This course starts by providing the student with a gentle introduction to the magical medium of silver clay.  Sessions are taught on a one-to-one basis in my cabin, allowing the student to learn at their own pace in a calm, relaxed environment.  Each session lasts for 3 hours and takes place on the same day each week, to be agreed at the time of booking. Morning, afternoon, evening and weekend sessions are available. Students will end the course with a brand new skill and will, of course, be able to keep the seven (or more!) beautifully unique pieces of silver jewellery they have made. 

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Week 1: An introduction to silver metal clay

This week the student will be introduced to silver metal clay and will make three or four charms which they will attach to a silver bracelet.  The charms could be initialled or could be adorned with a tiny gemstone or other small embellishment. 

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Week 2: Refining and texturing

In week 2 students will make a beautiful silver pendant and will continue to build on the clay handling skills they learnt in week 1, as well as learning new skills such as texturing and refining their piece of jewellery before firing.

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Week 3: Working with molds and patina

This week students will wander outside the cabin and choose a leaf, petal, sprig or twig and will use their chosen natural element to make a a mould which they will then use to create a beautiful pendant. Students will also have the chance to add a patina (darkening or blackening) effect to their piece using a liver of sulphur solution.

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Week 4: Sparkly stones, embellishments and bails

In week 4 students will learn how to work with and set fireable gemstones and will have the chance to make tiny embellishments or choose from a range of pre-made adornments.  We will learn how to firmly attach embelishments to either a pendant or charm, handmade by the student. The student will also learn how to make a variety of simple bails.

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Week 5: Work-hardening and metal wire

This week students will learn some simple soldering techniques as well as learning about the importance of work-hardening through the process of making a beautiful pair of stud earrings. Students will also make a pair of ‘dangly’ earrings, which will include making their own sterling silver earring wires.

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Week 6: The final project – student’s choice

This week the student will have creative freedom to creative a beautiful piece (or pieces) of jewellery of their choice using the skills they have developed throughout the course. 

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Bonus project: The ‘painted leaf’ project

Throughout the course, students will also create a delicate leaf pendant using the traditional silver clay paste painting technique.  In week 1 students will choose a leaf from the cabin garden and will paint it with a layer of silver clay paste.  They will repeat the painting process during weeks 2-5, delicately building up the layers of clay before finally refining and firing the piece in week 6 to create a beautiful, unique pendant.

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The Beginners Course includes 10g of silver clay per week as well as all other tools and materials needed to complete the weekly projects. Additional clay is available to buy if desired but is not needed in order to complete the projects described above. 

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A set of course notes will accompany each module to enhance the student’s learning.

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On completion of this course, students will receive a Certificate of Completion and may wish to enrol on the Intermediate course. 

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PRICE: £695.00