Private tuition

Online Mentoring & Technical Troubleshooting

£95.00

As Makers, we all face stumbling blocks, especially when working alone. We live in an amazing time with so much access to free information, tutorials, and advice, but it's often not clear which advice is relevant to you and the specifics of what you're working on. Kim provides a supportive, friendly face to help you achieve your aims in the way that best suits your needs.
All abilities

Imagine if you had a knowledgeable and friendly face to call upon when you needed some help or motivation.

When you don’t have a trusted and experienced jewellery mentor or tutor, it can be extremely difficult to know why things aren’t quite working or how to improve your results. When seeking support in online groups and forums, you are often left confused due to conflicting advice.

This is why professional Mentoring and Troubleshooting can be invaluable. Kim has over two decades of experience in jewellery silversmithing and tutoring. There aren’t many issues or stumbling blocks she hasn’t come across, and she takes the time to truly understand your circumstances, work set-up and aims, so the advice given is relevant, helpful and easily actionable – truly tailored to you!

Seeking help can be intimidating. Many people worry about criticism and being steamrolled by “I know best” opinions. Kim is always welcoming, supportive and passionate to work with you to find the way forward that best works for you. No judgment, just proactive ideas and advice to help you achieve your aims and make your jewellery making an easier and more enjoyable experience.

 

What to Expect

How can we help?

Upon booking, Kim will ask you to provide a little bit of information so you can let her know what you would like to discuss. Some people come with a list of technical questions. Some people just want to check they're on the right path.

Do you thrive on accountability? Kim can help you set goals and stick to them.

Sometimes we just benefit from a friendly and supportive chat to motivate us.

This is your session and can cover whatever you would like.

"As a newbie jeweller there have been many times when my motivation and confidence have hit a low. However, Kim’s online support and mentoring have on more than occasion helped me to get my motivation back and to get things back in perspective. It’s been great to have support and mentoring from someone who takes the time to understand what you are trying to achieve. I’ve learnt a lot from Kim’s little diagrams held up to the camera while she explains where I’m going wrong, or how to do something better. Always fun, kind and very knowledgeable." - Elaine

 

Your tutor

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Kim Thomson
Lead Tutor & Mentor at Orchard Jewellery Workshop
With over 2 decades experience as a jewellery tutor, Kim strives to make all classes as inclusive and empowering as possible

Skills we'll cover

  • Expert Guidance – Receive clear, personalised advice from an industry expert who takes the time to understand your unique needs and aspirations, helping you avoid confusing or conflicting information.
  • Friendly Helpful Support – Many people feel nervous about seeking support, often fearing they’ll be told they’re ‘not good enough’ or ‘doing things wrong.’ The education system can sometimes leave us with that fear. Kim's focus is always on supporting you to reach your goals in a way that feels comfortable and effective for you. Together, you’ll create a positive, encouraging space to help you grow and succeed.
  • Confidence Building – Sometimes, all you need is a friendly, knowledgeable ear to boost your confidence and affirm that you're heading in the right direction!
  • Skills Enhancement – Interested in mastering a new technique or refining your craft? Get tailored recommendations on the best tools, resources, and a customised learning roadmap to accelerate your progress.
  • Problem Solving – Facing a specific challenge in your jewellery-making or business? Kim is experienced in quickly identifying root causes during video calls while providing practical solutions to overcome obstacles efficiently.
  • Business Development – Whether you're working on pricing strategies, branding, or marketing, Kim can help you grow your jewellery business with confidence. She has over 25 years of experience as a successful jewellery business owner, as well as five years of mentoring other jewellery businesses through The Jewellers Academy Diploma Course and the Jewellery Business Academy.
  • Long-Term Planning – Together, you’ll set clear goals, develop comprehensive business plans, and identify growth pathways to ensure your continued success and sustainability.
  • Accountability & Motivation – Struggling to stay on track? You’ll work together to set achievable milestones, deadlines, and accountability measures to keep you moving toward your goals.
  • Tool, Technique & Learning Adaptations – The best approach is the one that works best for you! Kim specialises in tailoring tips and adaptations to suit individual needs. "Many of my students and fellow tutors have learning differences, neurodiversity, physical challenges, or dexterity and fatigue concerns. With the right support and strategies, there’s always a way to succeed. I’m passionate about helping each person discover what works best for them and empowering you to reach your creative and business goals".

Your tutor

Kim takes the time to truly understand your circumstances, work set-up and aims, so the advice given is relevant, helpful and easily actionable - truly tailored to you!

Very important info

Payments are accepted exclusively via our website booking system or payment plans using debit, credit cards or PayPal.

Once your payment is received, you will receive a confirmation email containing:

  • Your booking confirmation
  • Workshop details and venue address
  • A copy of these Terms of Booking

Prices are listed for each session type and, unless otherwise specified, include tuition, use of the studio, tools, and materials listed at booking.

If you wish to work with specific or specialist materials (e.g., gemstones, gold, specific shape or size of metal), please notify Kim at least ten days in advance. Additional costs for materials will be payable before the workshop and are subject to availability.

Kim cannot guarantee specific materials beyond those listed in the session details will be in stock and cannot issue refunds related to unavailable materials.

If you are unsure of your project requirements at booking, you may work with materials available in the studio (typically copper, brass, silver and a selection of gemstones).

Kim prioritises safety. Safety instructions will be provided at the start of each course.

It is your responsibility to read and understand all safety guidelines. You must agree not to use any power or gas tool before you have received a full induction by your course tutor. Non-compliance may result in exclusion from the workshop or course without a refund.

Kim reserves the right to refuse participation if a student appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if health issues pose a safety risk. In such cases, no refund will be issued.

Kim is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment. Bullying, prejudice, discrimination, or harmful behaviour will not be tolerated.

Kim reserves the right to exclude any student displaying aggressive or disrespectful behaviour.

Booking confirms you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.

You are responsible for sharing these Terms with anyone attending the workshop with you.

Please add hi@makeit.kim to your email contacts to receive pre-workshop communications.

Note: These Terms may be amended without notice. It is your responsibility to review the Terms each time you book or attend.

Kim holds Public and Products Liability Insurance up to £5,000,000. You may request proof by contacting hi@makeit.kim.

  • Refunds are available if you cancel more than two weeks before the scheduled date.
  • Cancellations made within two weeks are non-refundable.
  • Kim may facilitate an exchange to an alternative course or date where possible.
  • No refunds are available for no-shows or late cancellations.

In unforeseen circumstances, Kim may cancel a workshop at short notice. In such cases, alternative dates will be offered or a full refund provided.
Kim is not liable for travel or accommodation costs resulting from cancellations.

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