Full day sea glass stone setting with silver clay - Make a fine silver sea glass pendant necklace

Description

Make a silver sea glass pendant necklace. You will be setting sea glass stones (either your own or one of mine) in your silver clay to make your own truly unique rockpool sea glass pendant necklace. You can choose to either texture the silver clay, keep it plain or decorate with little silver clay embellishments, such as pebbles or little shells, using micro moulding techniques to make a rock pool pendant. Sea glass is also known as mermaid tears or sea jewels. They are pieces of glass that have become smooth and frosty from being in the sea for at least 25 years. Over this time, they have become lovely gems of softly coloured glass nuggets. Although slightly more advanced than my beginners workshop, you will have lots of individual attention, so it is also suitable for beginners. You are welcome to bring your own sea glass or a flat backed stone. This may be something which has sentimental meaning, perhaps from a special holiday or found by one of your children. Ideally you want to find a stone around about 1cm in diameter and as thin and flat as possible. Alternatively, I do have a large selection of sea glass available for those who haven’t made it to the beach yet. This course is most suitable for those who have attended either the half day or full day beginners workshop. It is also suitable for learners with no previous knowledge of working with silver clay but would like to push themselves a little. 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. ABOUT YOUR TUTOR - REBECCA OXENHAM You'll be guided by a qualified and experienced teacher with all 5 star reviews on Google, Facebook, Trip Advisor, Virgin Experiences and Craft Courses. Rebecca is also a Gold rated tutor with Craft Courses. She holds the Art Clay Diploma in Silver Clay. This is a world-wide, recognised qualification, administered by the official distributors of Art Clay in Europe. She is also an instructor member of AMCAW (Association of Metal Clay Artists Worldwide) and is a member of GOJD (Guild of Jewellery Designers) and ACJ (Association of Contemporary Jewellers). The jewellery Rebecca creates is inspired by her passion for nature; 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. WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY You’ll spend the morning learning about silver clay, choosing your sea glass, designing your piece, texturing, learning to create the setting in the clay, filing and sanding then leaving it to dry, before eating your picnic. In the afternoon, you will fire your piece using a jewellers torch then you will learn to set the sea glass stone, polishing and finish it by attaching it to a chain. Please note - only if there is time in the morning, students can use up any spare silver clay to make silver clay charms using my tools and equipment. You will be welcome to take home any spare clay you haven't used if there is any left. ITINARY 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 and choosing the sea glass stones. 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. Rebecca demonstrates how to use micro moulds to make tiny shells, starfish and balls to decorate your pieces. Students are encouraged to have a go at using the micro moulds. Rebecca will also demonstrate how to create the setting using fine silver bezel strip, sizing the setting for the stone and embedding it in the clay. 11.00 students then start working on their own designs, from rough sketching and making models before starting work crafting their own designs. 11.30 Students take a tea/coffee break and home made cake will be served. Rebecca will demonstrate how to create the setting using fine silver bezel strip, sizing the setting for the stone and embedding it in the clay. 12.00 Students make their own pieces under Rebecca's careful supervision. 13.00 A home cooked vegetarian lunch will be served while the pieces dry. Note that sometimes this break is cut short to allow for extra making time. 14.00 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. 15.00 Students then learn to set their sea glass stones in the silver, create highlights using liver of sulphur. 16.00 The pieces are polished in the barrel polisher for a professional high shine. Students are shown how to attach their pendant to chai. 17.00 Students leave for the day. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING - Glasses - there is some fine detailed work. - An apron is optional (fluffy jumpers or silk clothing is not advised) - Closed toe shoes (we will be using hot metal so we need to protect feet in case anything is dropped). - Hairband (to tie hair back while firing) - If you want to bring your own sea glass - please note that not all pieces will be suitable. Ideally you want to find a stone around 1cm in diameter without sharp corners and as thin and flat as possible. Alternatively, I do have a large selection of sea glass available. PARTICIPANT GUIDELINES - Minimum age: 16 (under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult) - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts. ABOUT THE VENUE – THE SANCTUARY CORNWALL The 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. The doors open out directly to the beautiful outdoor areas and is just a few yards from beautiful woodland. There is disabled parking directly outside the building (contact me in advance so a space directly outside can be reserved if you need it). CANCELLATION POLICY Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts. EXTRAS Enough silver clay, bezel wire, sea glass and one standard 18 inch silver chain is included. I also sell a selection of fancy and different length sterling silver chains if you wish to buy more or upgrade. In addition I sell art clay silver for a discounted price during the class and a silver clay starter kit and torch firing kit if you wish to continue to make your own jewellery at home.

What's included in the price?

I like to include everything you are likely to need in the price to keep things simple, so if you buy this as a gift your recipient will not have to be paying out on the day for the silver clay or a chain or other bits and pieces. You know exactly how much this one day course will cost you. This includes: - Homemade vegetarian lunch (please make us aware of dietary requirements in advance) - 10g of silver clay/ 99% silver - enough to make your pendant and the embellishments. - A selection of herbal and breakfast teas and fresh coffee as well as delicious homemade cake. - Findings for your pieces that you make (ie jump rings) - Fine silver bezel wire to set the stone - An 18 inch silver snake chain (additional, longer or fancy chains are available as an upgrade purchase on the day) - Sea glass (or bring your own) - A detailed step by step instruction booklet to take away detailing everything you need to know. - A pdf of links giving details of 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 metalclay.co.uk if you want to have a go at home.

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Rebecca Oxenham Jewellery

with Craft Courses since 2021

Message the tutor

Rebecca is a qualified and experienced teacher with all 5 star reviews on Google, Facebook, Trip Advisor, Virgin Experiences and Craft Courses. Rebecca is also a Gold rated tutor with Craft Courses. She holds the Art Clay Diploma in Silver Clay. This is a world-wide, recognised qualification, administered by the official distributors of Art Clay in Europe. She is also an instructor member of AMCAW (Association of Metal Clay Artists Worldwide) and is a member of GOJD (Guild of Jewellery Designers) and ACJ (Association of Contemporary Jewellers). Rebecca also runs a jewellery business (www.rebeccaoxenham.com). Her jewellery is inspired by the Cornish coast and countryside and lovingly handcrafted using recycled silver. It is important to her that her impact upon the environment from which she draws her inspiration is not overly impacted by her actions. Therefore, alongside using recycled precious metals and responsibly sourced gemstones, her packaging is also eco-friendly.