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Suitable for total beginners. This is an exciting, hands-on silver jewellery making full day class where you will learn how to design and create your very own silver clay jewellery pieces to make ideal Xmas gifts. You will make three to five items of fine silver jewellery such as pendants, drop earrings and charms that you can take away at the end of the course to gift to loved ones at Christmas (or for yourself). The number of items you make depends on the size and weight of your pieces. Silver clay is a totally recycled product which means you can be assured that you are not causing damage to the environment in your making. The silver clay is fired to become solid fine silver of Hallmark quality. The workshop room is wheelchair friendly. The bathroom is accessible as are the doors. There is parking right outside for a wheelchair user if required. Please get in advance if you need to discuss your needs. In this workshop, you will learn how to:
- Roll and pattern clay using texture sheets and leaves.
- Cut shapes freeland or using cutters.
- Create and use your own moulds.
- Smoothing imperfections and sanding
- Make neat holes for jump rings and drill if the holes are too small-
- How to dry your clay and how to tell if it is dry enough
- Prepare your piece for the transformative firing process
- Firing your pieces using a hand held jewellers torch.
- If desired, you'll have the option to apply Liver of Sulphur to create a patina, accentuating the intricate textures you've chosen. This chemical process oxidises the surface, darkening the silver, or you can opt not to use it and your hallmark quality silver jewellery will remain untarnished.
You'll be guided by a qualified and experienced teacher to help you make amazing jewellery pieces you will be proud of! Firstly, you will learn to use textures using texture sheets or leaves to make a leaf pendant or earrings. Then you'll mould a small object of your choosing to turn into a charm. Lastly, you will form a pendant or charm. Once all your projects are ready, you will be shown how to fire and polish your pieces.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This course is suitable for adult learners with no previous knowledge of working with silver clay or those with some experience with silver clay or other forms of jewellery making. It is also suitable for those with no experience yet of crafts or creative activities. Most important is a desire to learn and experiment with the materials. It has disabled access and disabled parking on site if needed. Please contact Rebecca to discuss your needs.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- Homemade vegetarian lunch (please make us aware of dietary requirements in advance)
- 10g of silver clay/ 99% silver
- Lots of tea and coffee
- Homemade cake
- A glass of bubbly or non-alcoholic fizz to celebrate the end of the day
- Findings for your pieces that you make (ie jump rings, wire for drop earrings)
- Moulding compound to make your own mould
- Use of all equipment and materials needed to make your jewellery pieces
- A detailed step by step instruction booklet detailing everything you need to know.
- A pdf of links on where to buy all equipment is available to students who want it.
- A special 15% student discount will be provided after the workshop for your next three purchases of Art Clay silver with metalclay.co.uk if you want to have a go at home.
Please note that accommodation is not included and is separately bookable. There is a 10% discount If you are attending this workshop and book directly with https://thesanctuarycornwall.co.uk using the discount code: Silver10
For more information about alternative accommodation nearby please email [email protected]
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY
10.00 Tea or coffee will be served on arrival. We will introduce ourselves, discuss the itinerary and have a look and talk through the examples of jewellery that can be made. You tutor will explain about the history of silver clay, its eco-friendly properties, shrinkage and how it all works. The tutor will explain what to look for in nature items when creating replica leaf jewellery. Rebecca will then do some demonstrations of the different techniques along with lots of hint and tips for making amazing pieces.
11.00 students then start working on their own designs, from rough sketching and making models before starting work crafting their own designs with guidance from Rebecca.
12.00 While the clay is drying students take a break for a light vegetarian lunch which is included in the price. (Sometimes this break is cut short to allow for extra making time).
12.30 -13.00 Students learn to fire their pieces using a gas torch. This is the magical bit where the clay like substance transforms to 99.9% fine silver. After firing, a wire brush is used to brush off the white clay binder residue revealing the solid fine silver beneath.
14.30 Students then polish and finish their pieces. There will be an option to use Liver of Sulpher to bring out the texture in pieces. Students are shown how to attach their pendant to chain or neck cord.
16.00 Students finish off with a glass of prosecco or non-alcoholic alternative while they admire everyone’s jewellery made in the class. Rebecca then explains how to care for the jewellery. There will be a shuttle down to the car park for those that need it.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
- Glasses if you wear them (there is some fine detailed work)
- Closed-toe shoes (you will be handling hot metal)
- Hairband (to tie hair back while firing)
- An apron is optional. Silver clay produces a fine white dust which comes off in the washing machine. Fluffy jumpers or dry clean only clothes are not recommended.
PARTICIPANT GUIDELINES
- Minimum age: 16 (under 18's must be accompanied by a participating adult)
- The workshop room is wheelchair friendly. The bathroom is accessible as are the doors. There is parking right outside for a wheelchair user if required. Please contact rebecca@rebeccaoxenham in advance to discuss your needs.
- Full joining instructions will be sent one week in advance of the workshop.
- Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts. See my terms and conditions.
- Chains will be available to purchase on the day at an additional cost.
ABOUT YOUR TUTOR - REBECCA OXENHAM
Rebecca is inspired by her passion for nature and she is committed to supporting biodiversity and protecting the environment. She uses recycled materials such as silver clay in her own jewellery designs which is a 100% recycled product made from recycled silver which is ground up to a fine powder and mixed with a binder. When fired it becomes solid fine silver. Using recycled silver helps to limit the use of child labour in mines as well as the amount of metals that must be produced. This leads to less waste in landfills and helps to slow the consumption and deterioration of natural resources.
Rebecca studied at the CSAJ Jewellery School for her Art Clay Diploma Certification in Silver Clay. This is a worldwide, recognised qualification, administered by the official distributors of Art Clay in Europe. She is also a member of AMCAW (Association of Metal Clay Artists Worldwide) and GOJD (Guild of Jewellery Designers) an ACJ (Association of Contemporary Jewellers).
ABOUT THE VENUE – THE SANCTUARY CORNWALL
The Sanctuary Cornwall is an award winning eco lodge that offers an idyllic venue for making nature inspired jewellery. It is located in the picturesque village of Golant just two miles from the town of Fowey. In an area of outstanding beauty, it is set high up a hill nestled among 12 acres of lush woodland and pastureland with stunning views over the Fowey Estuary. The Sanctuary Cornwall provides a comfortable and sustainable zero carbon workshop venue.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Sanctuary Cornwall, Downs Hill,Fowey, Par, United Kingdom
