Beginners Silver Clay Christmas Gift Workshop

Suitable for total beginners. This is an exciting, hands-on silver jewellery making class where you will learn how to design and create your very own silver clay jewellery pieces. You will make three to five items of fine silver jewellery such as pendants, drop earrings and charms that you can take away at the end of the course to gift to loved ones at Christmas (or for yourself). The number of items you make depends on the size and weight of your pieces. Silver clay is a totally recycled product which means you are protecting the environment. The silver clay is fired to become solid silver of Hallmark quality. The workshop room is wheelchair friendly. The bathroom is accessible as are the doors. There is parking right outside for a wheelchair user if required. In this workshop, you will learn how to:

• Roll and pattern clay using texture sheets and leaves.
• Cut shapes freehand or using cutters.
• Create your own moulds.
• Smoothing imperfections and sanding
• 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
• Prepare your piece for the transformative firing process
• Firing your pieces using a hand held jewellers torch-
• If desired, you'll have the option to apply Liver of Sulphur to create a patina, accentuating 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.

Agenda10.00 Tea or coffee will be served on arrival. We will introduce ourselves, discuss the itinerary and have a look and talk through the examples of jewellery that can be made. You tutor will explain about the history of silver clay, its eco-friendly properties, shrinkage and how it all works. The tutor will explain what to look for in nature items when creating replica leaf jewellery. Rebecca will then do some demonstrations of the different techniques along with lots of hint and tips for making amazing pieces.11.00 students then start working on their own designs, from rough sketching and making models before starting work crafting their own designs with guidance from Rebecca.12.00 While the clay is drying students take a break for a light vegetarian lunch which is included in the price. (Sometimes this break is cut short to allow for extra making time).12.30 -13.00 Students learn to fire their pieces using a gas torch. This is the magical bit where the clay like substance transforms to 99.9% fine silver. After firing, a wire brush is used to brush off the white clay binder residue revealing the solid fine silver beneath.14.30 Students then polish and finish thier pieces. There will be an option to use Liver of Sulpher to bring out the texture in pieces. Students are shown how to attach their pendant to chain or neck cord.16.00 Students finish off with a glass of prosecco or non-alcoholic alternative while they admire everyone’s jewellery made in the class. Rebecca then explains how to care for the jewellery. There will be a shuttle down to the car park for those that need it.Guidelines

• Minimum age: 16 (under 18's must be accompanied by a participating adult)
• The workshop room is wheelchair friendly. The bathroom is accessible as are the doors. There is parking right outside for a wheelchair user if required.
• Full joining instructions will be sent one week in advance of the workshop.
• Chains will be available to purchase on the day at an additional cost.

The VenueThe Sanctuary Cornwall is an award winning eco lodge that offers an idyllic venue for making nature inspired jewellery. It is located in the picturesque village of Golant just two miles from the town of Fowey. In an area of outstanding beauty, it is set high up a hill nestled among 12 acres of lush woodland and pastureland with stunning views over the Fowey Estuary. The Sanctuary Cornwall provides a comfortable and sustainable zero carbon workshop venue. The large workshop space itself has floor to ceiling windows with breath-taking estuary views and is light, bright and airy.

Suitable for total beginners.
 

• Homemade vegetarian lunch (please make Rebecca aware of dietary requirements in advance)
• 10g of silver clay/ 99% silver - enough to make 3 to 4 pieces dependant on the size.
• Lots of tea and coffee
• Homemade cake
• A glass of bubbly or non-alcoholic fizz to celebrate the end of the day
• Findings for your pieces that you make (ie jump rings, wire for drop earrings)
• Moulding compound to make your own mould
• Use of all equipment and materials needed to make your jewellery pieces
• A detailed step by step instruction booklet detailing everything you need to know.
• A pdf of links on where to buy all equipment is available to students who want it.
• A special 15% student discount will be provided after the workshop for your next three purchases of Art Clay silver with the main supplier if you want to have a go at home.

• 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.

This would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum or gift for couples.