Radford Street has a new hidden gem, The Courtyard Workshop

Earlier this year, a new business sprung up in Stone; we caught up with the owner Nikki Hough to hear more about The Courtyard Workshop and what it offers.

Head up Radford Street, past the former Police Station, and at number 22 you’ll find The Courtyard Workshop, home to a dedicated workshop space for teaching jewellery-making classes.

The business is owned and operated by Stone resident Nikki Hough, with her husband Jon and family providing moral and other ongoing support!

Nikki explained her journey to A Little Bit of Stone:

“I’m Stone born and bred and have worked in the jewellery industry, on and off, for just over 10 years.

I started by studying at Bournemouth University for my applied art and design degree. Then moved to Woodley near Reading for 4 years, where I worked in a jewellers with an onsite workshop where I learnt so much more!

After moving back to Stone with my husband, Jon, we had a brief interlude and had our daughter before I went to work for the wonderful Plants the Jewellers in the town centre.

The workshop was an idea I started thinking about years ago, the degree I did very much lead you onto that sort of career but life hadn’t got me there yet, but the idea had lingered in the back of my mind.

A few fundamental life changes meant I needed new flexibility in my work-life balance, and so The Courtyard Workshop was born. I love jewellery, and going back to making it has been amazing.”

Having an idea is brilliant, but it needs to be brought to life and needs a home to grow. To this end Nikki chose 22 Radford Street to set up shop with her telling us:

“I was really lucky in finding the building for The Courtyard Workshop. I think it’s an ideal location for the business as being in town is great, and people who come and partake in one of my courses can make their way down to the high street to get lunch or drink afterwards and enjoy the shops and the rest of the town. They can make a day of it!

I started the process of opening the workshop back in April 2022. It took a month or so to renovate and build the workshop, and then it was time for the fun of buying all the tools and getting the workshop set up for classes.”

Talking of classes, it was time for Nikki to explain a little more about what goes on at The Courtyard Workshop and what clients could expect:

Article continues after this message

“The workshop offers jewellery making classes, giving people the chance to have a go at making their very own pieces of jewellery! The stacking ring workshop being a very successful favourite!

Amongst these classes are “make your own wedding rings” which is a full day where you and your fiancé can come along and handcraft your own wedding bands and put your unique stamp on them!

Christmas workshops are now also available to book, either making Christmas-themed stacking rings or Candy cane necklaces!

I aim for class attendees to learn a new skill, have some fun and come away with something beautiful, but I also believe that experiences are so important in life.

The classes give people an opportunity to get away for a few hours, to take a mental break from the day-to-day routine, to have that catch-up with a friend, or to just hit something hard with a hammer!

To come out with a feeling of pride and feel good about yourself is something everyone needs, and that’s what I hope to give and for you to achieve.

The workshop classes take place in the workshop, so you are completely immersed in the environment. You are sat at real jeweller’s bench, and you can make your pieces from start to finish, including soldering using a flame torch and using a professional polishing motor just as a professional would.

It’s very relaxed and I keep it all fun with no stress! With as much tea and coffee as you need!”

As well as the classes, Nikki also offers her own skills and pieces for sale:

“In addition to the classes, I offer bespoke design and creation of handmade pieces of jewellery. Anything from ballet shoe necklaces to engagement rings! Re-modelling of old jewellery is a passion of mine and a great way to recycle pieces you don’t wear anymore.

I also have a range of handmade jewellery pieces available to purchase through my website or Etsy shop. I’ve created a range of Staffordshire-themed pieces of Staffordshire Knots and bottle banks inspired by the local area, and I’m always adding to it!”

Nikki works 5 days a week, by appointment or at workshop classes but is as flexible as she can be in accommodating people’s requirements:

“I do my best to work around what my customers need.

I can do evening or weekend appointments to discuss bespoke commissions or wedding ring workshops and my workshops run on evenings or Saturday mornings.

If you have a group of four or more, I’m also happy to book you your own private workshop on a day that works for you.

I’m always available to call, email, message or WhatsApp; or if the lights are on at the workshop, I’m there and feel free to ring the bell.”

To find out more about The Courtyard Workshop, you can either visit their website at www.thecourtyardworkshop.co.uk or call them on 07935079012.

You can also reach them via email Thecourtyardworkshop@gmail.com or send them a social media message https://www.facebook.com/TheCourtyardWorkshop or Instagram thecourtyardworkshop