traditional process of lost-wax carving to create a one-of-a-kind charm that celebrates the small, sustaining details that help you thrive. Each charm becomes a reflection of your individuality — a quiet celebration of the moments, textures, and symbols that make your life uniquely yours.

After the workshop, your charms will be sent off for casting and transformed into solid sterling silver. Gini will then polish them to a radiant finish — ready to be worn forever, carrying a meaningful part of your story.

All materials and chain are included. Finished charms will be available for pickup at the studio 4–6 weeks after the workshop.

Accessibility note: Due to space requirements, this event is only accessible by stairs.

About the Instructor:

Gini Dickinson is a multi-disciplinary artist and jeweller from the UK who loves to foster connection, celebrating people and everything that brings us joy. She has lived in London, the Scottish Isles and now here, in the Bow Valley, exploring people and our relation to place through every step.

Since completing an MA in Art and Social Practice she has used her skills for creating inclusive and meaningful experiences to host community engagement projects and workshops alike. The Thrival Library is an ongoing project that gives people the opportunity to celebrate the things we do or have around us that keep us happy and strong. With the aim of sharing these stories and experiences, so we can help each other to survive and thrive.

After various fieldwork and residency opportunities, in Sweden and Banff, the main aspect of her practice now is Thrive with Gini, a jewellery brand encompassing all of her passions. She creates hand-carved feminist pieces inspired by nature and the things that bring us joy. Each piece is truly unique, a tiny piece of art that can be worn for life and become a part of your story.

Website & Instagram

Common Questions

Minimum age / Can I register my child for this class?

The participant must be at minimum 16 years old to be registered. Our instruction is centred around teaching adults. If a minor is less developed than an adult, they may find our instruction methods and pace challenging. We do not guarantee any accommodation of instruction geared to minors.

Workshop is a mature environment where there are very hot kilns in unrestricted production areas; mature art that can contain challenging matters such as profanity, nudity, and mature & challenging subjects; responsible consumption of legal substances such as alcohol in both common areas and private studios, and marijuana outdoors; and lively discussion that is not censored for young ears. By registering a minor, you are agreeing to the risks and environment that they will be entering. If you are registering as a minor, you confirm that a guardian has reviewed this warning and has consented to you registering.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that you won’t mind getting a little bit dirty. We will be working with wax and tools. The studio has aprons available for all students to wear while working. We recommend that long hair be tied back and jewelry be removed before class begins.

Practice Hours

As this is a one-day workshop, our usual class practice hours are not included.

Cleanup

Classrooms must be left in a clean condition. Students are responsible for following Workshop’s cleaning protocols which are as follows: tables cleaned, floor cleaned up and mopped, tools put away, and laundry placed in basket.

Clean-up should be done with a wet sponge or a mop. Avoid sweeping in the studio as it will cause dust particles to become airborne.

Cancellations

Classes cancelled within 48h of the start date are subject to refunds only if a replacement is found for your signup. Classes cancelled anytime prior to 48h from the start date are subject to a 5% cancellation fee to cover our processing fees. Classes are subject to cancellations by Workshop in the case of low enrolment. If classes are cancelled by Workshop, you will receive a full refund, including processing fees.

What about Workshop being a safer space?

Everyone has the right to feel safe and included at Workshop Studios regardless of age, ancestry, colour, family status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, place of origin, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or source of income.

Workshop Studios does not tolerate abusive or discriminatory behaviour. Such behaviour is grounds for removal from the studio and may result in the cancellation of future registrations or a permanent ban.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Any harassing behaviour which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment is unacceptable conduct. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Verbal behaviour: Jokes, slurs, derogatory remarks, abusive language
• Physical & visual: Unwanted touching, staring, filming or photographing
• Visual displays: Derogatory items, posters, photographs, drawings
• Verbal advances: Any unwanted or unwelcome verbal contact

If you feel you have been subject to any harassment, discriminatory behaviour or other abuse, please contact a Workshop Staff member. All communication is strictly confidential. We will work with you and if needed, and with your consent, with an independent mediator to address the issue.

Anyone exhibiting these behaviours can be asked to leave at any time by Workshop staff. By signing up to this workshop, you agree to read and follow our Safer Space Policy.