Perthshire Creative | Jenna McDonald
Today I’m going to introduce you to the creative work and workshops of local Perthshire jeweller Jenna McDonald.
We are delighted to say that Jenna is one of the artists we work with on our English immersion holidays.
Jenna has recently come up with a simple but very clever way to promote her jewellery workshops AND make lasting changes in our landscape.
Read this blog to discover Jenna’s design work, jewellery workshops – and how she’s contributing to Scottish biodiversity.
A week spent with us at our language hub gives you plenty of opportunities to ‘Meet the Makers,’ – and take informative, creative workshops – all the while practising and learning English!
Perthshire jeweller Jenna in her former studio during Perthshire Open Studios 2021 | Creative Exchange
First Things First, Meet Jenna!
Jenna makes jewellery in her studio at Perthshire’s Creative Exchange.
In addition, she teaches workshops across our region (Perthshire) and also co-tutors a weekly class at Central Scotland School of Jewellery. This school has its own class schedule of visiting artists, which Jenna co-tutors on – helping students across a wide variety of projects and techniques.
Her work is inspired by nature – and by the very materials of silversmithing.
“This fascination comes from a lifelong appreciation of her natural surroundings, from lush Scottish landscapes and tranquil seascapes to the vivid hues and patterns found in flora and fauna.“
Jenna’s website, 2022
Creative Exchange – studio and exhibition space for 30 artists, designers and art businesses.
Jenna’s own video about her workshops
Film credit: Through the Curtain Productions
Sharing ideas, techniques and joy
Jenna’s own jewellery is refined and skilled, simple and exquisite craftwork.
She has taken techniques from her jewellery making and converted them into workshops which anyone can take part in – and everyone can produce something beautiful in.
Have you ever met an artist who shifts uncomfortably when you ask a question about technique? They’ve developed their skill set and they’re not for sharing?
What I loved most about Jenna’s workshop with Blue Noun was how much she shared. It was genuinely empowering to all who took part.
Her particular mix of pens and metals (anodised aluminium & silver) creates absolutely gorgeous results.
Like the very best workshop, Jenna furnishes you with tools ideas and inspiration – and lets you get cracking – but is on hand to guide through every stage.
Jenna clearly lays out the four production stages within her workshops.
See for Yourself, When You Learn English in Perthshire!
Perthshire Jeweller AND Crafty Marketer
Jenna recently jumped on social media with an interesting proposition for her previous workshop clients.
She’s sponsoring a tree grove.
For every 6 reviews and testimonials she receives, the environmental organisation Trees for Life will plant a tree on her behalf.
Marketing for Artists
Artists, designers and makers have to balance the time it takes to promote their work with the time spent making it.
If you want to support a small business, like them on social media, or review them on sites like Trip Advisor and Google Business.
The creative problem is that most people either don’t know this, don’t think about it or don’t feel they have time to do it. People often need to be enticed and persuaded – and that can be a tough sell.
Getting testimonials is notoriously difficult. It’s like pulling teeth.
Jenna’s brainwave is to turn that simple act of leaving a positive review into something that not only supports her business – but puts a positive change into the Scottish natural environment too.
Jenna’s jewellery is inspired by plants and natural forms. It celebrates and worships them.
With this offer, there’s no obligation, no guilt to pave over – she’s simply giving back to nature with a marketing strategy in harmony with her products and business needs.
Jenna’s studio is full of plants and natural forms.
Photo credit : Blue noun
Jewellery Making Workshop at this Perthshire English Language School
Jenna’s last workshop at Blue Noun English Language Hub was superb, creative, English-learning fun.
Jewellery Workshop at Blue Noun Language Hub
How to Join Jenna for a Jewellery Workshop?
Here’s the lady herself to tell you more…
Support this Perthshire Jeweller
Thanks for reading about Jenna McDonald’s jewellery, her jewellery workshops and her smart, intuitive marketing.
Can you support her project and get trees planted?
All links are below.
Further Information
Free English Practice Exercise
In every blog we hope to give you something to think about, as well as new English vocabulary for expressing your own identity.
Here’s a chance to practice your English language skills.
Jewellery can be an incredibly personal thing. Describe a favourite piece you have – or whether you are a big jewellery fan or not (why or why not).
Live language learning!
