About Creative Workshop: Sustainable Statement Jewellery

Join sustainable jewellery designer Syrah Jay to design and create your own statement necklace.

Taking inspiration from National Museums Scotland’s nationally significant collection of modern and contemporary jewellery, designer Syrah Jay will explore how accessories don’t need to be made from precious metals.

Using 75% waste materials, you will hone your creative skills in re-using, recycling and re-purposing to create a unique handmade necklace. Syrah will demonstrate traditional jewellery making skills, including beading, threading and wirework.

This workshop will be a small class with a supportive teacher who will build your confidence to explore your creativity.

All abilities are welcome at this relaxed and informal session.

On the day

All materials are supplied.
Participants can bring a packed lunch or visit the Balcony Café.

10:15
Meet at the Entrance Hall Information Desk on Level 0.
10:30
Coffee and introductions to your tutor Syrah Jay and curator Sarah Rothwell.
10:45
Highlight tour of Making & Creating gallery from Sarah Rothwell.
11:00
Syrah will explain the materials you will be using and demonstrate techniques. Syrah will have some of her own designs for you to view and the museum's handling collection of jewellery will provide further inspiration.
11:45
Making time.
16:00
Finishing touches and clearing up.

About your tutor

Syrah Jay graduated in printed textiles from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee. Using concrete, cork, wood and jesmonite, she creates unique, wearable designs from unusual and sustainable materials.

About the jewellery collection

The class will begin with a short introduction to the Making and Creating gallery from Sarah Rothwell, Senior Curator of Modern & Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland.

Sarah will focus on our Pushing the Boundaries display which showcases jewellery by contemporary artists and designers who challenge consumer consumption and waste and highlight ethical and sustainable production. Examples on display are highlighted in the images below.

Image gallery

Accessibility and facilities

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.  If you have any access requirements, please email us in advance at PublicEvents@nms.ac.uk.  

Museum entrances

There is level access to the museum via the main doors to the Entrance Hall on Chambers Street and the Tower entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge.

Lifts

Lifts are available to all floors of the museum.

Toilets

There are toilets on most levels of the museum, including accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. There is a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0. 

Assistance dogs

Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs are admitted.

Find out more about our access information.