Full Day Beginners Stud Earrings Silver Clay Workshop

Learn the art of fine silver jewellery making using the alchemy of silver clay and silversmithing.


Rebecca Oxenham Jewellery
Rebecca Oxenham Jewellery
5.0 (4)
Instagram followers1k

6 hours Class size 1 to 4     label £130

Learn the art of fine silver jewellery making, using the alchemy of silver clay, combined traditional silversmithing techniques to solder silver posts to the back. Take inspiration from the textures found in nature to make beautiful and truly unique stud earrings or a set with a pendant and matching earrings. With no more than 4 people in this class, all skill levels are catered for, and you’ll get as much guidance as you need.

Silver clay is a relatively new product that can be worked like clay and yet is made of pure silver particles, with a binder and water. When it is fired the result is a pure silver piece which is of fine silver hallmark quality.

This is a small class is held in Rebecca Oxenham's jewellery making studio with a maximum of 4 attendees to allow for lots of individual attention. At the end of the day you will celebrate with a glass of Prosecco or non alcoholic alternative.

This course is suitable for learners with no previous knowledge of working with silver clay or those with experience with other forms of jewellery making. It is also suitable for those with no experience yet of crafts or creative activities. Most important is a desire to learn and experiment with the materials.

Itinerary

You’ll spend the morning learning about silver clay, designing your piece, texturing, filing and sanding then leaving it to dry, and firing your pieces before eating your picnic. In the afternoon, you will learn to solder, and polish your earrings.

10.00 Arrival with tea or coffee we will introduce ourselves, discuss the itinerary and have a look and talk through the examples of jewellery that can be made.

10.30 Students are talked through the tools in the studio and told a bit about the history of silver clay, its eco-friendly properties, shrinkage and how it all works. The tutor demonstrates what to look for when creating replica leaf jewellery and which types of leaves are best and does a demonstration of how to use moulds of acorns or shells.

11.00 students then start working on their own designs, from rough sketching and making models before starting work crafting their own designs.

13.00 The pieces will be dried before 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.

13.30 Students break for lunch

14.30 Students learn to solder silver posts to the backs of their pieces and polish their pieces.

15.30 - 16.00 Students finish off with a glass of prosecco or non-alcoholic alternative while they admire everyone’s jewellery made in the class. Students leave for the day.

  • Minimum age: 12 (under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult)
  • There is no wheelchair access to the workroom which is at the end of the garden
- There is parking on the road (if it gets busy there is also a car park close by on Manor Farm Road
- Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts.
  • Minimum numbers to run: 2
  • Maximum numbers: 4

About your Tutor

Rebecca works out of her studio at the end of her garden in Hampshire, England. The jewellery created is inspired by her passion for nature and she is committed to supporting biodiversity and protecting the environment. She uses recycled materials such as silver clay which is an 100% recycled product made from recycled silver which is ground up to a fine powder and mixed with a binder. When fired it becomes solid fine silver. Using recycled silver helps to limit the use of child labour in mines as well as the amount of metals that must be produced. This leads to less waste in landfills and helps to slow the consumption and deterioration of natural resources.

Rebecca studied at CSAJ for her levels one and two Art Clay Diploma Certification in Silver Clay. This is a world-wide, recognised qualification, administered by the official distributors of Art Clay in Europe. She is also a tutor member of AMCAW (Association of Metal Clay Artists Worldwide) and GOJD (Guild of Jewellery Designers) and ACJ (Association of Contemporary Jewellers).

Location

The course is held at Rebecca's Garden Studio in Bitterne Park, Southampton.

Full joining instructions will be sent a week in advance of the course.


Knowledge required
This course is suitable for learners with no previous knowledge of working with silver clay or silversmithing, or those with experience in other forms of jewellery making. It is also suitable for those with no experience yet of crafts or creative activities. Most important is a desire to learn and experiment with the materials.
 
What you'll get
  • 7g of silver clay (99% recycled silver). This is enough to make 1-3 pairs of stud earrings, depending on the size.
  • Sterling silver (92.5% recycled silver) earring posts.
  • Easy solder and flux.
  • Use of all equipment needed from the studio.
  • A step-by-step, detailed 22-page instruction booklet (which you can take home).
  • Tea, coffee, and biscuits.
  • A glass of prosecco or non-alcoholic alternative to celebrate the day at the end.
  • Lots of individual attention. Maximum numbers for this workshop are 4.
What to bring
  • A packed lunch and any extra drinks
  • An apron is optional, but fluffy jumpers or silk clothing are not recommended.
  • Closed-toe shoes (we want to avoid dropping hot metal on your feet!)
  • Hairband (to tie hair back while firing)
  • Glasses - there is some fine detailed work.
Location

Southampton, South East

Exact location is masked for privacy. You'll automatically get the specific address after booking.

Full Day Beginners Stud Earrings Silver Clay Workshop location
Your teacher
Rebecca Oxenham Jewellery
Rebecca Oxenham Jewellery

5.0 (4)
Instagram followers1k

Hello, my name is Rebecca, and I am the designer and maker behind Rebecca Oxenham Jewellery.

I use the beauty of nature to give inspiration for my jewellery making, which I'm delighted to share with you! ​Nature is my therapy; it is where I feel calm and it is always my kind friend. I love nothing more than to be out in the countryside or by the sea, walking my dog and enjoying the beautiful scenery around me. I find myself collecting shells, bark, leaves and other organic items I discover along the way and come home with pockets bulging – just like a child!

​To share my passion for jewellery making, I run beginners’ silver clay jewellery making workshops and have designed a beautiful kit for people to make their own jewellery using silver clay at home. Whether you want to try a new hobby as a couple, host a hen party with a difference or just learn how to make silver jewellery in the comfort of your own home, I look forward to sharing the joy of creativity with you.

More from Rebecca Oxenham Jewellery

2024-04-05 15:00:00
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