For more than 20 years, Workspace Studios has been helping New Zealanders discover the joy of jewellery making. What began as a shared workshop for makers has grown into a creative community with studios in Wellington, Christchurch and Ōtaki, welcoming everyone from complete beginners to practising artists.
Workspace Studios was founded by jewellers Vaune Mason and Annie Collins after they completed their jewellery training and realised there was very little support available for emerging makers.
Setting up a jewellery studio can be expensive. Tools, equipment and workshop space often create significant barriers for people wanting to continue their creative practice after studying.
"We saw a gap for an organisation to support makers at all levels of their journey," they explain.
That vision continues to shape Workspace today. Whether someone is attending their very first workshop, renting a bench, developing a small business or teaching classes themselves, Workspace aims to provide support at every stage of the creative journey.
While Workspace offers a wide range of jewellery-making workshops, the experience goes beyond simply learning technical skills.
"Warmth/Whakamahana is super important to us – feeling welcome, feeling like you belong."
Creating a friendly and supportive environment is a core part of the studio's philosophy. The team believes people are most creative when they feel comfortable, relaxed and connected.
Some students even describe their classes as a form of mindfulness — a chance to slow down, focus on making something with their hands and take time for themselves.
"You can't achieve any of that without a warm and friendly tikanga wrapped around you."
Many people arrive at Workspace feeling unsure about whether they will be able to create something they are proud of.
Jewellery making can seem intimidating at first, especially for those with no previous experience. However, that feeling often disappears quickly.
"When people make their first ring (this can be done in as little as three hours!), they often say, 'It looks like a real ring!'"
For the Workspace team, helping beginners discover what they are capable of remains one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.
Today, Workspace offers a wide range of classes, from beginner-friendly jewellery workshops and ring-making experiences to enamelling, lost wax casting, sand casting and online courses. Whether you're trying jewellery making for the first time or looking to build on existing skills, Workspace offers opportunities to keep learning and creating.
Over the years, Workspace has seen students develop far beyond their first class.
Some have started as complete beginners, gradually built their skills, begun selling their work and eventually returned as tutors themselves.
"We've had folks start out as a total beginner in our classes, progress to producing work to sell, then end up teaching for us and selling in our gallery."
Stories like these reflect the studio's long-term commitment to supporting creative careers in Aotearoa's arts sector.
Workspace Studios continues to grow and evolve.
The team recently opened a new studio space in Ōtaki, designed to welcome makers from a wide range of creative disciplines. In Wellington, Workspace is also moving into the new Toi Aro waterfront arts space, where they will continue running classes, their tool shop and Mason & Collins jewellery gallery.
The new venue will also include exhibition spaces available for artists, helping Workspace expand its support for New Zealand's wider creative community.
In addition, the studio continues to develop new online learning opportunities. One of the latest courses, Setting Up Your Arts Business, is designed to help makers take the next step from creating to selling their work.
Whether you're looking for a creative hobby, want to make a meaningful handmade gift, or simply try something new, Workspace Studios offers a welcoming place to begin.
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