Beginners silver clay jewellery with 24K gold highlights

Description

Spend a full day learning the art of fine silver jewellery making, using the alchemy of silver clay, an eco-friendly and fun way to make silver jewellery. The workshop will take place in the Sanctuary Cornwall, an award winning off grid eco lodge, set high up in 12 acres of beautiful Cornish woodland and with stunning views over the Fowey estuary. 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 course is suitable for adult 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. WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY: 10.00 A selections of teas and fresh coffee is 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. 10.30 If the weather is kind students are encourage to collect items from nature from the surrounding woodland such as leaves, seeds and other items found to make jewellery. 10.50 The tutor will demonstrate how to make moulds and students are given to make their own mould from an item from nature that they have collected. 11.20 The tutor will then do some demonstrations using textures of leaves and the moulds. Students then start working on their own designs and will create a model of their design using practice modelling clay. 11.50 Students create their designs using the silver clay and dry the clay on the drying tray. 13.15 While the clay is drying students take a break to have lunch. 14.15 Students learn to fire their pieces using a gas torch. This is the magical bit where the clay-like substance transforms to solid 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 finish their pieces to get the look they desire– if required applying a patina effect or polishing to a high shine. 15.30 Students are shown how to attach their charms to ear wires or a chain or neck cord. 16.00 Students learn to highlight their pieces with 24K gold using an electroplating pen. 17.00 Students finish the day 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. PARTICIPANT 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. Please contact me in advance to discuss your needs. - Full joining instructions will be sent one week in advance of the workshop. - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts. - Chains will be available to purchase on the day at an additional cost. The Sanctuary Cornwall provides a comfortable and sustainable zero carbon workshop venue as well as accommodation for those that stay over. 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. For those seeking overnight accommodation onsite this is separately bookable at The Sanctuary Cornwall and it is subject to availability. There are three comfortable twin or king ensuite bedrooms within the eco-lodge, each benefitting from its own private outdoor seating area and with views overlooking the estuary. In addition, there is one off grid pod within the grounds of the site for guests wanting to be even closer to nature. The Sanctuary Cornwall does not cater for children so guests can expect a tranquil and quiet setting with only the sounds are birdsong or surrounding wildlife.

What's included in the price?

- Homemade vegetarian lunch (please make us aware of dietary requirements in advance) - 7g of silver clay/ 99% silver (enough to make one to two pieces of jewellery) - 24K gold solution for electroplating gold highlights - 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 - Items found in nature if you haven’t collected your own on the nature walk - A detailed instruction booklet detailing everything you need to know. that you get to take away. - 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.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 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.