An Introduction To Silver Clay
How would you like to discover the amazing world of silver clay? This introductory workshop is ideal for beginners who would like to learn a new creative skill. In this workshop you will learn all about silver clay and the key skills to allow you to make some beautiful pieces of jewellery.
Date - Saturday 27th July 2024
Workshop Duration - 6 hours - 10am - 4pm
Location - A Touch of Craft Yorkshire, Springfield Mill, Spa Street, Ossett, WF5 0HW
Course Description
Discover the amazing world of silver clay with this exciting introductory workshop. This workshop is ideal for beginners who don’t know how to get started with silver clay. During a jam packed session, you will learn all about silver clay and make some beautiful jewellery from silver clay, using the most basic of tools. You do not need any experience whatsoever in working with metal clay to join this workshop. Just bring your enthusiastic self.
Level: Complete beginner
Class Outline
In this introductory beginner workshop, you will learn the skills required to make simple and beautiful jewellery from metal clay. These skills and techniques will allow you to go away with some lovely pieces of jewellery from the day and help you carry on making at home if you wish. During the workshop you will learn all about Silver clay, its history and what makes it such an interesting material to work with. The workshop includes 10g of silver clay, which is enough to make three-five pieces of silver jewellery, depending on the sizes of the pieces you wish to make. Additional silver clay is available to purchase on the day should you fancy making more pieces of something a little bigger.
A standard 18” chain is included in the price, as are basic jump rings and ear hooks. However, if you wish to bring your own, that’s fine, we’ll help you attach them.
Alternatively, other chains can also be purchased or ordered on the day at an extra cost.
Please be aware that you will not be able to make stud earrings or rings in this workshop. Making stud earrings with silver clay is a more advanced skill level and requires soldering techniques, which are taught in other workshops. In addition, ring making requires a clear understanding of clay types and shrinkage etc. and more practice of the fundamentals before attempting to make a ring. However, ring making is available in a separate workshop.
What you will learn.
On this fantastic introductory course, you will learn how to make a simple, textured charm or pendant as a base for your creation and then have the option to add an embellishment to your base. From there, you will be able to use your new skills to create more pieces in your own design. Perhaps something to match your first creation or something totally different, it’s up to you. Most importantly, you will learn how to set up your workstation, prepare your work surface and how to look after your clay. These are the essentials before starting any new metal clay project.
The workshop will guide you, step by step and you’ll 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 shape and cut the clay.
How to create a mould using a moulding compound.
How to dry and refine your pieces
Joining silver clay components
Firing methods, and how to use a small Butane torch to fire safely ( *over 16’s only)
How to polish and finish your pieces.
How to use patina for depth of detail
When you’re all finished, you will be given a jewellery box to take away your wonderful work.
If you really enjoyed the taster workshop and would like to continue your silver clay journey then why not join us on one of our other silver clay workshops.
Alternatively, our specially created Silver Clay kits are available to buy on the day of the workshop should you fancy working at your own pace in the comfort of your own home.
Please read the full T&C's prior to booking.
Over 14’s only for this workshop for Health and Safety Reasons.
*Unfortunately under 16’s will not be able to fire their own pieces using a butane torch. Under 16’s work will be fired in a kiln or, alternatively an accompanying adult can fire their pieces for them. Whichever method is chosen, their work should still be available to be taken away on the day.
INSTALMENT PAYMENT OPTION - Pay a £40 deposit and pay the remaining balance by 12th July 2024. See details in the drop down menu.
About Your Tutor
Richard Allen, your tutor, is a metal clay artist and calligrapher. Although he has been working with various materials to make and restore jewellery over the last 40 or so years, Richard began working with silver clay, copper clay and other base metal clay several years ago. His main inspiration comes from nature and plants as well as his interest in Japanese calligraphy, filigree, keum boo and the delicate detail in Japanese silver clay work. He has been selling his jewellery in his own shop in Trinity Market in Hull and through other boutique retail outlets.
Richard has had his work chosen for several exhibitions including The International Silver Accessories Contest 2023 which was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre in Japan in September 2023. He has also had work chosen for both the Spring Time Exhibition and The Mini Art Exhibition at The Open Gallery, Halifax and has a month long exhibition of his work to be held at The Forge Gallery, Hatton Garden, London in September.
As a certified Art Clay Instructor, Richard teaches basic, intermediate and advanced silver clay classes at his own studio in Withernsea as well as holding workshops at several venues across the North of England. And of all the classes he teaches, Richard loves the Taster Workshop because he loves introducing new people to the magic of silver clay.