Housed in a light-filled 200sq metre warehouse in Marrickville Sydney, SquarePeg Studios is home to the jewellery studios of 14 contemporary jewellery artists sharing the space with our busy jewellery school.

With loads of space, well-equipped workshops and the buzz of creativity, a tenancy or course at SquarePeg is an opportunity to interact with a mix of emerging and established makers in a supportive and nurturing environment.

SquarePeg Studios was established in April 2011 by Brenda Factor as a space for all things jewellery. Since that time it has been a hub and home for the local contemporary jewellery community.

In 2017 Emily Copp and Kim Elliott, both resident artists, became directors of SquarePeg.

Wonderful studio with everything you need to make jewellery. This space has also been carefully reimagined to cater for social distancing, with spacious workspaces set up with individual tool racks.

– Nicole

An extraordinary, nurturing environment combining design and craft to bring your ideas to life. I would highly recommend SquarePeg – no matter what level you’re at.

– Zoe, Happy Student

I love SquarePeg and would sign up for absolutely everything they run if I could.

They offer an awesome and well-equipped space, a friendly environment and the right balance between guidance and allowing you to spread your creative wings. I can’t recommend their courses highly enough.

– Tamara

My son and I had a wonderful time doing the tweens and teens – make a ring workshop. Our teacher was kind, patient, skilled, knowledgeable, and brilliant at meeting each young person at their level. It was amazing to start with a rectangle of metal and leave with a new host of skills and a gorgeous ring to remember the experience forever!

– Wyatt, Teens and Tweens participant

The class was a great mix of inspirational and achievable. We began by playing with texturing techniques, which helped everyone to make decisions about their final designs and settled our beginner’s nerves. Danielle broke down the process into understandable chunks, each building on the previous, to make it easier for newbies to feel confident with each step. The demonstrations were very clear and flagged at various points to show specific new techniques, such as the colour of different metal annealing points or the angle of holding various tools. A helping hand is given when needed and a lot of encouragement along the way. All four of us, despite having no past experience, made really attractive rings within the class time frame and plan to do more jewellery classes. The set-up of the studio was great and having a teacher who is as skilled at sharing her art as making it was a real treat!

– Donyale

Absolutely loved this course! Apart from being an inspiring artist with a beautiful portfolio, Emily is a passionate teacher with clear, straightforward communication. She has been so patient with me while dealing with the final project and she gave me many inputs to develop in the future. I cannot wait to attend the next course which is starting in just a few days – very exciting already!

– Paola

Absolutely amazing loved every minute and learned so much. Definitely worth every cent. Diane is an amazing teacher and really takes the time with each and everyone of the small class. Will definitely be doing more classes.

– Karl Linguard, Long Weekend Workshop Student, 2019

SquarePeg Studios is a creative and inspiring place. The atmosphere is laid back and welcoming and the tutors there are approachable and always happy to help. I have learned so much during my time spent there and look forward to upcoming workshops that I have booked onto.

– Alice

Thank you so much for offering all the courses you do – I consider myself very lucky to have attended various courses at SP over the last 3 years. Thank you and best regards, Andrea

– Andrea

I was extremely pleased with the quality of the course and its delivery. It was paced at the right speed and the teacher was superb at working with each different student to their needs and wishes. Given I had chosen to do this course as I was teaching it to my year 9 students, I got so much extra help and advice even though my questions were covering areas way out of the scope of the course. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I learned a lot, thank you so much 🙂

– Ksenija

APPLY FOR A SPACE

Would you like to become a resident artist? Why not apply for a studio space now! SquarePeg Studios is a much loved contemporary jewellery studio and school in Marrickville.

A tenancy at SquarePeg is much more than simply a space to make jewellery with access to a well-equipped workshop (but it is that as well). It’s about being a part of a thriving creative enterprise, working alongside emerging and established artists in a supportive environment. It also opens up a range of opportunities like participating in exhibitions and open studio sales, as well as being part of a contemporary jewellery network.

View of artists studios with hanging plants

Application process

For information on applying for a space please contact Emily:

View of jewellers studio space

Jewellery Studio bench access

 Want to make jewellery? but don’t have a studio ?

SquarePeg offers casual Jewellery Studio Bench access to experienced jewellers and students wishing to make use of a range of tools and machinery. We have Orca and Smiths Little torches, a drill press, Foredom flex shaft, micro motors, rolling mills, polishers, ultrasonic, tumbler, small kiln and a hydraulic press. We have a wide range of associated equipment, just ask to see if we have what you require.

Jewellery Studio bench access is available to self-directed makers who are able to work independently and safely within the workshop. Participants must be familiar with tools and proficient in workshop equipment. It is required that participants will have completed at least two terms of tuition at SquarePeg or equivalent. Bring your own consumables eg. drill bits, saw blades, emery paper, etc.

COST

$77 Full Price

$55 Tertiary Students Rate

WHEN

Every second Friday book below or contact us at mail@squarepegstudios.com.au for other days by arrangement.

View of jewellers studio space

Graduate Residency Program

Have you completed tertiary jewellery/object design related study in the past 2 years? You may be eligible to take part in SquarePeg’s Graduate Residency program.

What is our graduate Residency?

The Graduate Residency program provides a rent-free studio space at SquarePeg for 3 months. It is a chance for recent graduates further to develop their work in a supportive, creative environment. Successful applicants have a dedicated studio space and access to SquarePeg’s well-equipped workshop, tools and equipment. Graduate Residents have the opportunity to work alongside our 13 resident artists, all contemporary jewellery makers. The residency provides an opportunity for mentorship, professional development, and to connect with practising jewellers at varied stages in their practice. It is our way of offering support to emerging makers in our industry.

In 2018, we were the lucky recipients of the gift of cherished jewellery tools from renowned Australian Contemporary Jeweller Margaret West and a beautiful bench donated by Sydney College of the Arts in support of our Graduate Resident Studio.

We acknowledge and are ever grateful for these wonderful resources available to Graduate Residents in honour of Margaret.

“Margaret West artist, jeweller, writer, gardener and mentor to many.”

Past graduate work

Cloud-Necklaces-2013-by Kate Hutchinson

Kate Ruby Hutchinson

Elena Sorenson Pod

Elena Sorenson

Conditions

Successful applicants must commit to spending a minimum of 3 days per week in the studio and are required to pay a contribution of $60 per month for utilities. They are also encouraged to contribute to the studio’s life by participating in events occurring during their residency, such as open studios and markets.

This opportunity is available to highly motivated recent graduates who wish to expand their practice in a supportive and creative studio environment.

How to apply

Applications for each calendar year are completed by Christamas the previous year.

To discuss the Graduate Residencies further, (and other opportunities that may be of interest) – please contact Emily Copp at mail@squarepegstudios.com.au

Upcoming Residencies

Summer 2027 – February to April

Winter 2027 – May to September

Spring 2027 – September to December