Capture nature’s beauty in pure silver with this botanical 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 paste and lump metal clay to cast real pieces of nature such as leaves, and seeds in to pure silver jewellery.

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 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

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.

After a brief introduction to Silver clay and what to expect on the workshop, We will take a walk around the grounds of the beautiful Westridge studios to forage for leaves, seeds and twigs for our projects.

You will then 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.

Using silver paste to paint on to leaves and delicate flowers. And using lump clay with the natural objects to press the objects in to the clay to make an impression and capture all of those beautiful fine details that can be seen on leaves and bark.

The workshop includes 7g of silver clay and silver paste, 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 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.
• Using silver paste to coat and cast real leaves in silver.
• 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

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.