The Power of The Jewellery Making Community

What is a craft community?

A craft community is a group of people with the same interests, where they take part in discussions, share tips, connect and support other makers.

How do I join a craft community?

Join Forums

Forums are online discussion boards where you can ask questions and discuss particular topics. Ask questions, share experiences and connect with similar creatives.

Attend Networking Events

Networking is a chance to meet other business owners and form relationships, find opportunities and potential partners to collaborate with.

This is also a great chance to learn new skills by attending events and chatting to others about how they run their business.

Discover Local Jewellers

Building relationships with local jewellers is a great way to make friends and create a support network. Find local jewellers by searching for relevant hashtags on social media (e.g. #cornishjeweller, #handmadeincornwall).

You can also search for groups on Facebook and do a Google search for jewellers in your area - you could drop them a message to show your support or even ask to meet up for a coffee!

Join Or Organise A Meet Up

If you have a large group of creatives or jewellery makers in your area, it can be a great idea to organise a meet up in your area. Not only will you be able to make friends, you'll be able to exchange ideas too - why not set up a creative workshop to break the ice!

Start Engaging On Social Media

Social media is a fantastic way to join a community of jewellers. You will find thousands of jewellers sharing their work on Instagram and Facebook – both of these platforms are great for connecting and reaching out to likeminded people. We recommend following 'Make It Kim' and 'Metalsmith Society', accounts on Instagram offering free tips and advice.

Read our blog post: 10 Reasons Your Jewellery Business Needs Social Media

Join Facebook Groups & Twitter Chats

Facebook groups are one of the most popular ways to ask jewellers for advice. One group we would recommend is ‘Jewellery Metalsmiths UK’ which has over 6,000 members sharing discussions. The group offers a friendly and informative place to enhance your skills and knowledge as well as connect with other jewellers. Here you will be able to ask other jewellers for advice or guidance with no judgement.

Twitter chats are conversations about a specific topic, usually run at a certain time of the week where you can get involved to share your designs for the chance to have your work shared. This a great way to hear from other creatives and for your designs to be discovered. ‘Handmade Hour’ is a popular account which helps creatives network and showcase their talent, hosting Twitter chats Wednesdays at 7:30pm & Sundays 8pm. Another great account is ‘Craft Hour’ which runs a chat every Sunday at 7pm.

Find Kernowcraft & jewellers on Instagram

Why should I get involved with a craft community?

A great way to meet like-minded people

Being a maker can be a lonely place, especially if it’s your full time job! Joining groups and meeting up with local creatives gives you the chance to meet new people and share a common interest.

To market your handmade jewellery

If you start engaging with other jewellers or creatives online and in your local area, you will also be getting your business or handmade designs out there in front of others to see!

To learn and enhance your skills

Most creatives are eager to support other jewellers, especially if they’re just staring out learning skills and setting up a business. Don't be shy about reaching out and asking questions in groups or to fellow jewellers.

To find support

Within the craft community it is unlikely you will come across nasty comments, everyone is fully supportive and eager to help you succeed. Within the community, you are all doing the same thing but there’s no competition – there’s room for everyone to succeed.

To make friends

One of our favourite parts of the jewellery making community is the chance to make real friendships! Whether it’s someone who lives in your area or someone who lives on the other side of the world.