Silverclay jewellery workshops


CONTACT:	telephone: 01489 785590	e-mail:

WHAT IS SILVERCLAY?

Silverclay is a wonderfully versatile substance which is relatively new to the field of jewellery-making. It is simple to use and because of that it enables people to make beautiful jewellery without many years of training as silversmiths!

It consists of minute particles of pure silver mixed with a non-toxic organic binder, which binds the silver particles together to form a clay-like substance. In the clay form it can be manipulated just like clay – it can be rolled, flattened, cut with a blade, pressed into moulds, impressed with shapes and textures – in fact anything you can do with ordinary ceramic clay. You can also set stones into it.

After it has been left to dry it is fired (either in a kiln or with a simple gas torch) and it is this firing process which turns it into pure silver. The intense heat evaporates the water content and burns away the gum so you are left with 99.9% pure silver (which may be hall-marked if you wish). In its fired state, because it is now pure silver, it can be fashioned in the same way as any other precious metal – it can be filed, sanded, textured, burnished, polished, etc.

The material I use is Art Clay (or Art Clay Silver) and it also comes in alternative forms – as a paste, in a paper form, and in a syringe form, in which the soft silverclay is pushed through a fine nozzle. So you can have endless fun and produce exquisite jewellery at the end.

You can make any form of jewellery you wish – pendants, earrings, brooches, rings, tie-pins, cuff-links, bracelet charms – the list is endless. Of course you don’t have to be limited to jewellery – you can also make small ornaments and trinkets if you prefer. The only limit is your own imagination!

WORKSHOPS

The material used in these workshops is Art Clay Silver and the Level 1 and Level 2 certification courses are certificated by Art Clay World.

I am a fully qualified senior instructor in Art Clay Silver and offer a variety of workshops and certificated courses. I am also a member of the Wessex Guild of Craftsmen.

Students at a workshop


*One-day introductory workshop*	9.45am – 5.30pm	£75.00
This is suitable for complete beginners. In addition to learning basic techniques you will also be introduced to the processes of engraving and oxidising. You will make two or three pieces to take home with you.

One-day 'improvers' workshop	9.45am - 5.30pm	£75.00
This is for those people who have had some previous experience with silver clay and wish to refine and extend their knowledge and skills. The day may include some of the following, according to students' choice: hollow-form syringe-work, setting stones in bezels, mould-making, reproducing a leaf using clay paste, oxidising and engraving.

*Three-day Level 1 certificated workshop*	9.45am – 5.30pm	£360.00
This is a Level 1 Certification course during which you will make three rings, a brooch and two pendants to take home. This course introduces you to specific advanced techniques involving silverclay and assesses your skills in carrying them out.

*Four-day Level 2 certificated workshop*	9.45am – 5.30pm	£470.00
This is a Level 2 Certification course which is open only to those people with the Level 1 Instructors certificate. During this course you will make one ring, two pendants and two brooches. You will use goldclay and gold leaf and will be introduced to further specific advanced techniques, during which your skills will be assessed.

One-day gold on silver workshop	9.45am - 5.30pm	£75.00
During this workshop you will be introduced to two different methods of applying 22-carat or 24-carat gold to silver clay. You will make two pieces of jewellery, each highlighted with gold, and will use both methods of application.

Dichroic glass workshop	9.45am - 5.30pm	£75.00
During this workshop you will learn the basic principles of cutting and fusing glass. You will make several pieces of stunning dichroic glass jewellery to take home with you.

One-day silver and dichroic glass workshop	9.45am - 5.30pm	£75.00
During this workshop you will learn how to combine silver clay with dichroic glass to make beautiful pendants or other pieces of jewellery.

For all the workshops, all the tools and equipment you need to use will be provided for you so you don’t need to bring anything. The cost of all materials is included in the course fees, including all the findings. There are no extra costs.


LOCATION
The workshops take place at my house, which is a spacious converted cottage with a large garden, situated next to some ancient woodland with fine views over the fields. So you would be learning in a pleasant and friendly environment in the heart of the Hampshire countryside. The workshops operate with only a very small number of students (maximum eight) so you would receive plenty of individual tutor support. There is an excellent pub in the village which is a two-minute walk from the house. It serves good food and a selection of real ales. In the next village, which is about 3 miles away, there are a variety of shops and other amenities.

ACCOMMODATION I can provide B&B for one person or two people sharing (en-suite facilities, TV, tea and coffee facilities). There are other B&B guesthouses in neighbouring villages - contact me for details.

VOUCHERS

These make an ideal and unusual present – why not give your friend or loved one a present of a voucher – these can contribute towards the costs of courses or can be used for materials.

COMMISSIONS

I willingly take commissions, so if you like any of the pieces you see here, contact me and I can make a piece exactly to your specifications.

JEWELLERY PARTIES!

If you would like to have a jewellery party you have the opportunity to host a fun evening for you and your friends. Quality jewellery for sale at bargain prices. At the end of the evening the hostess receives 10% of the evening's takings to spend on any items of jewellery of her choice. Contact me for further details.