Cornwall Full day beginners silver clay workshop (Stable Arts, Bodmin, Cornwall)

TO BOOK THIS WORKSHOP GO TO https://cornwallcraftclasses.co.uk/product/beginners-silver-clay-pendant-or-drop-earrings-workshop/

Learn the art of fine silver jewellery making, using the alchemy of silver clay, an eco-friendly and fun way to make silver jewellery. Take inspiration from the textures found in nature to make beautiful and truly unique piece of jewellery. With no more than 6 people per class, all skill levels are catered for, and you’ll get as much guidance as you need.  

Silver clay is a relatively new product that can be worked like clay and yet is made of pure silver particles, with a binder and water. When it is fired the result is a pure silver piece which is of fine silver hallmark quality. 

For pictures and testimonials from past workshops go to https://www.rebeccaoxenham.com/workshop-testimonials     

WHO SHOULD ATTEND    

This course is suitable for learners with no previous knowledge of working with silver clay or those with experience with 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.     

WHAT'S INCLUDED    

- 7g silver clay (99% silver).  This is enough to make a pendant or pair of drop earrings)           

- Fixings, and wire for drop earrings or a silver plated chain. 

- Use of all equipment needed from the studio           

- A step by step detailed instruction booklet (which you can take home)           

- Tea, coffee and biscuits            

- Access to all the tools you will need from the studio.     

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY  

You’ll spend the morning learning about silver clay, designing your piece, texturing, filing and sanding then leaving it to dry, before eating your picnic. In the afternoon, you will fire your piece using a jewellers torch then sanding, polishing and finish it by attaching your fixings such as a chain or ear wires.  

ITINARY 

10.00 Arrival with tea or coffee we will introduce ourselves, discuss the itinerary and have a look and talk through the examples of jewellery that can be made.

 

10.30 Students are talked through the tools in the studio and told a bit about the history of silver clay, its eco-friendly properties, shrinkage and how it all works. The tutor demonstrates what to look for when creating replica leaf jewellery and which types of leaves are best and does a demonstration of how to create moulds of acorns or shells.

 

11.00 students then start working on their own designs, from rough sketching and making models before starting work crafting their own designs.

 

13.00 While the clay is drying students take a break to have a picnic either in the garden (weather permitting) or within the studio space. (There are nearby shops if students need to pop out). If we are runing behind we may only have half an hour for lunch.

 

14.00 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.

 

15.00 Students then finish their pieces to get the look they desire– if required applying a patina effect or polishing to a high shine. Students are shown how to attach their charms to ear wires or a chain or neck cord. 

16.00 Students leave for the day.       

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING  

 

- An apron if you have one          

 - Closed toe shoes (We want to avoid dropping hot metal on your feet!)         

 - Hairband (to tie hair back while firing)           

- Glasses - there is some fine detailed work. 

ABOUT YOUR TUTOR - REBECCA OXENHAM     

Rebecca works out of her studio at the end of her garden in Hampshire, England. The jewellery created 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 which is an 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 Cornwall School for Art Craft and Jewellery for her Art Clay Diploma Certification in Silver Clay. This is a world-wide, recognised qualification, administered by the official distributors of Art Clay in Europe. She is also a tutor member of AMCAW (Association of Metal Clay Artists Worldwide) and GOJD (Guild of Jewellery Designers) and ACJ (Association of Contemporary Jewellers).