If you’re looking for a fun workshop to enjoy with friends, or work colleagues, I would recommend Pivot’s eco jewellery workshops – and in this case, earring workshops.
Not only do you learn how to make zero-waste earrings, in a very eco way… (upcycled from waste acetate offcuts*), you get to wear them home too!
Or indeed, wrap them up in a gorgeous branded Pivot gift carton, to present to a friend (or your sister…. sssh!).
I first learnt of Make Pivot, and the work they do with those experiencing homelessness, to pivot their lives when I purchased one of their ‘hugs soon‘ bookmarks during lockdown.
Actually, do have a look at their Pivot website, as if you can’t make it to one of the earring workshops, they have some gorgeous gift ideas there too. I personally love their brass collection here.
Eco Materials
Back to the workshop, we were taken through the basics of working with acetate – which is a semi-synthetic material made primarily from a plant base of tree pulp and cotton.
All of the gorgeous selection of acetate is donated waste material from spectacle maker Cubitts*.
Alice Moxley, Pivot’s founder, cut these pieces to size in her studio before the event.
Working with Pivot’s Master Maker, Jason, and Makbule, a recent team member*, we learned how to further cut, shape, mould, polish (and twist, see photo!) this acetate into gorgeous earrings.
Pivot is an award-winning social enterprise that takes creative work and enterprise into hostels. All profits from this workshop are reinvested into their social mission of helping those experiencing homelessness. Find out more about their impact here.
*Makbule has recently joined the core Pivot team. As one of Pivot’s graduate Makers, she’s been making some amazing pieces of jewellery and has been supporting Jason in hosting and teaching the public workshops, including the one we attended at Kite Yard.
Alice says: “Makbule is an incredible asset to our team and it’s been a pleasure to see her grow from strength to strength in her craft with confidence and ability to share what she’s learnt on our programme with others.”
In Makbule’s own words:
“Hi my name is Makbule, […] now I’m employed I’m so excited and happy that I do what I love. I thank […] Pivot [and] Alice for giving me this opportunity and believing in me. Jewellery making is amazing just melts away stress, gave confidence and skills. It’s an art made from hands and bought by kind people who understands what […] Pivot is.”
Come and support Pivot’s incredible graduate Makers, Jason & Makbule by joining their next workshop on Saturday 6th November 2021 at The Doodle Bar in London Bridge. Pivot’s workshop leaders will guide you through the whole process of making a pair of upcycled earrings using recycled acetate from Cubitts, and you’ll get to take your new beautiful pieces home with you!
Tickets cost £35 and all proceeds go towards running the Pivot programmes. Buy your tickets here.
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