My Story

Hi, I'm Mhairi.

Let me take you back to when I decided to change my life...

 

I was working part-time in retail and both my kids were now at school.

My current hobby was making jewellery with beads, wire, sea glass, and

old or broken pieces of jewellery. I'd done a little metalsmithing previously at college 

during my fashion design studies and always wished I'd swapped over to 

jewellery design.

My husband suggested that I go back to college and do the jewellery course.

At first I hesitated. I was almost 39 years old, and I wondered if it was too late

to start something new. But I was bored, unhappy and ready for a new challenge.

So after some researching, and a lot of consideration, I took the leap and applied to

Fife College for a place on their National Certificate in Jewellery Design course.

I was offered a place and began my studies in September 2014. During that time

I continued to work my part time job and I wont lie, it was really hard work.

I did 3 days a week in college that year, whilst working my 3 days in a busy

farm shop, and with a 5 year old and a 15 year old to look after. We also got a puppy

that year too! But I was determined to stick in and make the most of the opportunity.

Thankfully my husband and kids were very supportive and encouraged me all the

way and still do! I completed the course in 2015 and never looked back.

​

Since then I have gone on to learn at every opportunity, back at the same college

as well as in jewellery schools in Glasgow and Edinburgh. I've worked tirelessly to

improve my skills as a bench jeweller and I really couldn't see myself doing anything

 else now. It has definitely been my calling.

​

After spending some years working for another jeweller in Kinross, starting part time

soon after leaving college and working up to the level of workshop manager over around 6 years, taking trainees through my extensive training plan to also become successful

bench jewellers, and being responsible for the day to day running of the workshop,

creating many retail and bespoke pieces for my employers clients, I had known for a

while that creating my own jewellery in my own workshop was where I wanted to be.

I missed designing and exploring certain techniques, and I also missed the freedom

to play and experiment that being a self employed creative brings. So I decided it was

time to get back to flexing those creative muscles and awakening what had been

turned off for too long!

​

In January 2024 I left my job and my then workshop to begin the task of creating a new

improved workshop to suit my needs as a commercial jeweller, but also this time as a

teacher and makers supporter. On the 2nd May 2024 the doors finally opened to

'Mhairi Gibbons Jewellery Workshop and Learning Centre'

A dedicated space for making, teaching and supporting others in their jewellery

making journeys, whatever their level of experience.

​

I absolutely love what I do, and my work as both a jeweller and teacher convey just

how passionate I am about the amazing art of jewellery design and manufacture.

If you'd like to talk to me about my jewellery or an idea you want to bring to life, please

do get in touch. And if making jewellery is an idea that you've been toying with, let me

be the stepping stone and help you to also, to take that leap!