The idea
The project will deliver 8 beginner jewellery-making sessions exploring Walsall’s heritage and participants’ own stories and experiences through shared stories and traditional craft.
In response to local need, with over a third of adults in Walsall physically inactive and 1 in 4 experiencing mental health difficulties, it offers an accessible way to build activity into everyday life.
Sessions at Walsall New Art Gallery and Orchard Pavilion will combine creative workshops with themed walks, such as visits to the new Leather Museum (when open) or foraging, alongside mindful practices.
The project will end with a public exhibition and digital showcase, celebrating participants’ jewellery and stories.
What we'll deliver
- 8 beginner jewellery-making sessions for 12-15 Walsall residents inc themed heritage walks and personal journalling
- Week 1 – Introduction & Storytelling: Intro to jewellery, tools & materials; storytelling, journalling & mindful warm-up
- Week 2 – Beading Skills Learn stringing, colour balance and design, creating a first finished jewellery piece
- Week 3 – Wire Wrapping & Linking Learn wire techniques and connectors, creating a second jewellery piece
- Week 5 – Nature & Recyclable: Outdoor mindful session exploring texture and form, designing natural-inspired jewellery
- Week 6 – Leather Jewellery Learn cutting, stamping and assembling leather, linking to Walsall heritage
- Week 7 – Refinement & Reflection Refine and complete pieces, building confidence and reflecting through journals
- Week 8 – Finishing & Story Capture Finalise pieces and capture stories through photos and creative reflection
- Week 9 – Exhibition & Celebration Private and public exhibition celebrating jewellery pieces and heritage stories
- Evaluation & preservation of heritage stories
Why it's a great idea
This project supports people in Walsall to connect with heritage, improve wellbeing through activity, and access ongoing creative opportunities.
It provides a welcoming space to try something new, meet others and build confidence through beginner jewellery-making.
Participants will learn simple skills while exploring their own backgrounds, helping them feel more connected to themselves and to Walsall’s history of leather and craft.
Sessions include mindful making, gentle movement and social connection, helping people who are less active become more active over time.
By creating meaningful jewellery inspired by their experiences, participants gain pride and confidence in what they make.
The project also invests in reusable equipment to support future workshops and long-term community benefit across Walsall.
Steps to get it done
- Project Setup & Recruitment - Confirm venues, purchase materials and recruit 12-15 participants from Walsall community
- Baseline Evaluation & Introduction - pre-participation evaluation, introduce the programme and heritage/activity focus
- Delivery of Sessions Deliver 8 beginner jewellery sessions with creative making, heritage themes and gentle activity.
- Preparationand Preservation Capture heritage journal stories and complete jewellery pieces to be shared
- Exhibition & Sharing Deliver a private viewing and public exhibition with a digital showcase
- Evaluation & Next Steps Gather feedback, review outcomes and plan future community delivery
- Legacy and Spreading Awareness Continue to share the journey and heritage stories within our website for 2 years
