Staying safe during workshops
I am so happy to be back teaching after six months closure due to the Coronavirus. Of course the risk from the virus is still here so I’ve worked with Lynn from the Arienas Collective (the venue I teach at in Edinburgh) to make sure we are all safe to continue crafting. I’d like to thank Lynn for all her efforts and investment in ppe, screens etc to help the artists that teach there keep earning. Although I am very fortunate that teaching is not my main income it does equate to about a third of my income and these last six months have been tough as I know they have for many people. Thank you also to everyone that has booked onto a workshop and supported me. I have very few spaces left for my October workshops and have added some more dates for November and December.
We re-opened in September and I have to admit that I was worried that all the measures we needed to put in place to start teaching again would affect the feel of the workshops. I’ve now taught three classes and can definitely say that isn’t the case - phew! I thought I’d write about my experiences of teaching and the measures we have in place for anyone who would like to attend a workshop but is not sure what it’ll be like.
Physical distancing
Firstly, you do not need to wear a mask while you are making.
Numbers on the workshops have been reduced by a third down to 6 people to ensure you have 2 metres between you or a clear plastic screen.
When you are moving around the space to get a cup of tea or to go to the loo then you will need to wear your mask but for the majority of the time you will not need to unless you prefer to.
I am wearing a visor and will also wear a mask if I come closer than 2m.
Our new set up means you have your own desk and tools
On arrival
You will check in with Lynn. We are doing non-contact temperature checks and track and trace. You will also get your Covie bag which has wrapped tea, coffee, disposable cup, hand wipe etc.
Everyone must use hand sanitizer before entering the space.
Refreshments
We have a tea urn available for your use and provide tea, coffee, milk and wrapped biscuits. Unfortunately we aren’t able to provide lunch at the moment on our full day workshops. You are welcome to bring your own or go out for lunch as we are just a quick walk to Princes Street.
Tools
I’ve invested in additional tools to ensure there is limited need to share. There are a couple of tools that are shared e.g. the butane torches. These are cleaned by me in between uses. We also send you a full list of equipment used in the class in case you would like to bring your own. There is also the option of ordering a tool kit for you to use in the class and take home afterwards.
Cleaning
The space is being cleaned with anti-bacterial products before and after workshops.
There is more that we are doing and you can find our full Covid 19 statement here >
I hope this has reassured you that we are taking your health seriously. We continue to watch the government guidance and will make changes if required to do so. For now, I am confident that we are doing everything we can to keep us all safe so that we can get back to learning and creating. If you do have any questions please don’t hesitate to drop me an email anna@jewelleryschoolscotland.co.uk
If you’d like to book a space on a workshop here’s the link you need > There are dates available until July 2021 now.