Jewellery Course – Silver Clay

Our 5/10 week silver clay course, led by Kath Clay, teaches you an amazing way to make beautiful jewellery from ground-down, recycled silver which, when fired, became solid silver again. It is a truly magical craft to learn where you’ll experience lots of ‘wow’ moments.

This course can be booked in 5-week blocks, or you can save £70 by booking two 5-week blocks! (Discount applied in Shopping Cart)

Class Dates/Times
This course takes place on Tuesdays, 7pm-9pm, and Wednesdays 12.45pm-2.45pm on the following dates

Tuesday evenings
Block 1: 16th April, 23rd April, 30th April, 7th May, 21st May
Block 2: 4th June, 11th June, 18th June, 25th June, 2nd July

Wednesday Afternoons
Block 1: 17th April, 24th April, 1st May, 8th May, 22nd May
Block 2: 5th June, 12th June, 19th June, 26th June, 3rd July

What can you learn?
You will initially learn the basic techniques including texturing, shaping, sanding, firing, polishing, and burnishing the clay so that you can go on to create your own pieces. After this, you will learn to make a variety of pendant styles which could include 2D & 3D designs, drop & stud earrings, rings and other designs. Each session teaches you a new silver clay skill and introduces you to a different designer within the silver clay world.

What can you make?
You can expect to make 4-5 pieces of silver jewellery, if not more, in the first 5 weeks. One pack of clay can make 1-3 items, sometimes more, depending on the size of the pieces made and how economical with the clay you are.

What tools/equipment can you use?
All the tools are available for you to use in the session including rollers, files, burnishers, polishing tools and an extensive range of textures & cutters.  You’ll also be taught to use a blow torch to fire your jewellery too. There is no requirement for you to bring your own tools as everything is provided in the workshop.

What materials will I be given?
On your first session, you will be given a starter pack which includes a course booklet,  a small pot to store your pieces and a 7g pack of silver clay (worth approximately £15) which is generally enough to make your first project. If you sign up for the full 10 weeks then a second pack of clay is given during week 6. Additional packs of clay will be available to purchase from the tutor each session for £15 per pack. You can expect to need 2-3 additional packs for each 5 week block.  Stones, 24k gold foil, bezel wire and findings will also be available separately to purchase.  Any payments are taken by card by the tutor.

What is the course structure?
Each workshop will explore a new skill for beginners and, depending on the ability of the group, a new skill for intermediate/advanced students.
The skills demonstrated could include: cabochon stone & sea glass bezel setting, cubic zirconia setting, rings making, embedding wire components, reconstituting clay, syringing, quilling, making moulds, Keum Boo, coiling, layering, hinges & lockets, beads, soldering, engraving, alcohol inks, liver of sulphur (LOS), 3d shapes like bird houses, copper and photopolymer plates amongst others.
Please be aware that the skills listed are examples of what could be taught, some might not be covered due to time limitations and are dependent on the group. Our courses will involve tuition but will largely aim to support you on self-led projects.. 

What is the recommended level of experience?
Our silver clay course is designed to suit all levels listed below.
Beginners: You have not tried silver clay before, or have very limited experience in using it. You can expect to be looking at the basic techniques, learning to texture, shape, layer and add coils, set small sparkly cubic zirconia stones, make a single-sided mould, make simple bails and solder jump rings. Projects will take 1-2 weeks to complete at this level so you might make a few things fairly quickly, allowing you to practice using the clay.
Intermediate: You have some experience already using the silver clay and have completed the first set of 10 sessions. You can expect to be working on bezel settings, syringing, engraving, adding colour, making double-sided moulds, basic 3d shapes like the lentil beads. Projects will take 2 weeks to make at least to make.
Advanced: You will have completed a minimum of 4 full terms studying silver clay at Making Space (or similar venue). You can expect to be making the more intricate designs like the bird houses and the hinges and lockets. These are bigger and more technical projects that require a little more planning and design prior to starting to create your piece. Pieces at this level have a neater and cleaner finish too. Projects might therefore take at least 2-3 weeks each to make.

What others have said about our Silver Clay courses:
“It was very calming and relaxing. The process of working with siver clay is very satisfying.”

“The tutor was knowledgeable and approachable. Wide range of equipment available. Good group of participants. Welcoming environment and staff”