Sussex Jewellery School - Diploma Support Centre

Owner: Sarah Jane Whittaker

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

Address: Sussex Jewellery School, Unit 1, Commercial Mews South, 42a Commercial Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 3XF

Website: Sussex Jewellery School

Facebook: Sussex Jewellery School

Tel: 07939 696 465

Information about Sarah Jane

An experienced teacher, Sarah Jane started working with silver using traditional methods in the early 1990's, before her work took a new turn with her discovery of the creative freedoms offered by precious metal clay.

Alongside designing two collections of work each year, Sarah Jane shares her skills as tutor and principal at the Sussex Jewellery School in Eastbourne, teaching in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. Sarah Jane also writes about jewellery design and making, most recently for Making Jewellery magazine and Findings, the journal of the Association of Contemporary Jewellers.

Understanding that we all sometimes lack confidence, reassuringly, she believes that we are all creative beings, capable of producing beautiful and well-crafted work. She is passionate about helping others find and express their own creative voice, and this informs her teaching style, which is structured, logical and clear, but always friendly, fun and empowering.

Keen to champion the work of fellow artists and makers, Sarah Jane co-owns the Cuckoo Cuckoo Contemporary Crafts Gallery in Hastings, and is in charge of sourcing new UK artists and makers for the gallery.

Inspired by the downland hills and beach on her doorstep, her contemporary (and occasionally quirky) designs are sold online and at galleries and shows in Sussex and Hertfordshire. Her work can also be viewed by appointment at her design studio.

When not designing and making metal clay jewellery, Sarah Jane enjoys wax carving (for cast jewellery), working with resins and Japanese vitreous enamels, and has even turned her hand to screen-printing, knitting with fine silver wire and tiny gemstones, as well as creating decal-decorated ceramics.

She also bakes a totally wicked raspberry and fresh cream Victoria sponge cake, and loves swimming in the sea at dawn.

Sarah Jane's Qualifications and Experience

Sarah Jane holds the full MCSJ Diploma in Silver Metal Clay, and NCFE Levels 1 & 2 in Creative Crafts (Jewellery). She is a member of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery, and is formalising her training with a Foundation Degree in Contemporary Crafts Practice. She is also currently working towards the challenging Metal Clay Masters' Registry.

Sarah Jane's Work

Sarah Jane's Work