What is BENCHspace?
Creativity -Community- Craft
BENCHspace is a silversmithing and jewellery workshop that offers you the opportunity to come and make bespoke jewellery in your own unique style.
...because making matters
BENCHspace offers a range of taster sessions, courses and masterclasses to build up your skill set with step-by-step expert tuition, enabling you to spend some creative ‘me’ time in our fully equipped workshop. For all abilities, from absolute beginner to competent jeweller.
Taster sessions are designed for all levels including absolute beginners and are a perfect gift for those special celebrations – birthdays, anniversaries, hen parties, bridal parties, (to make bridesmaid, best man, bride and groom gifts) corporate away days, team building and creative time with friends.
To ensure we continue providing you with the highest quality experience, we’ve updated our pricing to reflect the current market for precious metals. As you may know, silver is in high demand globally—from tech to eco-friendly EVs—which has caused costs to rise. We are committed to using only 100% sustainable, recycled, and hallmark-quality silver, so you can feel great about the beautiful pieces you create. While we always strive to keep our sessions as accessible as possible, this small adjustment helps us maintain the premium, ethical standards you expect from us. We appreciate your support of our small business more than ever!
Book today!
Available this month…
Latest News...
We will be at the Fresh Air Festival on Saturday 12th September at Brightlingsea Prom from 11am-5pm.
See you there!
It’s a great FREE day out for all the family.
Your Expert Instructor
Karen Cooke
“Ready to start your next creative journey? I’m a professional silversmith /jeweller and qualified teacher with over three decades of expertise to share! Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned maker, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s get making—I can’t wait to see what you create!”
In the last 12 months
Creativity with connection
Join our creative community…
At BENCHspace, we’re so much more than just a place to learn a new skill—we’re a vibrant, supportive community of makers who share a passion for creating beautiful things by hand.
You’ll find that it doesn’t take long to turn a neighbour at the bench into a “bench buddy,” and many of our students love catching up and cheering each other on as they progress through taster sessions and masterclasses together.
We’re here to support you at every stage of your journey, from your very first day to becoming a confident, independent jeweller.
We’d absolutely love to have you in the studio. Come join the BENCHspace family and see where your creativity can take you!
- Enjoy learning in our fully equipped jewellery workshop.
- Each person has their own jewellers’ bench with full set of tools.
- Make your own amazing jewellery to fit perfectly in your own unique style!
Because making matters…
Please follow us on our facebook page or Instagram for our latest news.
We offer a range of taster sessions and courses to build up your skill set with step-by-step expert tuition, enabling you to spend some creative ‘you’ time in our fully equipped workshop.
Testimonials
What people are saying
All reviews![]()
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TrustindexPosted on Google![]()
Lisa Timberlake23 July 2026
The course shared plenty of techniques to keep you busy and teach you new skills. Karen is extremely knowledgeable and a really lovely human to be around. I could have easily spent all day in that workshop. Will definitely be joining for level two and beyond. Highly recommend!Posted on Google![]()
Jane Bazzali9 July 2026
Absolutely fantastic class. We made silver rings from scratch, I felt really proud. It was a lovely group of people and Karen has an amazing way- she's so calm but yet you remember every bit. She is lovely, a true professional who is so knowledgable and skilled. Thank you Karen, I can't wait to do another xxPosted on Trustindex![]()
Helen4 July 2026
Ring making course Really enjoyed our ring making session at Benchspace. Karen was super helpful and explained everything so well. So pleased with the results. Would definitely recommend!Posted on Google![]()
Leo Hinton4 July 2026
Fun. Helpful. And made a very cool ring!Posted on Google![]()
Jo Young30 June 2026
Really enjoyed the Beginners Course, there were plenty of tools available for "hands on" practice, thorough instructions on how to use the equipment safely and correctly, and Karen was always to hand to help with any questions. Look forward to doing more courses in the very near future. Thank you.Posted on Google![]()
