Silver clay taster morning workshop

Name: Silver clay taster morning workshop
Start: 2024-10-26T10:00:00+01:00
Location: 9 Market House Arcade, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 2JA

Schedule

Sat Oct 26 2024 at 10:00 am

UTC+01:00

Location

9 Market House Arcade, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 2JA | Bodmin, EN

Suitable for total beginners. At this exciting, hands-on half day taster class you will design and create your very own silver clay jewellery pieces using the alchemy of silver metal clay that you will get to take home and wear.
Silver clay is a totally recycled product which means you are not harming the environment. The silver clay is a lovely relatively easy product to use and is fired to become solid silver of Hallmark quality. The workshop includes 5g of silver clay, which is enough to make two or sometimes three small pieces of silver jewellery, depending on the sizes of the pieces you wish to make.
Basic jump rings, ear wire hooks are all included in the price, you may also bring your own chain and we can help you attach them. I do have silver chains in stock that will be available to purchase on the day. If you require a certain style or length of chain you can contact me in advance to pre-order.
(Please note that this is covers only the basic silver clay skills and due to time scales you will not be able to make more advanced moulded items or mould making, 3D items such as acorns, setting of gemstones, sea glass or stud earrings or rings on this workshop, as these require more time - see my full day workshops or consider a 121 to take your learning further).
The class runs from 10am to 2pm in central Bodmin above the shop Patchwork Dreamer in Market House Archade so unfortunately there is no disabled access.
In this workshop, you will learn how to:
- Roll and pattern clay using texture sheets and leaves.
- Cut shapes freeland or using cutters.
- Smooth imperfections and sanding techniques
- 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 to fire
- Prepare your piece for the transformative firing process
- Fire your pieces using a hand held jewellers torch
- How to Polish and finish your pieces
- You will also learn how to store the clay and rehydrate it.
- If time allows , you'll have the option to apply Liver of Sulphur to create a patina, accentuating just 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.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- All the materials you need including 5g of silver clay/ 99% silver (enough to make about two pieces of jewellery)
- Basic jump rings, ear wire hooks are all included in the price, you may also bring your own chain and we can help you attach them. I do have a few alternative silver chains in stock that will be available to purchase on the day. If you require a certain style or length of chain you can contact me in advance to pre-order.
- Tea and coffee and biscuits
- Use of all my specialist equipment and materials needed to make your jewellery pieces
- A detailed step by step instruction booklet detailing everything you learn in the class plus a document with links to where you can buy everything so you can continue to make at home.
- 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.
If you really enjoyed the taster workshop and would like to continue your silver clay journey, why not join us on one of our full day silver clay workshops where you can go on to extend your skills and learn things like mould making and how to make 3D items, how to set gemstones or sea glass, how to make rings or use gold plating. Or you can practice your new skills in the comfort of your home with our Beginner Silver Clay kits (which appeared on Channel 4s Steph's Packed Lunch), available to buy at a discounted price on the day of the workshop or on the website.
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).
- 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.
- Unfortunately there is no disabled access. It takes place in Patchwork dreamer up a staircase.