December Christmas Gift, Silver Clay Workshop - Full Day

Course details.

Make your own beautiful Christmas Gifts from pure silver.

Discover the alchemy of silver clay with this  full day  workshop.

Ideal for beginners who would like to try their hand at a new creative skill.  You will learn to all about silver clay and make between three and five small items of beautiful  jewellery from silver clay to take home with you on the day.

Description

Discover the alchemy of silver clay with this full day beginners' workshop. Ideal for those who would like to try their hand at a new creative skill.  You will learn to all about silver clay and make between three and five small items of beautiful  jewellery from silver clay, using tools that you may already have in your home.

No experience in working with metal clay is necessary for this workshop.

Level:  From Complete beginner to those with a little Silver Clay experiance.

Timings: 10am – 5pm

Class Outline.

This fantastic workshop is to be taught in the stunning purpose build creative studios on the second floor of the Westridge Studios, in the leafy village of Highclere.  (Please note the studio is access by stairs only, if you are unable to access the studio due to it being located on the second floor please do get in touch before booking and I will do my utmost to move the workshop to the downstairs space at the Studios, subject to availability.)

In this introductory beginner 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.

If you have a special keepsake that you would like cast in silver to treasure forever, such as a button, a shell from a special holiday, an offcut piece of lace from a wedding dress or any other small token with sentimental value you can bring it with you. As you will learn how to make and use your own silicone Moulds to cast these precious treasures in to pure silver. (If you are unsure if your trinket is suitable, please feel free to pop me an email and I will be happy to advise)

The workshop includes all of the materials needed to make beautiful jewellery, including 7g of silver clay, which is enough to make three or four pieces of silver jewellery, depending on the sizes of the pieces you wish to make.

Basic jump rings, 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. 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. 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 Moulds.
• How to shape and cut the clay.
• How to dry and refine your pieces
• Firing methods, and how to use a small Butane torch to fire safely.
• 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&Cs 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 mince pies included - please bring your own lunch for full day workshops.