Vanilla Ink The Smiddy

17/08/2026

The next chapter of Smiddy Banff begins

For the past eight years, the Smiddy has been a place where jewellery and silversmithing have been taught, practised and celebrated in the heart of Banff.

We would like to thank Vanilla Ink for founding and developing this special space, along with everyone who has worked, taught, volunteered, exhibited, learned and made here. Together, you have created an important legacy that we are proud to carry forward.

We are delighted to share that work is now under way to establish Smiddy Banff CIC, a new independent Community Interest Company that will take the Smiddy into its next chapter.

This will be much more than a change of name. It is an opportunity to build upon everything achieved over the past eight years and create an independent, locally rooted organisation bringing together learning, professional craft, exhibitions, community participation and creative opportunities.

Feedback from our Shaping the Future of the Smiddy survey is helping to guide this work. The survey is still open, and you can take part through this link https://tally.so/r/jaX67x

While the new CIC is being established, the Smiddy will temporarily pause its regular public opening. We may occasionally open for ad hoc activity, so if you see our doors open, please pop in and say hello.

Over the coming weeks, we will share much more about our plans, what the next chapter will bring and how you can be part of it.

We are incredibly excited about the future of Smiddy Banff, and we cannot wait to welcome you back.

12/08/2026

🏆 We need your vote! Smiddy has been nominated for a Heart of the High Street Award!

We’re incredibly proud that The Smiddy has been nominated for the Leisure & Tourism Award in the Aberdeenshire Heart of the High Street Awards.

The Smiddy is so much more than a workshop.

It’s a place where people discover jewellery and silversmithing for the first time, where skills are shared and passed on, where local makers and creative careers are supported, and where Banff’s long connection with craftsmanship continues to be celebrated.

Over the years, hundreds of people have come through our doors. Some for a single workshop, some to develop new skills, some to begin a creative career, and many simply to enjoy the experience of making something with their own hands.

Being recognised in the Heart of the High Street Awards feels like a wonderful celebration of everything the Smiddy, our tutors, makers, participants, supporters and wider community have created together.

And now we need your help!

If the Smiddy has meant something to you, whether you’ve taken a class, visited the gallery, bought a piece of work, attended an event, worked with us or simply believe that places like this matter, we’d be incredibly grateful for your vote.

🗳️ Vote for The Smiddy in the Leisure & Tourism category

🔗 Voting link click here http://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/aberdeenshire-heart-of-the-high-street-finalists

And please share this post and help us spread the word. Every vote helps show just how much creative spaces like the Smiddy can contribute to our high streets, our communities and our towns.

Thank you for supporting The Smiddy and creativity in Banff.

29/07/2026

Help shape the future of the Smiddy

We are currently looking carefully at what people value about the Smiddy, what might make it easier for more people to take part and what our future programme should include.

To help us make informed decisions, we have created a questionnaire covering jewellery and silversmithing workshops, experiences, courses, membership, workshop access, gallery activity, community activities and future ideas for the Smiddy.

You do not need to have attended the Smiddy before to respond. Whether you visit regularly, have attended once, have considered booking or have never taken part, your perspective would be genuinely valuable.

The questionnaire is anonymous and should take around 7 to 9 minutes to complete.

Complete it here: https://tally.so/r/jaX67x

Thank you for helping us understand what the Smiddy should protect, improve and develop as we look towards its next chapter.

Please feel free to share this post so that we can hear from as wide a range of people as possible.

02/07/2026

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to make your own jewellery from scratch?

Over one relaxed weekend at Smiddy Banff you’ll learn professional jewellery making techniques in a small group, working with sterling silver to create pieces you’ll take home with you.

No previous experience is needed. Just curiosity, a willingness to have a go, and we’ll guide you through the rest.

If you’ve been thinking about trying something creative this summer, this could be the perfect place to start.

Spaces are limited, so booking in advance is essential.

Find out more through the link in our bio.

17/06/2026

Really excited to be joining so many other great businesses in our region and NorthEast250 to celebrate all the great things we have going on here in the North East of Scotland

05/06/2026

Before a stone can be set, its home has to be made.

Every curve, every angle and every measurement is carefully shaped by hand to ensure the finished stone sits securely and looks its best.

It’s one of those stages that most people never see, but it plays a huge part in the final piece.

Craftsmanship often happens in the details.

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

The moment after the pour.

As the silver cools inside the mould, smoke curls from the vents, tracing the hidden path the metal has just taken.

For a few seconds, the casting reveals itself without showing anything at all.

This is one of those small moments in the workshop that never gets old.

29/05/2026

The first Banff Pebble Pendants are now being made.

What started as a simple idea, taking the texture of a pebble from Banff’s shoreline and casting it directly into silver, is now becoming reality.

This first batch marks the beginning of something much bigger for SMIDDY. A return to making, production and creating objects that celebrate both place and craft.

Every pendant is individually cast in silver using the same process, carrying the unique surface and character of the original pebble that inspired it.

Thank you to everyone who has already ordered one of the first Banff Pebble Pendants. Each order helps us continue building something special here in Banff, supporting the growth of making and production at SMIDDY, one piece at a time.

Crafted in Banff, Scotland.

25/05/2026

There’s something really special about finally reaching the point where the first orders are ready to be made.

New SMIDDY boxes have arrived, the workshop is ready, and this week we begin casting the first Banff Pebble Pendants here in Banff.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this first collection so far. This genuinely feels like the beginning of something important for us.