Online on-demand course
Maker & location details

Discover ‘gemstone’ clay jewellery

'Lapis lazuli'

'Malachite'

'Coral'

'Amethyst'

'Turquoise'

'Citrine'

'Strawberry quartz'

'Jade'

'Rose quartz'

'Amber'

Description

In this workshop I will show you how to use polymer clay (Premo and Fimo) to create some beautiful gem-inspired stones. You will be able to choose one of the following: ‘amber’, ‘amethyst’, ‘citrine’, ‘coral’, ‘jade’, ‘lapis lazuli’, ‘malachite’, ‘rose quartz’, ‘strawberry quartz’ or ‘turquoise’. You may decide to make stones that look very like the ‘real thing’, or you may choose to experiment with unique gem-like creations. At the end of the course you will have made a pendant and beads – to your own design – which you can combine into one overall piece, or you may decide to have a stand-alone pendant and a separate beads-only necklace. It’s up to you. During the workshop we cover: • conditioning clay • blending colours • learning a range of techniques for creating different kinds of stones • fashioning pendants • making different bead shapes and sizes • firing clay in a domestic oven • finishing your pieces – sanding, buffing and varnishing • designing and stringing a necklace in a style and length of your choice

What's included in the price?

TUITION • An introductory email that sets out a range of design options • Personal Zoom calls – at the beginning to discuss your project, in the middle for support (if you would like it) and at the end to ‘show and tell’. • A series of unlisted YouTube videos (URL links provided), each of which covers a different technique and aspect of the jewellery-making process. • Detailed recipes and back-up instructions. • A list of jewellery-making suppliers for future reference MATERIALS You will be sent a pack containing: all the clay you need for your ‘gemstone’ (partially pre-conditioned); spacer cards, a measuring grid; metal leaf (for lapis lazuli); herbs or spices (for coral or turquoise); a pendant frame or bail; piercing needles; fleece (for baking the clay); wet and dry sandpaper; varnish; glass seed beads (enough for one necklace); stringing material; crimps and a clasp. OPTIONAL EXTRAS (in addition to the course fee) are available once your booking is confirmed: some specialist tools can be purchased or I can give you details of suppliers.

What you will need

A computer, tablet or mobile phone; a non-absorbent, wipe clean work surface (such as a smooth tile); a plastic or acrylic rolling pin; a kitchen knife; a teaspoon; a domestic oven (not a microwave); a baking sheet/tray; some thin card; plates to put your pendant and beads on; a piece of rough material or an old sock; a mug or bits of polystyrene packaging; cocktail sticks; superglue; a small artist’s paintbrush; a kitchen tray and old teacloth; a tape measure; some sellotape and scissors.