Jewellers Academy Podcast

In this episode, Jess is joined by jeweller and wax tutor Elin Horgan to introduce Week of Wax - a free 5-day online wax carving course starting on 2nd February and open for enrolment now.
They explore what wax jewellery is, why it's such an accessible and creative material to work with, and walk through each project you'll make during the week, from carved rings and granulation to charms, build-up techniques, and a classic signet ring.
Whether you're completely new to wax carving or already working in wax, this episode will help you understand where to start and how wax can fit into your jewellery practice.
👉 Sign up for the free Week of Wax now
https://www.jewellersacademy.com/week-of-wax
 
Key moments
01:02 – Introduction & Week of Wax overview What Week of Wax is, who it's for, and why it was created alongside the Wax Diploma.
02:39 – Meet Elin Horgan Introduction to Elin, wax tutor and practising jeweller.
03:07 – Getting started with wax carving Why wax can feel overwhelming at first and how structure helps beginners.
04:22 – Why wax is ideal for experimentation Affordability, rising metal prices, and why wax is perfect for exploration.
05:23 – Casting options & real-world examples Casting wax jewellery in silver, gold, brass, and bronze.
06:22 – Day 1: Wax carved ring Why rings are a perfect first wax project.
08:58 – Using wax tubes How wax tubes simplify the carving process.
10:41 – Day 2: Granulation in wax Adding texture using granules and heat pens.
13:03 – Day 3: Wax charms (taught by Jessica) Designing and carving small charms for jewellery collections.
14:30 – Turning wax designs into collections Using moulds and repeatable components in jewellery businesses.
16:36 – Day 4: Build-up technique heart pendant Melting and building wax instead of carving.
18:16 – Finding your personal style in wax Geometric vs organic approaches and mixing techniques.
19:12 – Day 5: Signet ring with Stelios Karantonas A more technical project focusing on symmetry and scale.
20:37 – Why signet rings work so well in wax Engraving, surface design, and creative possibilities.
21:47 – How to approach the Week of Wax Do all five days or dip in — lifetime access included.
24:05 – Encouragement for first-time wax carvers Why wax is playful, forgiving, and meditative.
25:22 – Wax Diploma & next steps Time commitment, diploma start date, and how to learn more.
26:39 – Where to find Elin Horgan
Elin's Website
Elin on Instagram
27:00 – Final thoughts & invitation to join Sharing work, learning together, and enjoying the process.

In this episode, host Anna Campbell chats with coach and neurodiversity specialist Aileen Carson about what neurodiversity really means, and why so many creative people (including jewellers) might recognise themselves in it.
They talk about conditions like ADHD, autism and dyslexia, and how some people discover they're neurodivergent later in life simply by noticing they think differently, spot patterns others don't, or work in their own unique way.
Aileen shares the many strengths neurodivergent makers often have, like creativity, problem-solving, incredible attention to detail and the ability to hyper-focus at the bench — a huge advantage for jewellery makers.
The conversation also gets practical, with tips for running a business when you're juggling lots of roles. Aileen talks about managing your energy, finding planning systems that actually work for you, using helpful tools and tech, and setting up a work environment that supports your needs rather than drains you.
They also cover something many creatives struggle with: burnout. From taking proper breaks and looking after the basics (food, water, sleep!) to setting boundaries with customers and giving yourself permission to rest, Aileen explains how small changes can make a big difference to your wellbeing and creativity.
To wrap up, Aileen encourages makers to lean into what they're naturally good at, trust their creative brains, and remember that not every hobby has to turn into a business.
 
