Back at the Bench

After the holiday break, it just feels good to be back at my jewellery bench again. I make a cup of tea, lay out my tools, and ease myself in by playing with textures, practising old techniques and trying new ones. Copper and brass each have their own little personalities, and gemstones can completely shift the mood of a piece. Amazonite brings a sense of calm, jasper feels grounding, and turquoise adds a spark of fun. Bit by bit, the rhythm comes back. This is where Copperleaf Studio jewellery begins.

A Maker’s Reintroduction

I’m Kim — the designer and maker behind Copperleaf Studio. Everything starts here at the bench, often influenced by the view from my window. The colours and textures I’m drawn to change with the seasons, and those shifts always find their way into my designs. Some pieces end up simple and easy to wear every day, while others grow into something more detailed, carrying a little story of their own.

Tools, Textures, and Workspace

When I sit down, I like to warm up by testing textures — hammer marks, patinas, finishes — all the little details that make each piece unique. I love the feel of my trusty hammers and the way each one creates its own pattern. Copper and brass both behave differently, and part of the joy is discovering how they respond.

My workspace is small but full of character. Everything is close at hand, so I can move easily between cutting, shaping, and polishing. It’s often in these simple experiments that ideas begin to form and grow into finished designs.

Reconnecting with the Rhythm of Making

Coming back to the bench at the start of the year always feels like a reset. It’s a chance to slow down, reconnect with the rhythm of making, and remind myself why I love working with metal. Sharing these moments here feels like opening the studio door a little wider — letting you see the process, the experiments, and the pieces as they slowly come to life. My hope is that, through these glimpses, you’ll see the thought and process behind Copperleaf Studio jewellery and join me as I explore new ideas in the months ahead.

Looking Ahead

Being back at the bench reminds me that handcrafted jewellery is as much about the process as the finished piece. Every hammer strike, every polish, every stone chosen carries its own story. This year, I’m looking forward to sharing more of those moments with you — the experiments, the stories, and the designs that emerge along the way. I’m excited for another year of designing, crafting, and creating here at the Copperleaf Studio bench.