New resident at Inverness Creative Academy to offer jewellery making classes to novices and experts
Wasps Creative Academy has got a new resident: Highland School of Jewellery.
Established by Dr Karen-Ann Dicken, a seasoned jeweller with over 17 years of teaching experience, she is supported by jewellery designer, Thomas Lacroix.
The idea for the academy was born from a simple observation: despite the rich artistic heritage of the Highlands, there were limited options for learning the intricate craft of jewellery making.
"A lot of people had asked me in the past about jewellery-making courses in the area," Karen recalls.
"There just wasn’t anywhere offering that, so I decided to set up my own school."
In February, Karen took the first step by applying for a business competition at Dundee University.
Winning £2,000 from the competition, she used the funds to secure a workshop.
Together with Thomas, they meticulously built the workshop from reclaimed materials—fence posts, stable doors, and other sustainable resources—creating a space that reflects their values of craftsmanship and sustainability.
The Highland School of Jewellery officially opened its doors on August 10. The opening event was a resounding success, featuring gemstone bingo.
The academy has since launched its first class and is rapidly expanding its offerings. The initial course, led by Ailsa Wilde focused on creating a trio of rings.
Karen herself is set to teach a course on restrictions and granulation—a technique that creates textured, intricate designs with silver.
"We’re slowly adding different classes and techniques," Karen explains, "and we’re planning to bring in guest lecturers to broaden what we can offer."
The academy is not just a place for learning; it’s a gathering point for a community of makers. Karen plans to host monthly "Meet the Maker" nights, where jewellers can share their work, exchange ideas, and discuss the tools and techniques that fuel their passion.
"Jewellers tend to be lone workers," Karen notes, "and there’s really nowhere around here for them to gather and have a chat about what we’re into."
Beyond the regular classes, the academy also offers open studio nights every Wednesday, where participants can bring in ongoing projects and get technical advice from Karen or simply enjoy the collaborative environment. This flexibility is key to fostering a supportive, creative community in the Highlands.
Karen and Thomas have ambitious plans for the academy. In addition to expanding the course offerings, they’re exploring community-based projects aimed at empowering local residents.
"I’m talking to a few groups about getting funding to run workshops for communities in need, like working with women’s aid," Karen shares. "It’s about giving people the skills and confidence to create something beautiful."
As the academy grows, Karen balances her teaching commitments at UHI, where she teaches art and design, with her passion for the academy.
"I’ve always thought about setting up a school, and after finishing my PhD, it felt like the right time," she says.
"There’s a real gap in the market here, and I’m excited to see where we can take this."
Whether you're an aspiring jeweller or an experienced artist looking to expand your skills, the academy welcomes all to join its growing community.
