June Coastal Jewellery Making Workshop

Full day coastal class

Course details

Calling all beachcombers and mermaids!

Are you inspired by the deep blue sea?  Come along to this wonderful creative workshop and learn to and capture nature’s beauty in pure silver using real seashells and shore line treasures. Ideal for beginners who would like to try their hand at a new creative skill.

Description

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

Level: Complete beginner

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 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.

You can bring your own shells and treasures from home to cast or chose from the selection of shells available,

You will then be taken step by step through the technique of making and using silicone Moulding compound with shells to make your own Moulds. And how to then turn these Moulds in to jewellery.

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

If you wish you will also be able to adorn your beautiful coastal piece with a Seaglass bead or faux peal, included in the price of the course. Basic jump rings, ear wire hooks, bead wire 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 or bezzel settings 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 natural objects.
• 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 Polish and finish your pieces
• How to add adornments and basic bead skills.

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.