About Aileen
Aileen Carson runs a neurodiversity coaching and training business. She works with neurodivergent people, helping them harness their strengths and find strategies to navigate any challenges they're facing in the workplace or in their business. This often involves support with executive function challenges, managing stress and avoiding burnout. She helps people identify what enables them to work at their best and use this knowledge to find working patterns that work with their brain, rather than against it. She also runs neurodiversity training sessions for employers to help them become more inclusive and she speaks about neurodiversity at conferences and events.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileencarson/
https://www.instagram.com/aileen_carson_coaching
https://www.aileencarson.com/

Join the Free 10 Days of Silver Challenge!
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by jeweller and tutor Kelly Twigg to introduce 10 Days of Silver - our free, global jewellery-making challenge designed to help you get back to the bench with confidence. Whether you're a complete beginner or a more experienced jeweller, this 10-day programme guides you through fun, low-pressure silver jewellery projects. Jess and Kelly talk through the projects, share tips for building skills and confidence, and explain how this challenge is a great way to reconnect with your creativity at the start of the year.
 
Here's what you'll learn to make in week 1:
Day 1: Silver Stacking Rings

Day 2: Silver Bar Necklace

Day 3: Silver Cut-Out Necklace

Day 4: Silver Stacking Bangles

Day 5: Twisted Hoop Earrings

Here is what you'll learn to make in week 2:
Day 6: Granulated Stud Earrings

Day 7: Make a Wave Ring

Day 8: Gold (or Copper) Inlay Silver Pendant

Day 9: Fused Silver Earrings

Day 10: Introduction to Claw Setting

 
✨ Ready to join? Sign up for free here: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/10-days-of-silver-jewellery
 
Join now to get started. You get lifetime access and the tools and materials list for all projects to get ahead.

Don't forget to share your creations with us on Instagram @JewellersAcademy and in the Facebook group - we love seeing what you make!

Kickstart 2026 is a free, five-day challenge designed to help jewellery makers and jewellery business owners begin the year with clarity, confidence and calm.
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess explains how the challenge offers a gentle, structured way to reflect on your vision, set meaningful goals for your jewellery business, create simple action plans, build supportive routines and consider how money will flow into your business - without the overwhelm or pressure.
How does Kickstart work?
The FREE five day challenge features a video from Jess each day for 5 days, starting on Monday 5th January 2026. It also includes notes and a Canva template to create your own plan through the week.
Day 1 – Get Clear on Your Vision
A short exercise to reconnect with why you do what you do and what you want this year to look like.
✔️ It's time for a clearer sense of direction and motivation.
Day 2 – Choose Your Focus
You'll identify a small number of realistic, meaningful business goals.
✔️ Let's ditch the overwhelm and get clarity on what actually matters.
Day 3 – Create an Action Plan
Turn ideas into steps you can actually follow.
✔️ Leave with a simple plan instead of a head full of 'shoulds'.
Day 4 – Build a Weekly Business Rhythm
Define how you'll consistently work on your business, not just in it.
✔️ Feel more organised and in control of your time.
Day 5 – Focus on Revenue
Shift your attention to activities that help bring money into your business.
✔️ End the week knowing exactly what to prioritise next.
Join Kickstart now https://www.jewellersacademy.com/kickstart
 
Other programs mentioned in the podcast:
10 Days of Silver Jewellery Making - suitable for complete beginners or those who want to stetch themselves with new project ideas starting on 12th January 2026
Week of Wax five free wax carving tutorials starting on 2nd February 2026
Five Days of Silver Metal Clay free tutorials starting on 23rd February 2026
All of these free challenges are open for enrolment now and will start on the dates show above so register now.
 
Jewellery Business Academy 2026 - our externally accredited one-year business program featuring monthly themes, group support, starter and growth tracks. This runs from January to December and is open now for enrolment.

This week on the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess and Anna Campbell explore their annual tradition of choosing a Word of the Year as a gentler alternative to New Year's resolutions. They reflect on the words they chose for 2025 and how the year lived up to them, before sharing their words for 2026 and what they hope for the year ahead. If you're thinking about setting intentions for 2026, they also share some tips to help you choose a word that feels meaningful and supportive.
 
If you'd like to choose your own word of the year, there is some guidance on how to do it on our blog. As well as some alternative ideas mentioned in the podcast, including your theme song for 2026!
 
https://www.jewellersacademy.com/blog/whats-your-word-of-the-year-for-2026