Beginnings in Silver Clay
See the Jewellery-making with us pages at www.SussexJewellerySchool.com to view images of this workshop in progress, the jewellery past students have made, and what our students say about this course.
About silver clay: Silver clay consists of very small particles of silver, mixed with an organic binder and water. Metal clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, opening up a host of design possibilities, even for the beginner jeweller.
After drying, it can be fired, burning away the binder, leaving the pure, solid, 999 fine silver (purer than sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure).
Students leave not only with the skills to go on creating, but also up to three finished pieces of jewellery (earrings with handmade ear-wires & real semi-precious gemstones, and pendant on suede or microfibre thong,. and optional extra pendant if time allows). Optional toolkits are available to buy from the tutor so you can carry on making silver jewellery at home after the course, using your new-found skills.
Course details: This course is suitable for beginners and more experienced jewellery makers, and introduces basic silver clay skills, together with some simple silverwork.
Silver clay techniques covered:
* types of silver clay
* rolling to a consistent and repeatable thickness
* adding texture to front and back of pieces
* reconstituting dried clay
* cutting clay
* making holes in clay
* making bails
* drying clay
* preparing clay for firing
* firing clay with kiln and hand torch
* finishing fired silver clay jewellery
Silverwork techniques covered:
* balling up wire sterling silver wire to create custom headpins
* fashioning sterling silver earwires
* filing skills: smoothing ends of ear wires
* assembling finished work using wire wrapping techniques
* opening and closing jump rings correctly
Tutor: Sarah Whittaker MCSJ Dip PMC
Fee: £95 + booking fee to include extensive tutoring, 16g PMC3, sterling silver for ear-wires, 2 x semi-precious gemstone beads, comprehensive handout and the use of all necessary tools and equipment during the workshop, plus refreshments mid-morning and mid-afternoon (please bring your own packed lunch).
More information: call 07939 696 465 or email [email protected].
Your health & safety is our priority
* No open-toed or soft shoes may be worn (boots or trainers are ideal)
* No loose or draping clothing, eg scarves, may be worn
* Hair must be tied back
* Avoid wearing particularly flammable materials (non-shedding, natural fibres are best)
* Skin sensitivity to precious metal clay is extremely rare. However, you may be in close contact with other chemical substances, so if you are prone to sensitive skin, we can provide latex gloves. Please bring your own gloves if you are sensitive to latex, and a mask if you are sensitive to dust.
* Further pre-course information will be emailed with your booking confirmation.