Julia Van Ek29 June 2026
It was really step by step so we built up our skills as we went. This made it possible to end up with an item we were pleased with. Real joy.Posted on Google![]()
Kim Vaughan13 June 2026
What a great day making a gorgeous spinner ring, a wonderful birthday treat with my daughter! Thank you Karen for guiding us to such a happy outcome!Posted on Google![]()
Sonia Whipps6 June 2026
Had a lovely time making a silver ring karen was so helpful and took plenty of time with us all going through the steps to get the end result ive never done this before and would highly recommend this class. Thankyou xPosted on Google![]()
Lydiane Fevre18 May 2026
I had a lovely day making a spinner ring. I learnt so much under the care of Karen and Emma, both welcoming patient and very knowledgeable. As soon as I finished I wanted another go! Can't wait to come back.Posted on Google![]()
Lyndsay Murty16 May 2026
I attended a jewellery making class at BENCHspace where I made a spinner ring, and I absolutely loved it! The tutors were so lovely, supportive and knowledgeable throughout the session, making the whole experience really enjoyable and relaxing. I’m so pleased with the finished piece — such a beautiful end product that I’ll treasure. I would highly recommend this class to anyone wanting to try something creative and learn a new skill!Posted on Google![]()
Jacky Kutner20 April 2026
Excellent course, well run and reasonably priced. Was a joy to spend a day with like minded people learning new skills and experiencing this craft for the first time. Karen, aided by Emma have a huge amount of knowledge and experience which they shared with ease and clarity. I was very pleased with my first attempt at this and have 3 beautiful bangles as a memento! I recommend you try this !Posted on Facebook![]()
Nicola Stephens20 May 2025recommends
I made a thing (11th May)...a spinner ring! It involved dangerous tools (hammers & saws) and fire...so just a touch out of my comfort zone, but I LOVED IT! I've wanted my own fidget ring for a while now...but never dreamed I'd make it myself. Thank you to Karen and Kitty for your guidance and patience. I absolutely 100% recommend this 1-day course and hope to do another one sometime soon. 💍💚🩵Posted on Facebook![]()
Lynne Seabridge-Long6 April 2025recommends
Another great taster session. One with my daughter, today with my son. Karen's tutoring has enabled me to make 2 individually crafted rings over the sessions. Thank youPosted on Facebook![]()
Kelly Maynard Mitton15 March 2025recommends
I have absolutely loved my level 1 and level 2 courses, I’ve learnt so many new skills and made so much lovely new jewellery, I can’t wait to start the level 3, and learn even more so I can make myself some even more jewellery. Thanks Karen for being a great teacher and being patient!Posted on Facebook![]()
Debbie Abraham15 March 2025recommends
I've just completed Karen's level 3 course and now have a beautiful bracelet with a laboradite cabochon and two stacking rings. Highly recommend jewellery classes at Bench Space.Posted on Facebook![]()
Maria Yardley2 March 2025recommends
Had a taster session. Was a great morning. Thank you. Will be back.Posted on Facebook![]()
Karen Hills9 November 2024recommends
lovely relaxed day and you end up with some wearable rings. Karen is helpful and knowledgeable and nothing is too much trouble. thank youPosted on Facebook![]()
Rhona Whitley20 October 2024recommends
Excellent day , very happy with my bangles, fabulous tutorial, a wonderful bunch of ladies, I’ll definitely book againPosted on Facebook![]()
Mark Wallington6 October 2024recommends
Absolutely loved the ring making workshop yesterday. Karen took us step by step through the process for making a silver ring. She was so patient and imparted her knowledge in an understated way but got everyone to make a ring they were really happy with! Thank you for a fabulous day!Posted on Facebook![]()
Amanda Price5 May 2024recommends
We had an amazing time celebrating my sisters birthday, so much fun having all the girls together not only making a beautiful one of a kind ring but also making memories to last a lifetime. Will definitely be returning to check out one of the other jewellery workshops.Posted on Facebook![]()
Be Louise11 February 2024recommends
What a fantastic day spent at Bench Space making a spinner ring. Really impressed with the tuition and finished rings. I'm now feeling inspired to create more beautiful silver jewellery. I would highly recommend if you want to get creative and make something beautiful.Load more



