Coastal Treasures. Fine Silver and Pearls, Jewellery Making Workshop

Course details

Capture nature' beauty in pure silver with this coastal inspired jewellery making workshop. Ideal for beginners who would like to try their hand at a new creative skill.  You will learn to all about silver clay, applying techniques to use both lump metal clay to cast real shells in to fine silver.

Description

Discover the alchemy of silver clay with this full day beginners' workshop.  You will learn to all about silver clay and make between four and five small items of beautiful nature themed  jewellery from silver clay, and real pieces of nature, cast in pure silver. No experience in working with metal clay is necessary for this workshop.

Level: Complete beginner

Timings: 10am – 4pm

Class Outline

This fantastic workshop is to be taught in the stunning Silver Clay Studios in the leafy village of Hermitage.

In this  workshop, you will learn the skills required to make beautiful jewellery from metal clay, and how to continue making at home if you wish.  During the workshop you will learn all about Silver Clay, and what makes it such an awesome material to work with.

After a brief introduction to Silver clay and what to expect on the workshop, 

You will  be taken step by step through the different techniques you can use to capture natures beauty including;

Using silicone Moulding compound to make your own Moulds from shells. Please feel free to bring your own collected from your special times at the seaside. You will also learn how to embed a wire in to the silver to attach your pretty pearl to after firing.

The workshop includes 7g of silver clay which is enough to make four or 5 pieces of  fine silver jewellery, depending on the sizes of the pieces you wish to make.

Basic jump rings, fine silver wire,  ear wire hooks and a standard 18’chain are also included in the price, you may also bring your own and we can help you attach them.

Also included is a  fresh water pearl, choose from dreamy cream, pretty pink or stunning peacock blue genuine fresh water pearls.

(one pearl per person is included but I will have extra if you wish to buy more on the day for £2 per pearl)

Alternatively, if a different chain is needed that can also be ordered through the academy at an extra cost, please email your request in advance of the workshop and it can be brought along on the day for you.

(Please note due to time scales and techniques you will not be able to make stud earrings on this workshop, as it is an advanced skill and requires soldiering techniques, these will be taught in other workshops, feel free to email for details once you have attended a beginner class.)

What you will learn.

On this fantastic introductory course, you will learn how to make a simple charm or pendant. Then you will use your new found skills to create two or three extra pieces in your own design, maybe a pair of earrings to match your pendant?

You will learn methods to dry your pieces and how to safely fire your creations with a Butane torch and a kiln.

Once fired you will be shown how to get your silver pieces beautiful and shiny.

When your pieces are made you will also be given a little jewellery box take away your beautiful new jewellery in.

On this workshop you will be guided, step by step and learn the following skills:

• Handling and how to store the clay.
• Rolling the clay out to get an even finish.
• How to add textures to your pieces.
• How to make and use silicone molding compound with shells
• How to embed wire in to the clay.
• How to shape and cut the clay.
• How to dry and refine your pieces.
• Kiln and torch firing methods, how to use a small Butane torch to fire safely.
• How to attach half drilled beads and pearls post firing.
• How to Polish and finish your pieces.

If you really enjoyed the workshop and would like to continue your silver clay jewellery, why not try one of our other full day silver clay workshops. Or practice your new skills in the comfort of your home with a specially created Silver Clay kits, available to buy on the day of the workshop.

Please read the full T&C's prior to booking.

Please contact prior to booking for someone  under 18 due to health and saftey reasons, depending on age and ability a private one to one session may be suggested.

Refreshments - tea, coffee and biscuits included - please bring your own lunch for full day workshops.