Last week I cashed in a voucher that I had been gifted by my best friend. This voucher was for ClassBento… have you heard of it?

ClassBento is a craft / arts platform where you can book yourselves onto classes that will teach you a new skill. You can also buy gift vouchers (which is a top tip ahead of Mother’s Day!) from Asian Cooking to Pottery, jewellery making to Terranium building, there really is a wide variety of options to suit every taste.

When I browsed through the local classes available, I decided that I wanted to do a class that was

a) teaching me a new skill and

b) that produced something that I could keep as a memento.

I decided to go on a Silver ring making course. Cost £48.

The class was based in a beautiful bijou cafe called Denna’s on the waterside in Woolwich. It’s a tiny inconspicuous space that from the outside is not dissimilar to Hagrid’s Hut! But the interior is a beautiful curated space full or warmth, vibrancy and community. The coffee was great and the warm welcome was top-notch.

The owner of the space was also the workshop leader and the class was delivered with knowledge and tons of personality – which really put me at ease. The session was really tailored to the learners and Denna spent time to get to know us. Neither of us had ever made a ring before and I was conscious that fiddly tasks are not generally my strong set. My mind was put at ease and I was gently encouraged throughout the session.

Through the session we were taught the skills to take a piece of silver “wire” through to a finished silver ring by way of – ring sizer, “Keith” the blow Torch, (thank you Keith) And the piece d’resistance the Disco Hammer! All of the above delivered with skill and personality but the proof was in the quality of the final product that I produced.

I felt fantastic. I a short session I had not only learnt something, challenged myself and was not scrolling my phone! But I created a ring that I love and created a unique, one of a kind item that I can keep to remind me that anything is possible. What more can you ask for?

I would whole-heartedly recommend this course if you are able to make it to Woolwich. And if you are local, do make sure that you pop in for a coffee as well, you will not be disappointed. I will certainly be back!

TIB