From Spare Room to Studio: The Big Move and Everything In Between

By April Dace

If you’d told me a year ago I’d be writing this from my very own studio in the heart of Dereham, I think I might have laughed — and then probably shrugged it off with a chuckle. For years, April Dace Jewellery lived quite happily in the spare room of my house. That room saw so much: the very first sketches, the long days (and nights), the quiet thrill of sending a finished piece off to a new home. It served me well… until it didn’t.

Things started to grow. Slowly, then all at once. My tools were stacked in every corner, the boxes had overtaken the wardrobe, and I’d outgrown the space in more ways than one. I realised I needed room — not just physically, but creatively — to keep moving forward. So, I took a leap and found a studio space in Dereham. My very first one.

I wish I could say the transition was smooth — but honestly? It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.

There were the not-so-glamorous parts: like the removals company who broke all their trolleys trying to get the safe into the building (yes, all of them), or the countless hours of DIY that seemed never-ending — assembling units, painting walls, patching holes I swear weren’t there before.

But there were the uplifting bits too. Like having a local carpenter in to help me design and fit the new workshop — turning a blank canvas into a space that felt like it belonged to the business I’d dreamt of for years. Seeing it take shape little by little was magic.

Still, the learning curve has been steep. I’ve had to let go of the idea that everything would be perfect straight away (a tough ask for a perfectionist with a bit of an impatient streak). I’ve learned that it’s okay if things take longer than planned — that not everything can be done at once. And I’ve realised how important it is to be a bit gentler with myself when chasing a vision.

Throughout it all — the stress, the chaos, the moments of “what on earth am I doing?” — one thing’s stayed constant: the excitement. The sense that this new space is more than just four walls. It’s the start of a whole new chapter.

I can’t wait to welcome you in. There are so many plans in the works — events, workshops, collaborations — all ideas I never had room to explore before. And now? There’s space for it all to unfold.

To everyone who’s supported me through this move — clients, friends, family, followers cheering from afar — thank you. Your support has meant everything.

Here’s to growing pains, new beginnings, and what’s still to come.

April x

Visit the Workshops & Events page to see what's to come