Join us for a very special MasterMaker workshop with jewellery artist Kayo Saito, presented as one of our London Craft Week events. The theme of the month is the classic novel The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, celebrating hidden beauty, growth, and the quiet poetry of natural forms. This immersive session invites you to explore the transformation of metal into organic, expressive shapes inspired by nature.

Have you ever explored how simple processes can transform metal into something that feels alive? This workshop offers a wonderful opportunity to discover intuitive jewellery-making techniques that create texture, movement, and softness in brass sheet. 

In this hands-on session, you’ll explore Kayo’s creative approach and craft your own plant-inspired piece. Drawing from forms such as leaves, petals, and natural silhouettes, you may create earrings, a pendant, or a small sculptural object that reflects your personal interpretation of organic design.

Limited places available! Booking essential. Price is per person.

What is our MasterMaker series?

These monthly events embody what FORGE stands for: exceptional design, the preservation of skills, and the sharing of knowledge. They are limited to 10 people for a unique & intimate, exclusive experience with a highly skilled & accomplished designer. 

During 5 captivating hours, you’ll engage in a talk, witness a live demonstration, and partake in a hands-on workshop, all guided by the MasterMakers themselves. The event concludes with a relaxed chat and mingle over wine and delicious sushi from our neighbours Mugen

What will I make?

You will create a unique piece of jewellery or small object in brass, inspired by natural and organic forms. This may be a pendant, a pair of earrings, or a small sculptural piece. Participants who bring their own silver may choose to work in silver instead.

What will I learn?

You’ll learn a range of essential jewellery-making techniques, including:

– Piercing (cutting) shapes from sheet metal

– Filing and refining edges

– Hammering to create texture and movement

– Using a rolling mill to transfer and develop surface texture

– Bending and forming metal into organic, flowing shapes

– How simple, direct processes can transform rigid material into expressive forms

These techniques form the foundation of jewellery-making and encourage an intuitive, experimental approach.

What will happen on the day?

You’ll begin with an introduction from Kayo, who will share insights into her creative practice and her approach to working with organic form, material, and texture, in dialogue with the monthly theme of The Secret Garden.

Kayo will demonstrate key techniques, showing how sheet metal can be cut, shaped, textured, and formed to evoke natural movement and botanical forms.

Under her guidance, you’ll:

– Work with brass sheet to cut and form your design

– Experiment with hammering and rolling to create surface texture

– Explore plant-inspired forms such as leaves and petals, or develop your own ideas

– Refine and finish your piece using traditional hand tools

It will be an informal, experimental day focused on material exploration, creative discovery, and the transformation of metal into organic form.

We’ll wrap up the experience with sushi, conversation, and a chance to admire everyone’s finished creations.

What skills do I need?

All levels Workshops that are designed to be flexible and accommodate all skill levels.

This workshop is suitable for beginners and those wishing to reconnect with the fundamentals of making.

What should I bring?

– Reading glasses (if needed)

– Notebook and pen/pencil to take notes during the class

– Apron (Optional) 

– Brass will be provided for all participants.  if you wish to work in silver you are welcome to bring your own. Please let us know if you would like to do this and we will advise on what to buy. 

What should I wear? 

Clothes: Comfortable, casual, and not too precious (they may get dusty). Avoid loose long sleeves or loose clothing.

Shoes: Closed-toe flat shoes (no sandals).

Hair: Long hair should be tied back.

Who is Kayo Saito?

Kayo creates sculptural jewellery that balances simplicity with strong craftsmanship. Using traditional goldsmithing techniques, she works mainly in 18ct gold and silver to form subtle, organic shapes. Her pieces reflect a blend of Japanese and European training and influence. She studied in Japan and the UK, completing a Master’s degree at the Royal College of Art in 2001, and has received recognition from organisations including the Goldsmiths’ Company, the British Jewellers’ Association, and the Crafts Council.

How do I get there? 

FORGE 59 Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TJ

See contact page for details on public transport and parking.

How do I book?

To book your workshop, simply add your chosen session to your basket by clicking Add to Cart, then click on the basket icon in the top right corner to proceed to checkout.

Please remember to provide your email address and phone number. We use this information only to confirm your booking, share details about the day, and contact you if any issues arise. Your contact details will not be used for marketing purposes unless you choose to opt in by ticking the box to receive updates from us.

Materials Disclaimer

Please note: Workshop material costs are based on metal prices at the time of organising each session. Due to continual fluctuations in precious metal markets, there may be a small increase in the price of materials. If this occurs, we will contact you prior to the workshop to confirm the difference, which can be settled on the day by card.

Dietary Requirements

At the end of the workshop, we’ll be providing a selection of vegetarian and fish sushi, along with prosecco and soft drinks. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so we can make suitable arrangements.

Accessibility

Most of this workshop takes place at street level in our showroom, which is step-free and accessible. Some specialist equipment is located in our lower-level workshop, which can only be accessed via stairs, as the building does not have lift access.

If you have any access requirements, please contact us before booking so we can advise and discuss suitability and any adjustments we can make to accommodate you.