Beyond the boardroom: 6 reasons why a wax carving jewellery making workshop is the perfect alternative client entertainment event

Golf days?  Boozy nights out? Soulless networking evenings where no one knows what to say?  We’ve all been there. In fact, I still cringe at some of the awkward events I attended in my previous career working in corporate fundraising. But that was many years ago and the way people do business has thankfully since evolved. Many organisations are seeing the light and are now all about building relationships which feel less transactional and more meaningful (phew!).  After all, a happy is client is one that is going to stay with you long term.

So of course, this means that your client entertaining needs to evolve too.  The days of predictable dinners and sports outings are giving way to experiences that genuinely connect, inspire and leave lasting impressions. If you've been searching for something truly memorable to offer your valued clients, then a wax carving jewellery making workshop could be just what you’re after.

Above: a client entertainment jewellery making workshop in full swing

 1) Shared creativity builds stronger client relationships than a business dinner

Imagine if you’d organised a client entertaining event where everyone came away feeling inspired & energised and like they’d had the space to have proper conversations? Imagine if they came away with a treasured keepsake?  Imagine if they were still talking about the event six months later?!

My jewellery making workshops deliver all of this and more.

Working with small groups of up to 15 people, I facilitate a relaxed and fun event which allows you the opportunity to really connect with your invitees.  Unlike some other more passive types of hospitality, a hands-on workshop creates an environment where business relationships can develop organically while everyone makes an actual tangible thing!

While your hands are busy working, the conversation flows naturally, without the awkwardness of a business dinner.  One of the things I like the most about the relaxed workshop environment is that it's hierarchy free —so everyone starts at the same level and faces the same creative challenges. Almost everyone I teach is a complete beginner which creates a levelling effect and genuine connection as everyone works away on their own special piece of jewellery.

2) A unique client experience & talking point gets your business remembered

One of the most valuable aspects of any client entertainment event is its potential to become a story worth retelling. When your clients get back to their offices after yet another business dinner, there's not much to distinguish the experience from all the others. But a bespoke jewellery-making workshop is such a great conversation piece - it becomes a story that they'll tell colleagues, friends, and family.  That’s your name and the name of your organisation potentially being shared with hundreds of other people.

Above: Carving a 'master' from wax before it is cast in silver

3) Jewellery making is an inclusive corporate event that works for everyone

One major advantage of a wax carving workshop is its almost universal appeal. Unlike events that might exclude some clients—perhaps they don't drink alcohol, have dietary restrictions, or aren't that interested in sports—jewellery making welcomes everyone. My jewellery making sessions don't require any prior experience or particular physical abilities, making them genuinely inclusive.

With nearly 15 years’ experience as a professional jeweller and over 8 year facilitating events, I am able to ensure that all participants feel supported and capable. Whether you and your clients are naturally artistic or haven't done anything remotely creative since school, my workshops are carefully structured to build confidence and deliver results. Everyone comes away having made something beautiful as well as that sense of accomplishment that you get when you've created something from scratch.

4) A small group size promotes meaningful client relationship building

Wax carving works really well for small to medium-sized groups of between 6 and 15 people, making it ideal for targeted client entertainment. With large-scale events individual attention can easily get diluted, but an intimate workshop setting fosters meaningful connections between hosts and guests. You actually have time to chat with each client individually as they work, facilitating the kind of quality conversation that builds relationships. 

Above left: carved waxes before casting; Above right: a finished ring in polished recycled silver

5) Flexible workshop packages mean bespoke events can be created just for you

Workshops can be tailored to suit your needs - whether you're celebrating a successful partnership, thanking clients for their continued business, or welcoming new clients to the fold.  The timing is flexible too.  My workshops can be scheduled as morning, afternoon, or evening sessions to fit around busy calendars.  I bring all the tools and equipment with me so that all you need to provide is a space plus tables and chairs for us to work at!  I am Bristol-based, but the workshops are fully mobile so I am available to travel to Bath, Cheltenham, Cardiff, London and other parts of the UK as required.

6) A hands-on creative experience is the ideal antidote to digital overload

In our screen-dominated professional lives, the chance to use our hands and create something physical offers something genuinely different. My bespoke jewellery workshops provide a welcome break from digital communication, allowing participants a much-needed opportunity to switch off for a few hours. In fact, many people who've taken part in my workshops say that they found it surprisingly therapeutic. The mindful creativity of these events makes them something to realy look forward to rather than just another obligation in a crowded calendar.

Choosing client entertainment that creates connection and lasting memories isn't just a nice to have—it's strategic. After all, the best way to stand out is to offer something completely different from your competitors, something that engages the hands, the mind, and the heart in equal measure.

But don’t just take my word for it, here’s what the corproate clients I’ve worked with say:

“It was a great evening...and your approach was ‘spot on’……..we’re always looking for creative ideas of how we can get in front of our customers. Thank you so much for the experience!” Ann, Ocee & Four Design

We recently took part in a ring-making workshop with Elin and absolutely loved it! With a group of 15, Elin managed to support each of us individually—her guidance was incredible.Communication was smooth, and the rings were delivered quickly, which made the whole experience even better. We enjoyed it so much that we’re already planning to book another session! Leesha, Betchle Ltd

Would you like to find out more?

Whether you're planning your next quarterly client event or looking for a fresh way to say thank you to your most valued partners, a wax carving jewellery workshop could be exactly the experience that sets your business apart. You can get in touch with me at info@elinhorgan.com to find out more, check availability and discuss how we can create an event tailored to your group — I'd love to help you host something truly special.

About Elin Horgan: Bristol-based jewellery designer, maker & workshop facilitator

Since 2018 I’ve helped hundreds of people to make beautiful silver rings & pendants using the ancient art of wax carving. Wax carving is an intuitive and accessible jewellery making technique whereby a piece of wax is shaped into a ‘master’ design which is then cast in silver.  You can choose to make either a ring or pendant and no previous experience is necessary as the wax can be carved using a range of simple hand tools (no saws or blowtorches here!)

The process is both wonderfully tactile and meditative too, particularly as participants get into the ‘flow’ of creating.

Best of all you get to make something that you can keep forever.  Once the waxes have been cast in silver and hand finished by me (a process which usually takes around 3 weeks) everyone will receive their finished piece of jewellery through the post.  This gives you yet another opportunity to contact your client to find out how they found the event and what they think of their finished jewellery.