This two-day course is suitable for complete beginners with no previous experience of working with precious metal clays and will be a thorough introduction to this magical medium.  We aim for this to be a fun and relaxing two days with plenty of time to experiment and be creative.  By the end of the coure you will not only have designed and created several finished pieces of real silver jewellery but you will also feel confident enough to continue creating designs in silver clay on your own at home.

DAY  ONE

We will begin with a demonstration of how to handle and work with the clay, showing you how to plan and execute your designs.  We will cover rolling, cutting and texturing, stamping and shaping to create different forms and finishes.  We will then make some simple silver charms which, when finished, can be made up into earrings, pendants or to hang on a bracelet.  You will also learn how to fire your clay at home - with a gas torch or on a gas hob. In the afternoon, using the techniques learned this morning, you will make an easy pendant of your own design.  We will also cover polishing and burnishing techniques.

DAY  TWO

Using Silver Clay Paste and real leaves we will create a silver leaf from nature.  You will learn how to capture fine detail and introduce three-dimensional design into your work by using molds.  Molds are very easy to make and quick and simple to use.  An old button or earring with interesting detail or a bead or shell with an unusual texture can be used to make a mold, which in turn can be used to create an exact replica in fine silver.  You will learn how to make your own molds and use them to create unique pieces of jewellery.

 

Your pieces will be fired and polished and you will then be able to make them up into a variety of finished items.  We will also experiment with oxidising some of the pieces to give them an antique appearance.

 

The fees include about £35 worth of silver clay, enough for four or five small pieces, but if you would like to buy more, Melanie will have some for sale.  A selection of silver findings including ear wires, necklace chains etc. priced from £2.50  will be available to purchase to complete your creations.

Comments from students:

Thoroughly enjoyed this course.  It was wonderful to be in a beautiful location with like-minded people, making fabulous silver jewellery which we could put on there and then and take home~!  I have a busy, stressful job and taking part in courses at Assington Mill is like playtime!  Heather
Have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at Assington Mill and will be hoping to come again.  Many thanks.  Margaret Pettitt
I found the whole course excellent.  The course content and delivery was brilliant - clearly communicated with ample opportunity for practical work - and the environment and catering arrangements etc. were superb.  Thank you for an extremely enjoyable couple of days.  I will certainly be recommending to others!  Michelle
Wonderful time both on the course also the hospitality of the hosts was exceptional.
Food excellent.  Hope to come for a weekend break with my husband.  June Morgan
Have really enjoyed the two days, definitely would love to come back on another course.  Food was amazing.Had a great time.  Learnt loads.  Fantastic friendly atmosphere.  Thank you so much.I have had a great time - lots of silver making, excellent food (which I would just come for) and great surroundings.  Thank you, SarahBrilliant!  Melanie made it seem easy.  Thank you very much.