13k 
Liz Taylor
location_on Pampisford, Cambridge
local_activity classes: Silversmithing • Jewellery Making
5.0 (5)
I am the owner of The Silver Bird, an artisan, handmade jewellery business based in a semi-rural village in Cambridgeshire. I specialise in bespoke commissions and customisable pieces, as well as teaching traditional jewellery making techniques.
I have recently retired from an 18 year career as a secondary DT teacher, over which time I taught hundreds of young people how to design and make novel, beautiful products, by exploring material properties and generating unique forms.
During this time, I completed a Masters of Education at Cambridge University, focusing on creative idea generation and development. This gave me a particular passion for biomimicry; using and replicating the nature through product design to make unique textures and forms.
I have taught adult silver jewellery making classes in several schools, and have designed my own teaching room to accommodate up to four aspiring silver-smiths.
Jewellery making with silver is easily the most addictive thing I have ever done. And that's before we talk about the enchanting world of gemstones! Whether you are into contemporary or classic pieces, you are learning for pleasure, or you want your own career change, I can help you fall in love with the processes and achieve your jewellery-making potential.
Contact me for an informal chat if you'd like more information of what I can offer. I look forward to making with you.
Classes
Reviews
(5)
Paul Darlow • Jun 2024
The workshop was a present from my wife as I have previously designed jewellery for her.
I would thoroughly recommend trying this out as it is great fun, the day just disappeared and if you are lucky you'll come home with some beautiful creations.
Liz is a great teacher. She clearly explains the science and the techniques we tried out. She demonstrates each technique in easy to follow chunks at a pace that suites you. She is patient and will help you out if you become frustrated but that did not happen to the two of us on the beginners course.
The venue was a lovely garden room at Liz's home, but she is about to build a purpose built studio which sounds very exciting.
You are provided with a financial allowance of silver and all the other tools etc that you need. We made a ring, pendant and two earrings (all of which my wife is delighted). On creating these we learnt alot of skills in a short time.
The class was excellent value and a great day.
What did I enjoy most - being creative and the whole day.
Thank you Liz
Teacher's response
Hi Paul
Thank you so much for your kind review. It was lovely working with you this weekend, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm so glad your wife likes what you made, they are beautiful!
Take care,
Liz
Val James • May 2024
We had a fabulous day at the ring making workshop run by Liz from Silver Bird. The four of us fitted perfectly in the pretty little garden workshop, me & the wife/partners of my 3 sons.
Liz was warm & welcoming, providing excellent tuition and knowledge throughout the day. All materials and equipment we needed were available along with Liz's guidance on how too use them.
We all started the day unsure and doubting our abilities but all of us ended up producing 3 lovely shiny rings which we were all proud to wear home!
Possibly the most magical part was the final polishing, taking a dull okish looking item and turning it into a lovely shiny piece of jewellery!
I think that the quality of the workshop, especially Liz's incredible knowledge, and the silver rings you get to take home, offers excellent value for money.
Thank you Liz for such a lovely & memorable day
Teacher's response
Dear Val
Thank you so much for your review, i appreciate it so much. It was lovely to work with you all. Best wishes, Liz
Kevin Smyth • Feb 2024
An amazing experience and the perfect gift. Exceed expectations. Liz Taylor was a welcoming, informative and a skilled individual. She guided us through a wide variety of techniques and was open to any questions we had. In our beginners package we were able to make a ring, pendent and earrings. This was fantastic and we have high quality pieces we will keep forever thank you ️
